Michael Semark

Instruments Taught:

• Guitar Electric & Acoustic - Beginner to grade 8 and beyond

• Ukulele - Beginner to intermediate

Experience:

• 4 years of teaching guitar & music theory

• 2 years of composition in bands and solo

Mike started learning music at home, listening in on his brothers’ piano lessons and copying ideas, before moving on to learning alto saxophone in school. A few years later Mike picked up guitar, and has not since learned to put it down.

Mike studied with expert classical guitarist Michael Bonner while at university in Canterbury, learning music theory from the ground up in tandem with classical as well as rock guitar technique. Bonner is currently writing a PhD on the ergonomics of playing classical guitar, which has influenced Mike's teaching style significantly.

Mike’s lessons have a focus on technique and ensuring body posture is comfortable, as well as making sure that students are actively learning songs and sections that are fun and will help them develop their own musical style.

Mike also can teach a deeper understanding of music and musical concepts by weaving music theory into lessons in an understandable and progressive manner. Mike has been teaching guitar and ukulele since 2016, and writing and recording music at home and with bands since 2019.