The Beginning

Young Rylan
Despite what may have looked to be a definitive career as Harold Bishops body double, I began playing the guitar at the age of 14, inspired by the solo on Queens ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and my parents’ suspiciously strong opinion that it would be a much better choice over drums. So, after the initial few weeks of relentlessly playing ‘Smoke on the Water’, I decided to take guitar lessons under the tutelage of Ian Randell (founder of WCM). Ian introduced me to a world of new music and encouraged me to push beyond my abilities, it didn’t take long for me to realise that playing music is what I really wanted to do.

Education

Once I had completed my A-level in music I went on to study at the Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford (ACM), graduating with an honours degree in 2008. During my time there I had the pleasure of being taught by some of the best musicians in the world, including:

Eric Roche  (Himself, Guitar Techniques)

Pete Friesen (Alice Cooper),

Jamie Humphries (Brian May/Queen, Lick Library),

Guthrie Govan  (Asia, Dizzee Rascal)

Dave Kilminster  (Roger Waters/Pink Floyd)

all of whom inspire me to be the musician I am today.

Live Performance

Rylan Playing Guitar Live
As a guitarist, I have performed with a variety of different groups and artists, from thrash metal, acoustic and pop, to high end party bands for weddings, corporate events, festivals and overseas contracts. I’ve also played for various theatre productions and in the studio with Collyer’s College for A-level examinations.

Guitar Tutor

Teaching is an important part of my life and is something that I genuinely enjoy. Helping students to reach their goals and develop as musicians is very rewarding and always offers a new perspective on my own knowledge and technique.

During my teaching experience I have mentored students from their very first note, all the way through to live gigs, songwriting and entry exams into some of the UKs top music schools including the Academy of Contemporary Music and Trinity College of Music London. As well as private tuition I also teach at the School of Pop in Hampshire where students are given the opportunity to learn in a fun, no pressure environment, before rocking out in a full band performance.