Guitar Lessons at JWA

Guitar

Saul Richardson, B.Ed (Hons), MACE

Saul Richardson is a guitarist and bass player who graduated from the University of Sydney with First Class Honours in Education and the University Medal in 1995. He studied Jazz guitar under Steve Brien and Steve McKenna, and conducting with Jerry Nowak. He is an internationally recognized Jazz educator, and is the serving Australasian representative on the Executive Board of the International Association for Jazz Education (IAJE).

Richardson established and developed the renowned Jazz program at North Sydney Boys' High School, now widely regarded as a benchmark of excellence in its field in Australia. He was recognized by the (IAJE) at their January 2004 conference for his outstanding service to Jazz Education.

As a performer he has worked with many of Australia's leading Jazz artists and groups including Ed Wilson, John Morrison and Swing City Big Band, Andrew Firth, Roger Frampton, Don Burrows, Col Nolan, Keith Stirling and Tony and Bob Barnard. He has performed throughout Australia, the UK and Europe and in the USA. Mr Richardson is also director of the NSW Department of Education and Training Arts Unit Stage Band and has previously directed the Blue Riff big band and the Powerhouse big band. He is a founding member of IAJE in NSW and works as a clinician, consultant and adjudicator.

Some of Saul Richardson's past students have included Simon Ferenci, National Jazz Award winning pianist Jackson Harrison, Dale Gorfinkel, Jeremy Rose, Jamie Castrisos, Scott Simpkins, Robert Sidaway, Andrew Brooks, Martin Wieczorek, and many other fine young musicians now making their own mark on the Australian Jazz scene. Graduates of his programs and ensembles can be found studying tertiary music across Australia, working professionally as performers and educators, or simply appreciating and hearing Jazz with discerning ears.

John Pin, B.Mus, Dip.Mus

Originally from Perth Western Australia, John is an experienced musician with a diversified skill set. In 1984 John graduated as guitarist from the Musicians' Institute in Los Angeles C.A. with an Outstanding Achievement award and then continued his study completing his Bachelor of Music majoring in Jazz Performance in 1991 at the West Australian Conservatorium of Music.

Prior to moving to Sydney John was an active music educator employed by the WA Conservatorium of Music as an academic lecturer as well as individual and ensemble tuition. Mr. Pin was instrumental in the development of Edith Cowan University's very successful Advanced Certificate of Commercial Music.

As a music professional John has worked prolifically as a performer, including session and pit work, band leader, midi programmer, composer and producer. As a guitarist, John has performed in numerous musical styles including Jazz, Rock, Pop, Blues and Country. Since the mid 1990's, John has been active as a composer and producer of production music. His compositions have been signed with Zomba Music Publishing, Music Sales Publishing, BMG and Universal Music Publishing. John is an active member of APRA, his music portfolio includes a wide variety of genres, from traditional Rock, Jazz to Electronica and sound design.

Jazz Improvisation

All of the teachers at the Jazz Workshop can give lessons in jazz improvisation to any student, regardless of their instrument. Saul Richardson specialises in teaching improvisation to beginners and young players. Other JWA teachers, such as Jeremy Borthwick, Gai Bryant and James Ryan love to teach very advanced concepts.

So, whatever instrument you or your child play, one of our teachers can give lessons in jazz improvisation. Lessons can be either ongoing, occasional, or a short series. Call or email for details