Brent January

As both a classical and electric/contemporary guitarist, I have performed in festivals and concerts all over Western Cape. Additionally, I also have performance experience abroad, which includes solo and ensemble performances at guitar festivals in Europe and America. I am formally trained in both classical music (MMUS classical guitar) and jazz (Jazz Education certficate) and have a working knowledge of rock and other contemporary styles. It is essential to be fluent in a variety of musical styles these days as the music industry has an ever-changing and dynamic landscape. I believe this performance and industry experience sets me apart and is what enables me to equip students for the music industry someday, as an active performer and well-rounded musician.

I believe that each learner is unique, and therefore, their lessons should be designed specifically to cater for their individual needs necessary for optimal musical development. My lessons are interactive and fun in a way that is both structured, and stimulating for the learner. During lessons, my aim is to give learners a working knowledge of the piece or technical exercise at hand. Working knowledge may include things such as the history of the composer and genre, or even the reason certain notes make the music sound the way it does and why it gives the piece its character feeling. After having lessons with me, learners will develop analytical skills as well as the ability to read, analyze and theoretically understand a piece of music they are currently engaged with. Most importantly, learners will develop skills which enable them to help themselves.