Guitar Workshop - my ensemble for adult intermediate players - is currently closed owing to Coronavirus restrictions
That doesn't mean we're idle - have a look at this...
You can buy an arrangement of I Dreamed A Dream for 4 guitars/large ensemble in my shop
I'm pleased to announce another fun arrangement for 4 guitars or large ensemble, which is at the early-intermediate to intermediate level.
This is the theme music to "Those Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines", said to be the inspiration for Dick Dastardly and Mutley.
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See a list of all my downloadable contemporary arrangements
As the UK tax year comes to a close, it's been an amazing year!
Sales of my guitar arrangements are up 34% on a year ago...
In the last 6 months, I've sold music to America, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, England, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Portugal, Scotland, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Wales
Here's a list of all my downloadable contemporary arrangements
Following the exciting uptake of my "Uptown Girl" arrangement for 3 or 4 guitars, I've now added a version for flute and guitar.
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See a list of all my downloadable contemporary arrangements
This is a very accessible and straightforward arrangement of Billy Joel's "Uptown Girl", but it contains all the verses, choruses and bridges of the original. And more importantly it includes all the uplifting key-changes of the original too, all now falling neatly into comfortable chord shapes, most of which are instantly familiar to an intermediate guitarist.
In a large ensemble, Guitar Two can split between players to suit novice guitarists, and the download includes additional parts to make the reading easier.
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See a list of all my downloadable contemporary arrangements
"Hiya Derek, practised 'Chi Mai'/switchover version and loved the arrangement!!! Super, well done and thanks a lot. It has gone straight in our repertoire."
This is a very accessible and straightforward arrangement of The Beatles’ “Lady Madonna”, but it contains all the main thematic material of the original.
In a large ensemble, Guitar Two can split between players to suit novice guitarists.
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See a list of all my downloadable contemporary arrangements
Instantly recognisable by many as the Theme Music to the Football TV programme of the same name, this is a great "early intermediate" quartet that's loads of fun. It has an uplifting key-change in the middle, and if you play the upper parts of my arrangement away from the first position, it's just a matter of sliding your left hand up two frets and playing the same fingering!
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See a list of all my downloadable contemporary arrangements
This is quite a piece - Johnny Pearson, who was a prolific composer as well as running BBC's Top Of The Pops orchestra for 16 years, has produced some amazing music, and none more than this...
Used as the Theme Music to "Owen MD", this piece of music is a craftsman's journey round the circle of fifths - teachers will love explaining the journey from 1b to 6#, 4# 2# and more, and the textbook key-change from F# to C is exciting for players and audience alike.
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See a list of all my downloadable contemporary arrangements
This needs no introduction.
My arrangement is based on the version Hampshire Guitar Orchestra performed, and can be played on 4 guitars, or a 5th guitar can be brought into to add the Piccolo Trumpet part, which is styled on the original super-high descant. I've taken account of the strengths and weaknesses of the guitar to make the descant line comfortable to play.
A concert performance will work whether or not the descant part is used.
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See a list of all my downloadable contemporary arrangements
This is a wonderfully haunting piece for a concert.
My arrangement for 2 guitars moves the key of the piece very slightly to make an arrangement that fits two guitars like a glove. My arrangement suits intermediate (or higher) players.
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This is a great piece for a concert - known to guitarists and a general audience in equal measure.
My duet arrangement (see above) follows the original closely. But this arrangement uses several arranger's tricks to make the piece accessible to many more players!
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See a list of all my downloadable contemporary arrangements
This is a great piece for a concert - known to guitarists and a general audience in equal measure.
My version (for 4 guitars or a large ensemble) isn't hard to play and the sound is big!
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See a list of all my downloadable contemporary arrangements
Audiences will know this piece from the TV series M*A*S*H - a haunting melody and some lovely (and straightforward) chords make a heady combination.
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See a list of all my downloadable contemporary arrangements
Audiences will know this piece from the TV series Casey Jones and here we have a driving rhythm simulating the sound of a steam locomotive. The music is in 6 parts, ranging from "pretty much a novice" up to "intermediate". It suits a sextet or a larger ensemble.
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See a list of all my downloadable contemporary arrangements
Here's Hampshire Guitar Orchestra playing their version - identical except a tone higher....
Here's a little taster of my intermediate arrangement of "As Long As He Needs Me" from the film and stage show "Oliver" - a lovely gentle piece...
Here's a little taster of my intermediate arrangement of "Suicide Is Painless" (Song from M*A*S*H) - fun to play and a great sound!
Audiences will know this piece from the TV series M*A*S*H - a haunting melody and some lovely (and straightforward) chords make a heady combination.
Click or tap the image for more information...
See a list of all my downloadable contemporary arrangements
Here's a trio from Sacramento playing one of the pieces available here on my website
Wishing visitors to my website a New Year full of Good Health, Great Opportunites and Fantastic Music!
At the moment I have no vacancies at all for the Spring Term from January to Easter.
Check out my teaching website for vacancies as they arise.