Fernando Machado

Hello! I’m a Brazilian guitarist, songwriter, music educator, and creative facilitator with over 20 years of experience helping people of all ages discover the joy of making music.

I originally trained as a classical guitarist in Brazil, studying with renowned musicians including Henrique Pinto, Fábio Zanon, Camilo Carrara, and Paulo Porto Alegre. After graduating, I explored Brazilian traditional music, songwriting, improvisation, and collaborative performance before moving to the UK in 2008. I later completed a Master’s degree in Music Leadership at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, where I developed a creative, inclusive, and student-centred approach to teaching.

I teach children, teenagers, and adults, from complete beginners to advanced musicians. Whether you’re picking up a guitar for the first time, preparing for graded exams, returning to music after many years, or looking to develop your own style through improvisation, composition, or Brazilian music, lessons are always tailored to your interests, pace, and goals.

My aim is to create a relaxed, encouraging environment where students build strong musical foundations while developing confidence, creativity, and enjoyment. I believe everyone can learn music, and that lessons should be engaging, inspiring, and rewarding, whatever your age or previous experience.

Alongside classical and acoustic guitar, I also teach Brazilian rhythms and styles, improvisation, songwriting, musicianship and creative music-making. Body percussion is another important part of my practice, and I enjoy helping students develop a strong sense of rhythm, coordination, listening, and ensemble skills through movement and percussion.

As an active recording artist and producer, I can also support students who are interested in recording their own music. Whether you’re writing your first song, preparing an audition recording, or creating a professional demo, I can guide you through the creative process and help you record high-quality performances.

Alongside my private teaching, I work as a teacher at the Royal College of Music, an Associate Facilitator and Team Leader with Soundcastle, and a Workshop Leader for Britten Pears Arts’ Aldeburgh Young Musicians. I have led creative music projects in schools, arts organisations, hospitals, prisons, hospices, nurseries, and community settings, and regularly deliver professional development training for musicians and educators.

As a performer and recording artist, I continue to collaborate with musicians, dancers, storytellers, and visual artists, creating original music that brings together Brazilian traditions, improvisation, and contemporary performance. I have performed at venues including the Southbank Centre, the Barbican Centre, Rich Mix, Café OTO, Vortex Jazz Club, and Cecil Sharp House, and my work has been featured on BBC Radio 3.

Lessons are available both in person and online. Online lessons are fully interactive and can be tailored just as effectively as face-to-face sessions, making them a flexible option for students anywhere in the UK or internationally.

Above all, I want my students to enjoy making music. Whether your goal is to learn your favourite songs, develop excellent technique, prepare for exams, improve your rhythm, write and record your own music, or simply experience the pleasure of playing, I’d be delighted to help you on your musical journey.