Mentoring
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with some of the most exciting emerging and established musicians on the UK and European music scene, helping them not only refine their playing, but fundamentally transform their creative direction and professional trajectory. Alongside my work as a visiting lecturer in jazz guitar at the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, I offer in-depth, one-to-one mentoring for musicians who are ready to move to the next level of their artistic and career development.
This mentoring is a collaborative process. We work together to sharpen your musical voice, expand your creative output, and align your playing, writing, and artistic identity with the career you want to build. Whether that means developing a distinctive compositional language, breaking through creative blocks, preparing for major opportunities, or redefining your role as an artist, the work is always tailored to you.
The focus goes far beyond technique or theory. It’s about elevating your creativity, strengthening your confidence, and creating sustainable momentum in your musical life. Every mentoring package is individually designed around your goals, challenges, and ambitions—ensuring meaningful progress that resonates both artistically and professionally.
If you’re ready to up-level your creative output and take intentional steps towards a more fulfilling and successful career in music, I invite you to get in touch to discuss how we might work together.
Below is a small selection of reflections from musicians I’ve mentored on their journey of creative and professional transformation.
Testimonials
“Chris transformed the way I view the guitar. His teaching has been invaluable to my professional career and opened doors to gigs I otherwise couldn't have taken.”
Miles Mindlin – Award-winning jazz guitarist and composer, currently studying on scholarship at Manhattan School of Music after graduating from the Royal Academy of Music. Recipient of the fully funded place at Siena Jazz Festival, winner of the Des Simmonds Young Guitarist Award, and former National Youth Jazz Orchestra guitar chair.
"Chris tailored every lesson to my individual needs and I developed incredibly quickly as a result. He's honest, inspiring and exceptionally generous with his knowledge. Highly recommended."
Francis Tulip – Winner of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Jazz Performance Prize and postgraduate student at Trinity Laban Conservatoire, performing with leading musicians across the UK.
"Chris was more than a teacher – he was a true mentor. He taught me the core fundamentals of guitar and music, instilled a lasting work ethic, and everything I learned with him still shapes my playing today."
Sol Grimshaw – Professional London-based guitarist and Guildhall School of Music & Drama graduate, with performances at Ronnie Scott’s, The Vortex, The Savoy Hotel, PizzaExpress Jazz Club, The 606, and the Bahrain International Jazz Festival.
"Chris had an incredible ability to pinpoint exactly what I needed to improve and helped me develop a far more personal harmonic language. Most importantly, he always encouraged me to find my own musical voice."
Karim Saber – Graduate of Berklee College of Music and the Royal Academy of Music, recognised for his contemporary approach to jazz guitar and composition.
"I use Chris' fretboard and harmony systems every day. His teaching has shaped my improvising, composing and musicianship, while introducing me to a huge range of inspiring music and ideas."
Dom Howard – Royal Academy of Music graduate, composer and bandleader whose original music has been released independently while performing in major academy ensembles led by leading artists including Gwilym Simcock.
"I wouldn't have written my second album without Chris' support and guidance. He's helped tighten my guitar playing, boosted my confidence and been an inspiring mentor throughout."
Dannie Lu Carr – Singer-songwriter and recording artist whose second album was developed with Chris' mentorship and musical guidance.
"Chris has been a true game-changer for both my playing and my approach to music. He understood exactly what I needed and helped me improve without losing sight of what inspired me in the first place."
Hyo Jung – Graduate of Guildhall School of Music & Drama and Leeds Conservatoire, combining a rock background with advanced jazz performance.
"Chris patiently built the foundations that became the basis of my freelance career, helping me connect my musical ideas to the guitar in an expressive way. He's a world-class player with a rare gift for making complex ideas practical and inspiring."
Alex Munk – Award-winning guitarist, composer and bandleader, widely recognised as one of London’s leading jazz guitarists and leader of the critically acclaimed group Flying Machines.
"Chris' teaching transformed my technique, fretboard knowledge and improvisation, helping me achieve both academic and professional success. He's been a mentor, role model and one of the biggest influences on my musical development."
Luca Gianassi – Winner of ICMP’s Best Guitar Player Award and graduate of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, now working as a session guitarist and bandleader.