David Giovanelli

I’ve been playing guitar for over 20 years and teaching for more than a decade, both privately and within Further Education. Music has been a huge part of my life throughout that time, and I’m still an active musician today, performing live every week alongside other musicians playing at a professional standard.

My background extends beyond playing guitar. I hold qualifications in Sound and Music Technology, covering areas including live sound engineering, recording and mixing. This has given me a broader understanding of sound, equipment and the practical side of making and performing music, which I can also draw upon where it’s useful to a student’s development.

I’ve spent the last 5 years working in Further Education, supporting students with their practical musical development. I’ve also previously worked with secondary-school students privately, including helping GCSE Music students develop the practical performance skills needed for their assessments.

Through my current work with students aged 16+, I undergo a DBS check each year, so I maintain an up-to-date DBS alongside my teaching experience.

From both my personal and teaching experience, I know the frustrations of watching endless YouTube videos to try and learn the next technique, riff, theory concept or way to stop the string buzzing on that one fret, and ending up more confused than when you started with countless pieces of conflicting information. We’ll get to the point, focus on what actually works and make sure you understand why it works, so you don’t waste time learning something you’ll only have to unlearn later.

I’m particularly interested in helping guitarists get beyond the point of simply being able to play simple chords and instead develop a broader understanding of music and their instrument. For me, becoming a good guitarist isn’t about mastering one impressive technique, it’s about developing the combination of technique, musical understanding, listening skills, confidence and practical experience that allows you to adapt to different musical situations.

Ultimately, my aim is to pass on the knowledge I’ve built over more than two decades of playing and help other guitarists become more confident, capable and well-rounded musicians.