This is a charming melody interspersed with lush chromatic harmonies, making a delightful concert piece, whether one has seen the film or not.
I have a number of arrangements - the most straightforward is for 3 guitars, giving a big sound for not too much effort.
$4.99 Intermediate levell
See other versions here
Before I started this arrangement, I was unsure whether guitars could ever create the same feeling as the long, sustained notes of the strings in the original film soundtrack.
Have a listen to the 30-second soundclip and I hope you like what you hear...
$4.99 Intermediate level
See / hear / buyHere's an easy and fun piece. What happens when not everyone wants to play this piece?
$4.99 Early Intermediate level
More fun Christmas Music here...
Lasting almost 4 minutes, this piece presents four variations on the famous Christmas Carol, in four different styles (including Tango), with a nod to some famous music on the way too.
$3.99 Intermediate level
More fun Christmas Music here...
This evocative classic (first made famous by Bing Crosby, and followed by dozens more versions) makes its appearance here as a very playable arrangement for 4 early intermediate guitars, with guitar 4 in treble and bass clef. It works well as a large ensemble too.
Unlike many arrangements, the less-well-known introduction is also included, though this can be omitted if desired.
$4.99 Early Intermediate level
See / hear / buyLast night's episode of Strictly on BBC One included a Waltz to Calum Scott's "You Are The Reason"
Click here and you'll find accessible versions I've arranged for
Many guitarists ar familiar with Domenico Zipoli's "Little Fugue" which is deceptively awkward if it's to sound relaxed. As a duet it's much more fun, and my edition also includes Zipoli's Fughetta.
Both pieces are re-working into a shared key - one in A Major and one in A minor, so that they can be played in sequence in either order.
$1.99 Intermediate level
See / hear / buyThis absolute classic by Freddie Mercury and Queen makes a wonderful, intimate and charming piece of music for guitar.
My arrangement is based on Queen's official video, and keeps the same key and all of the verses.
It's of intermediate standard. There are two versions - one which is tune and accompaniment (ideal for a duo of mixed abilities) and one where each player takes the tune and accompaniment in turn - equal challenges and a wonderful crowd-pleaser as a result.
$4.99 Intermediate level
See also version for flute & guitar
Maybe this amazingly gentle, haunting piece has passed you by - well, click on the link and have a listen to the 30-second soundclip ... although there are arrangements of this piece (originally for piano) for solo guitar they are hard to make sound relaxed. But it works wonderfully as a duet, and with a key-change to bring it into the sweet spot of the guitar's range.
$4.99 Intermediate level
See / hear / buyOne of the cornerstones of my arranging work is to write music that's not too demanding, simply because most amateur ensembles have limited time to meet together.
Here's an accessible arrangement of the well-known "Jamaica Farewell", made famous by Harry Belafonte - some are surprised that this isn't a public-domain folk song, but actually it's quite a recent work by Irving Burgie, and still in copyright. My arrangement has copyright clearance and royalties are paid to the copyright owner, so download and you're good to go.
$4.99 Early Intermediate level
See / hear / buyFollowing on from the success of my arrangements of Mamma Mia and The Winner Takes It All, I'm delighted to tell you that I've arranged another crowd pleaser - a full-length version of the Abba song "Lay All Your Love On Me"
It's perfect for intermediate players, and there's plenty of interest for everyone, with a very up-beat disco/funk feel.
$4.99 Intermediate level
Guitar 4 in both treble & bass clefs
This charmingly simple but haunting melody is one that concert audiences will be humming all the way home!
I've arranged this music for guitars and for guitar + flute or Bb clarinet - all the verses are present, plus the instrumental break that's in the original film score too.
These arrangements are at intermediate standard.
$4.99 Intermediate level
See other versions here
Following on from the success of my arrangement of Mamma Mia, I'm delighted to tell you that I've arranged another crowd pleaser - a full-length version of the Abba classic "The Winner Takes It All"
It's perfect for intermediate players, and there's plenty of interest for everyone!
$4.99 Intermediate level
See / hear / buyNo, this isn't a commission from Harrry and Meghan, it''s my take on the traditional English Carol collected by Cecil Sharp and Ralph Vaughan Williams.
Suitable for early intermediate players, there's plenty of interest for everyone!
$1.99 Early Intermediate level
See / hear / buyInspired by a simple arrangement I made, this one is for players with a little more experience, and has three verses each with a different orchestration.
$1.99 Intermediate level
See / hear / buyHere's a very straight-forward crowd-pleaser that will get toes tapping in all age groups! Ideal for School concerts or for a fun item in an Adult concert.
$4.99 Early Intermediate level
See / hear / buySometimes rightly described as the most beautiful melody, this is an astonishingly lovely and substantial Concert item that players and audience will enjoy in equal measure - confortable under the fingers and with a wonderful sound that really suits classical guitar well.
