Music Tuition | Music Tutor Bios | Sound Affects Music

I was first inspired to learn the Guitar when I heard Chuck Berry play ‘Johnny B Goode’ on the radio. The sound that he produced from his Guitar was simply’ magical’. I began playing the Guitar at the age of 7 and my Father and I often jammed with Tim (Sound Affects Director). I soon took a great interest in ‘Classical Guitar’ music and music from Spain. I regularly listened to and studied the world famous Guitarist ‘John Williams’. His technique was always ‘flawless’ and the feeling and expression that went into his Guitar playing amazed me and still does. First and foremost I consider myself to be a Classical Guitarist; however, I play many other types of Guitar music including ‘Flamenco’, ‘Blues’, Rock’ and ‘Acoustic’. Over the years, I have enjoyed teaching students to play the Guitar to a high standard and performed in many concerts and given many recitals. I have entered local music festivals as a member of a Guitar group and have won on many occasions.

Andrew Planton - A.L.C.M. L.L.C.M.(T.D.) - Guitar Tuition

The very first inspiration to play the guitar came on hearing the energetic, twangy sound made by The Shadows in the early 60s. It entered my ears, got into my bones and has stayed there ever since. Along the way, I heard a classical guitarist called Julian Bream playing some music by J.S.Bach and just had to learn how to do it. I was accepted by The London College of Music to study classical guitar and gained two of their performer’s certificates (see above). Whilst at college, I was the first guitarist to win the William Lloyd Weber Performer’s Medal. After leaving college, I spent many years giving recitals and teaching the guitar at schools, in evening classes and also privately. However, in bursts of restlessness, I have followed various careers, finally qualifying as an architect. But now, the call of the guitar has become too strong to ignore and in the last year or so, I have resumed teaching and gigging. My guitar collection includes a classical, some electrics and a steel strung acoustic, and I teach styles to match them all. The passion for guitars has never left me and I am delighted once more to be passing on the joy of playing them.

James Rookyard – Guitar & Bass Tuition

I first began playing the guitar at the age of 7 and first picked up an electric guitar at the age of 11. At the age of 13 I began to learn bass guitar too and at 14 joined my first band, The Addiction. We remained together for 7 years and were quite successful in the Manchester area during this time having supported bands such as Nine Black Alps, Bombay Bicycle Club and The Dykeenies. I currently provide lead guitar and vocals in alternative rock band Twin Planets and we play regularly on the live circuits of Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool. I have A-Level music and began teaching at Sound Affects in April 2009 whilst at University. Since completing my university course I have increased my students at the shop in both guitar and bass.

Stan Pearce - Drums

Inspired to play drums from the age of 10 while listening to music by the great American swing bands, Bassie, Ellington & Dorsey as well as being totally in awe of the genius that was Buddy Rich. I started playing on my first kit at the age of 14 with local groups and moving on to the world of night clubs and cabaret venues and by the age of 18, playing with all of the top North West session musicians and involved in the phenomenon that was Mersey Beat. With well over 40 years experience playing all types of music from Swing, Country, Latin and Rock & Roll, I’m currently playing with the top session musicians, mainly playing at corporate events and private parties. It gives me pleasure to now pass on my knowledge and technique of playing the drums to younger students and seeing them excel.

Vicki Downey – Piano / Keyboard

I have held a passion for music from as early an age as I can remember, playing piano, clarinet and any other instrument I could get my hands on whilst at school. I continued to develop my skills, repertoire and personal love for the piano whilst working as a physiotherapist, until a few years ago when the lure of music tempted me to retrain as a piano teacher. As well as teaching piano and keyboards I have been involved in several community music initiatives such as leading community choirs and training youth group leaders to incorporate music into their activities. My aim is first and foremost to make sure learning music is fun for students, whilst also encouraging progress, good technique, and a great sense of achievement. I enjoy teaching and playing a wide variety of styles, from pop and rock to classical, Latin American and musicals. My focus on individually tailored lessons creates an exciting programme for all my pupils to fulfil their potential.