Biography (continued)

Chronology

1961 Aged 7, Began studying violin

1964 Awarded scholarships to Junior dept. of Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London studying there 1965-1970

1964 Began studying guitar, eventually classical guitar, mostly self taught

My first "publicity" photo - taken at the old Guildhall School of Music, London, c. 1970 (aged 16).  I loved playing the lute, but was not so crazy about the formal clothes!

1968 Gained Grade 8 with distinction on both Violin and Classical Guitar

1969 Began playing the lute (aged 15), took initial lessons with Robert Spencer but remained basically self taught on the instrument

1971-1974 Studied at Royal College of Music, London classical guitar with John Williams and Carlos Bonnel; viola da gamba with Francis Baines; lute (one term) with Diana Poulton.

1974 Gained ARCM diploma in Lute (Performing), with distinction.

1974-1975 Guildhall School of Music and Drama; studied on the new postgraduate course in Early Music.

1975 Appointed Lute teacher at the GSMD, while still a student.

1975 Beginning academic year 75/76, appointed Professor of Lute at the GSMD

1975-1996 Professor of Lute at the GSMD for 21 years

1976 Studied for one month in Germany (Arts Council Scholarship) with Michael Schäffer (baroque lute specialist).

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