I've arranged this music for guitars and for guitar + a variety of other melody instruments.
These arrangements are at either intermediate standard or advanced intermediate - something for everyone who wants to play this spectacular piece of music.
$4.99 Advanced Intermediate level
See other versions here
This is a lovely and substantial Concert item that players and audience will enjoy in equal measure - confortable under the fingers and with a wonderful sound that really suits guitar well.
$4.99 Intermediate level
A simpler "Adagio" is here
There's not many guitarists who don't know this very playable Prelude from Bach, but my arrangement for two guitars is that little bit easier and the phrasing a lot more dramatic - the stereo effect is a real crowd-pleaser.
$1.99 Intermediate level
See / hear / buyThe photo above is from The Macclesfield Canal.
You're right - it's been quiet here - so many jobs to do around the new house.
But you'll see that the photos for each month from now on are from a new part of the UK!
The photo above is from The Prince's Incline, Higher Poynton
It's been quiet here - the first part of April has been taken up with frantically packing everything in our former home in Bedhampton, ready to move to Higher Poynton to be closer to family.
On April 25th we moved into a bungalow on the edge of open country - what a change!
From this...
To this...
This very accessible guitar trio is an arrangement Mika's "Origin Of Love", inspired by Mika's appearance on the TV Series "The Piano"
$4.99 Intermediate level
See / hear / buyThis very accessible guitar trio is an arrangement of the beautiful melody by Rolf Løvland, performed by Secret Garden.
I chose this music as my final arrangement for The Guitar Workshop, which I have been running for 35 years, and which will have a New Beginning with a new leader very soon - watch this website for more information!
$4.99 Early intermediate level
See / hear / buyThis accessible duet version of the famous theme from TV's "Steptoe & Son" is great fun to play. A little bit of trickery makes it sound like the original without being anything like as scary to play!
$4.99 Early Intermediate level
See also version for Flute & Guitar
For 3 guitars or a large ensemble, this early intermediate piece captures what many say is Joplin's finest Ragtime piece. Guitar 3 is tuned to 6=D and the whole arrangement is in guitar-friendly keys
$1.99 Early intermediate level
See / hear / buyFor 4 guitars or a large ensemble, this early intermediate piece contains the main theme of this evocative piece.
$1.99 Early Intermediate level
See / hear / buyFor 4 guitars or a large ensemble. Guitar 4 is in treble and bass clefs.
This might not be one of the most famous Beatles pieces, but it's definitely an audience toe-tapper!
$4.99 Intermediate level
See / hear / buyAlbatross has become one of the great classics - a Top 40 instrumental that's slow and easy to play. My new arrangement for 4 guitars (or a larger ensemble) is a real crowd pleaser.
$4.99 Early Intermediate level
See / hear / buyHappy New Year to all my visitors - I hope your 2023 is everything you wish it to be!
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
As you know, I run the Hampshire Guitar Workshop, and we're back to holding concerts in aid of local charities.
Our concert this year was on December 8th and raised over £460 for "Young Lives vs Cancer"
November was the busiest month yet for the sales of Christmas ensembles from my shop.
There's just time to publish one more Christmas arrangement for your Christmas concert or event - it's Ding Dong Merrily On High, a gloriously busy (but very playable) arrangement that begins with chimes and peals of bells and ends with ... Big Ben.
$3.99 Intermediate level
More fun Christmas Music here...
This beautiful, haunting, Catalan carol makes a really moving yet very accessible concert piece.
Read more about my flute and guitar and my guitar duet arrangements here
$2.99 Intermediate
See also version for Flute & Guitar
This lovely video has recenty appeared on YouTube playing my arrangement of Cinema Paradiso
Read more about my arrangement of Cinema Paradiso here...
This arrangement is based on a real crowd pleaser that was played by the Hampshire Guitar Orchestra - a real foot-tapper.
It's a little tougher for Guitar 1 than many of my arrangements, but there is an alternative for the hardest 8-bar section which is easy to play.
Read more/see/hear Rhythm Of Life here ...
$4.99 Intermediate level
See / hear / buyMy easy-to-play arrangement by Ukrainian composer Leontovych is currently my fastest selling piece.
If you teach or lead an ensemble, this Christmas piece comes together really quickly, so there's still time to squeeze it into your Christmas Concert!
$2.99 Beginner level
See / hear / buyThis arrangement is based on a real crowd pleaser that was played by the Hampshire Guitar Orchestra - a real foot-tapper.
It's easy to play, and the optional fifth guitar part would suit a beginner guitarist or a bass instrument (it's supplied in treble and bass clef versions).
Easy to put together, it makes a massive wall of sound!
Read more/see/hear La Bamba here ...
$4.99 Intermediate level
See / hear / buyThis exciting piece, written by Charles Williams (I've also arranged his glorious "Dream of Olwen") is hard to play at full speed, but makes a wonderful concert piece.
