Hello, my name is Gus Dolding and I teach guitar, tenor banjo and clarinet in Bristol. I have been a professional musician and teacher for over ten years, having been based in Bristol for the last six years. I play in a number of projects and specialise in early jazz, blues and folk music. I play tenor banjo, guitar and clarinet and I offer 1:1 tuition in Bristol to all ages and abilities.

Lessons with me will help you grow in confidence, expand your repertoire and knowledge of different genres, find your own personal style, improve your rhythm and learn how to improvise. I can help students wanting to improve technically, increase their music theory knowledge, gain performance confidence or work on their compositions. I help students establish solid practise routines and I keep my lessons fun and enjoyable.

My lessons can help you to improve your technique, establish practise routines, learn new songs, grow confidence in playing, play music with others and understand your instrument’s role in a band, understand rhythm, understand music theory, challenge your skills and enjoy the process of learning and playing music. The lessons will be fun and challenging and will allow you to focus on your own specific goals. Whether that be preparing a particular song or for a specific performance or audition, building confidence in live performance, to improve technique, to better understand the theory and mechanics behind the music you like or just to have some time focused on yourself and your hobby.

Each lesson is specifically tailored to you but will typically begin with warm up exercises and will progress to working on particular pieces of music as well as spending some time on technique and theory to understand ‘why’ as well as ‘how’ music may be played. The lessons are positive, fun and friendly and are focused on your needs and ability. I hold a DBS certificate and regularly teach people of all ages, abilities and walks of life.

Music Qualifications & Achievements:

I have extensive performance experience, from leading UK festivals such as Glastonbury festival, Shambala and Boomtown to events in Europe such as Ferrara Buskers Festival (IT) where I have performed as an invited act.

I also helped found a project working with a multi-generational jazz band in community settings to deliver music workshops for older people and people with additional needs.

I have toured in Europe and the US as well as the UK. I draw upon a a wealth of experience playing everything from high-profile events to weddings, music venues and corporate functions with a number of my projects.

I studied an Extended Diploma (distinction) in music which has helped me to have a comprehensive understanding of theory, composition and performance.

I am also a composer and create compositions for music libraries in my home recording studio.