Guitar

Advanced Diploma of Music (Guitar Performance)

Hi, My name is Chris Gillespie. I have been teaching guitar for 27 years, with 25 years ongoing teaching at The Hills Grammar School in Kenthurst. I studied music at The Australian Institute of Music where I attained an Advanced Diploma of Music, majoring in Guitar performance.
I am also a regular performer, songwriter, and producer. I ran Australia’s only off grid solar powered recording studio “Blue Sky Recording Studio, Blue Mountains.
I have taught hundreds of students over the years, and some of them have gone on to enjoy successful careers in music (Josh Smith from Northlane is one example)

I can guide you or your child through all styles of contemporary guitar (pop, rock, blues, jazz, finger style, plectrum, slide, folk, country and bluegrass) in the simplest, most inspiring, and effective way. Music theory, chord theory and aural training is also offered but not compulsory. I offer guidance through school music performance exams including HSC. I can also assist in guitar and singing in order to prepare for performance, or simply for enjoyment. I can also help you with lyrics and song writing or composition projects. I am also experienced in teaching adults including retirees, and it’s never too late to start!
In my view, music should not be complicated, and I see it as my role to uncomplicate music, in order to make it accessible and enjoyable for all. I look forward to working with you!

BMus Honours – Performance | Dip. Ed

Jacob Wielgosz studied classical guitar at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, where he obtained a Bachelor of Music (Honours) in Performance. His teachers included Gregory Pikler, Aleksandr Tsiboulski, Marco Tamayo, and Raffaele Agostino. In 2014, he founded the Penrith Classical Guitar Club. The club involves performance workshops, ensemble playing, and chamber-music performances of arrangements and newly-commissioned works.

Jacob has toured regionally and internationally with the Sydney Balalaika Orchestra, both as a domra player and a guitar soloist. In addition to being a musician, Jacob is also a luthier, building classical guitars. Recent projects involve instruments built from Australian woods, designed to specifications which allow instruments to achieve the same standard as those built using traditional—now endangered—hardwoods. Jacob is currently Music Director of Good Shepherd Parish, Plumpton, where he oversees the liturgical music of numerous choirs. He runs cantor training workshops and conducts and arranges music for string, wind, and choral ensembles. Jacob is registered with the AMEB.

Hello, I’m Jacob Wielgosz. You may have seen me around The Joan wearing an interesting hat. Hats play an important role for me in my teaching, as I encounter a diverse range of students and learners. I use a different hat, or combination of hats, to teach. Here are some of them:

• The engineer: I use this hat to look at the technical side of things: what physical or musical skills are needed to execute this passage of music? Some techniques might work well for this music now, but are they going to buckle under the strain of a faster tempo? We get the technique sorted so that pieces are easier to play, and there’s room to add expression.
• The gamer: There’s little point in throwing yourself at a boss (i.e. a piece of music) over and over again and getting defeated each time. Smaller or easier enemies are good practice to develop needed skills for the more-menacing enemies and bosses. Sometimes, different approaches are needed altogether. Find out where your character’s strengths and weaknesses are so you can tackle any boss you want.
• The stationmaster: I use this hat to allow the smooth running of lessons. Instruments need to be functioning, music and resources have to be available and ready, teaching content needs to be planned, and the environment needs to be accommodating for music-making and learning. There’s a lot that goes into preparing well for music before the first note is even played.

AMusA

Alex was always surrounded by music and benefited greatly from his families decades of professional musical experience. Over the years he has worked with many instruments (guitar, bass, domra, mandolin, voice, drums and more) in almost every aspect of music – recording, producing, mixing, performing in bands, dous, solo and even building and maintaining instruments, across a broad range of genres from rock to classical.

Alex has an AMus A through the AMEB and over 25 years experience in studying and performing music and 17 years of teaching experience. His teaching style focuses on relaxation and bio-mechanical advantage for technique but most importantly feel and passion for music. Although moving to specialise in stringed instruments, Alex has maintained his drum skills throughout and is perfectly suited to teaching beginner and intermediate drums.