I have been learning guitar with Henry for about 6 months now and I have made a considerable amount of progress in that time. He is a very encouraging and patient teacher who explains what I’m learning very clearly. He is very knowledgeable about different styles of music and playing techniques. He will teach you how to solo, play scales and rhythm guitar. He will give interesting lessons on music theory as well. He will even teach you some of your favourite songs too! I am really enjoying my guitar lessons with Henry and I feel very comfortable about my upcoming grading. - Matthew, Guitar Student
About Me - Henry Whitby (BA (Hons), MMus, DipLCM)
After starting piano at the age of 12 and guitar at 13, I studied a wide range of genres before starting work as a freelance pop and rock performer and classical accompanist. I achieved Grade 8 Electric Guitar and DipLCM in Jazz Guitar in this time.
During my BA in Music, I began to specialise in jazz, composition and musicology, performing solo jazz piano recitals, writing contemporary experimental and jazz compositions and producing a dissertation on institutional racism and jazz fusion. I continued this specialism during my MMus in Music Composition, developing my musical knowledge and exploring experimental music and jazz in greater detail.
I am an experienced teacher of piano, guitar and music theory, including one-to-one tuition, larger groups and in classrooms, from 7 to 70+ year-old students of all abilities and music taste, both privately and as a Hampshire Music Service teacher. I currently offer lessons in guitar, piano, bass, music theory and composition, as well as GCSE and A Level tutoring privately from my studio at home.
Since beginning my performing career began as pianist/Musical Director for college productions of Phantom of the Opera, Sister Act, and Little Shop of Horrors, I have since performed on stage, in theatres, at weddings, events and more. Some recent examples include playing Keyboard 1 for musicals such as Everybody’s Talking About Jaime and Wizard of Oz, and Annie, Our House and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on guitar, alongside working as a freelancer for Anvil Arts and the University of Winchester, and an on-call dep musician for a number of bands and ensembles. During my time at university, I was employed as the accompanist for the Student Union choir.
My experience as a Musical Director and conductor includes shows such as Grease, Little Shop of Horrors, pantomimes and variety shows. Recently, I have performed as part of The Essential Jazz Quartet as pianist, a 5-piece progressive metal band on keys/guitar and as part of an experimental electronic music duo.
Most recently I have begun teaching with Hampshire Music Service, providing guitar, keyboard and Rock to the Beat ensemble provision in both primary and secondary settings.