SIMON PRATT
Questions asked by Jon Wilde, added to Rock Realms 27th October 2010.
We interview loads of musicians, talking about their new album or latest tour...but how do they get good in the first place? We caught up with Surrey, UK, guitar teacher Simon Pratt to find out what it takes to turn an ordinary music fan into a shred-god.
Hi Simon, thanks for doing this. What’s your musical history? How and when did you first get into guitar?
Simon: From a young age of 6/7 I learnt piano. I was fortunate enough to have a fantastic teacher who inspired me musically in every lesson. By the age of 8 I joined Guildford Cathedral Choir as a young chorister. Both these set me up for later turning to the dark-side and switching to electric guitar at age 13!
Do you come from a musical family?
Simon: Yes very much so. My uncle was head of music at Therfield School in Dorking, and he plays and conducts choirs and performances to concert level. My dad is also a keen musician and has played in a number of band's including Thames TV big band.
Who were your main guitarist inspirations as you were growing up?
Simon: From a young age my first inspiration (albeit cheesy,) was seeing my Dad play whilst sitting in the chair as he played Micky Baker and other Jazz Classics. Then from stealing various albums my parents had around the house, I remember listening to Eric Clapton, B.B King, Santana and all of the amazing guitarist's who played on Michael Jackson's trilogy of phenomenal albums (Thriller, Bad and Off The Wall.)
Who do you really rate nowadays?
Simon: Wow. Well If I named all my favourites I would be here till next year, but for me Guthrie Govan is the best all round guitarist there is, he is so good it makes most of the rest of us feel like we are just starting out. I love how people like Guthrie have really set the bar for up and coming guitar players and because the guitar is so versatile I feel that there will be a new generation of players creating sounds that we wouldn't / couldn't expect at the moment.
I also love Andy Timmons for his instrumental virtuosity and John Mayer for bringing blues back to life and his angelic phrasing. Also from a band point of view I love Billy Talent and Ian D'Sa seems to write perfectly for their rock sound.
What bands have you played with over the years, and what styles would you list as your favourites?
Simon: I have played in numerous bands especially back when I was studying at The Guitar Institute. Mainly function bands playing "classic" tunes for events such as Weddings and Birthdays. I have also done a number of duet projects and even played a funeral once which surprisingly was a very rewarding experience. I personally love playing Funk music in a band. I love seeing the crowd's reaction and making people dance. That being said, anything from Blues to Metal I enjoy depending on the setting and my personal mood. I try not to restrict what I play too much and focus on taking elements of each genre and bringing them into my own playing style.
Do you see yourself ever focusing on playing in a band and trying to make it big?
Simon: I think if the opportunity came about and I was playing with musicians of a similar ability and taste and we went into the studio to create some tracks then yeah why not? But currently I am working on my own playing and recording with friend and pro drummer Ashley Brookes.... so watch this space.
How did you end up becoming a guitar teacher? Who have you learned from to get where you are?
Simon: I was asked by a friend if I would teach her to play guitar (which I feel is a fantastic way into teaching,) and a few weeks of advertising, and some word of mouth recommendations. I had a small teaching business which I'm lucky enough to say has grown into a full time career. I put my success completely down to the teaching I received whilst at The Guitar Institute in London. Studying under some of the best players in the country including Martin Goulding, Barry Langton, Charlie Griffths, Max Milligan to name but a few. I owe my success to them.
To people who don't believe that going to a top music college doesn't aid you to become a musician I say..... You have clearly no idea what you are talking about :)
Describe a typical day for you as a guitar teacher...
Simon: Due to the standard musician lifestyle and working late I am not what you would call a morning person! Usually my day entails a couple of hours of planning and preparation for the specifics of the lessons I may be teaching that day. For example RGT grade work, songs, technical exercises, theory, core elements (chords, arpeggio's and scales.) Then from after lunch onwards I teach through till late in the evening usually 8.30/9.30. Other parts of my day include recording backing tracks and listening to new music.
What sort of people do you teach; do you get a wide range of students?
Simon: I teach a very wide range and have taught students from the ages of 8 through to late 60's. I believe that you can learn to play the guitar at any age and I try not to restrict who I teach. That said, I'm currently not taking on anyone under 13 just because the dexterity and co-ordination is more difficult to teach. I think as a teacher when you have a nice age range and ability range of students it keeps you keen and on top of your teaching game.
Have any of your students ended up playing in bands, or perhaps even earning money from their guitar playing?
Simon: Yes several of my students have gone on to play and teach music. Several of them are looking to make a career from music. Also quite a few have gone down the production route which is great because they have the musical background, which all producers should have in my opinion.
What is the best piece of advice you can give anyone who wants to take up the guitar?
Simon: Buy the best quality guitar you can afford, be it electric or acoustic. Don't buy something cheap that you will have to replace in a years time. For me the most important thing is to enjoy playing and to be enthusiastic. Don't restrict yourself in what you listen too. If you're into Rock buy some Blues albums e.t.c.
What would you say to anyone who was thinking of becoming a guitar teacher? What sort of things do they need to perform the job?
Simon: I think some qualifications are really useful. Either grades or certificates from a top music school. I know a lot of people who think they are guitar teachers when they actually aren't any better than their students. Remember, just because you're a great player doesn't mean you will make a good teacher. I think the main thing in teaching guitar is to have patience. Joining RGT (Registry of Guitar Tutors) is a very good way to promote yourself and it helped me gain a lot of business early on when I started teaching.
Where do you see yourself heading as time moves on? What does the future hold?
Simon: The future holds a lot of recording and production for me. Writing and transcribing tunes for guitar magazines and working on my website http://www.getguitaring.com/ to create a useful guitar resource for everyone to use and hopefully gain new ideas. I would love to teach in a school similar to The Guitar Institute and to be able to work alongside teachers and musicians of the highest level of music.
Any question you love being asked that I’ve missed? If so, what’s the answer?
Simon: I was asked a good question the other day, it was " Who would be in your dream band and why (past or present)?" My dream band would be Nile Rogers on rhythm guitar, Guthrie Govan on lead guitar, Victor Wooten on Bass, Mike Portnoy on Drums, Sting to sing and to write the tracks, and I would be the producer.
What are you up to once you’ve finished answering these questions?
Simon: I am going to cook up a full English breakfast to eat with Phoebe (girlfriend) and then I'm going to finish working on a few transcriptions for some new lessons for my own teaching and for some up-coming magazine work.
Anything else you would like to mention?
Simon: Thanks to my students and associates and teachers at the Institute for helping me get to where I am today.
Thanks again to Simon for his time, and please check out his website below.