Due to copyright restrictions, my arrangements may not always be available in every country worldwide...
Read more about my flute and guitar and my guitar duet arrangements here
This arrangement is based on a real crowd pleaser that was played by the Hampshire Guitar Orchestra - a real foot-tapper.
$4.99 Intermediate level
See / hear / buyHere's a very accessible and comfortable arrangement of this famous Christmas piece and at a great price too. Ideal for a large ensemble too, and the parts are suitable for those with limited experience of guitar.
Read more/see/hear O Holy Night here ...
$1.99 Early intermediate level
See / hear / buyThis arrangement is by popular request! It's a very accessible and comfortable arrangement of this lovely modern Christmas piece.
Read more/see/hear Mary Did You Know here ...
$4.99 Early intermediate level
See also version for flute & guitar
I'm pleased to announce THREE downloadable compilations of lesser-known Christmas pieces...
Christmas Crackers for 3 Guitars - Volume 1 (6 pieces)
Christmas Crackers for 3 Guitars - Volume 2 (6 pieces)
Christmas Crackers for 4 Guitars - 6 more different pieces
This arrangement of the well-known piece (often called Little Drummer Boy) suits 6 guitars or a large ensemble, and it's not at all taxing to play!
Guitar 6 requres 6=D but is suitable for a player with limited experience. The other lines are slightly more busy but are early intermediate standard.
This piece builds and builds!
Read more/see/hear Carol of The Drum here ...
$4.99 Early Intermediate
See / hear / buyIt's been a busy month just gone for sales of my Accessible Contemporary Ensembles, and I've also been busy adding to the number of arrangements you can play.
You can see and hear a little of each arrangement before you buy an instant download, to make sure it's ideal for your ensemble.
This arrangement suits 6 guitars or a large ensemble, and it's not at all taxing to play!
Guitar 6 is supplied in treble and bass clefs, so it can be played on guitar, bass guitar or double bass, or on a mixture.
The piece is early intemediate (the top line is perhaps intermediate), but more experienced players will find that a slightly faster tempo helps the tune's sustain. There are plenty of dynamics and these make the piece come alive.
$4.99 Early Intermediate
See / hear / buyI'm reducing stocks of 3 titles in my printed books range - your chance to pick up 3 popular titles at half-price or less!
Visit my shop, pick the area of the world where you live (so we can calculate postage), and look for the red SALE flags...
First published in 1907, this is a real crowd-pleaser in concert - ideal to close the first half or as an encore.
It suits 2 advanced-intemediate guitarists, more for the speed than the notes.
My arrangement, in the same keys as the original, is deliberately straightforward so that the piece works and can be played with the confidence and volume that the original demands.
This will be a concert item the audience doesn't forget!
$4.99 Advanced Intermediate level
See also (easier) quartet version
These pieces were originally only available in printed form. Now, by popular demand, here they are as instant downloads - a total of 12 less-familiar Christmas pieces.
$3.99 Early intermediate level
See also 6 different pieces for 3 guitars
As the weather here in the UK starts to feel distinctly autumnal, many Guitar teachers are already preparing for their Christmas concerts by trying one or more of my Christmas Ensemble arrangements ...
Especially popular is "Carol Of The Bells", the tune of which is a Ukrainian folk tune, and it's made August my busiest month for music sales so far in 2022.
Thank you all - I hope your concerts go well!
$2.99 Beginner level
See / hear / buyRIP Raymond Briggs, prolific author, and famous for writing The Snowman, the basis of the now classic Christmas film.
One of my first published arrangements was "Walking In The Air" - a fantastically popular and haunting Christmas piece.
$4.99 Early intermediate level
See / hear / buyMade famous by Mike Oldfield, this traditional Hornpipe was actually first published in 1701. My arrangement sneaks in a little bit of "What Shall We Do With The Drunken Sailor" and makes a spectacular concert item, running to about 5 minutes and building up as the piece progresses.
Read more/see/hear Portsmouth here...
$3.99 Intermediate level
See / hear / buyTurlough O'Carolan, the blind Irish Harpist, wrote arguably some of the finest melodies one can enjoy.
Here are three of his pieces - Planxy Irwin, Planxty Sir George Brabazon and the wonderfully titled Planxty Sir Festus Burke. Together they form a contrasting suite - three distinct moods, and all at the early intermediate to intermediate standard.
Read more/see/hear Planxty Three here...
$2.99 Intermediate level
See / hear / buyWritten by Paul Simon when he was in New York without Art Garfunkel, this slightly poignant song makes a wonderful guitar and woodwind duet.
My arrangements are somewhere between Early Intermediate and Intermediate.
Read more about (and hear an excerpt of) my flute & guitar (and clarinet & guitar) arrangements here.
At the time of writing, my catalog has over 270 items. Check back here for future additions...
$4.99 Intermediate level
See also clarinet & guitar duet