I'm pleased to let you know that Workshop's Christmas Concert 2018, held in aid of Wessex Cancer Trust on Thursday 13th December, raised £505.08 for the charity.
Read more here
Since October 1st I've published 23 new "easy to intermediate" guitar ensembles - find them all here
I have just published "Where is your Heart" for intermediate guitar quartet - it's based on the arrangement Hampshire Guitar Orchestra played, and has an uplifting key change between verses - it works effectively with 4 guitars and also with a large ensemble.
$4.99 Intermediate level
See / hear / buyI have just published "Love Is All Around" for easy intermediate guitar quartet - it's based on the arrangement Hampshire Guitar Orchestra played, and has an uplifting key change between verses - it works with 4 guitars and with a large ensemble.
$4.99 Early intermediate level
See / hear / buyI have just published "We Three Kings - Spanish Style" for intermediate guitar quartet - it's based on the arrangement Hampshire Guitar Orchestra played, and mixes Melody and Malagueña.
Read more/see/hear We Three Kings here ...
$3.99 Early intermediate level
More fun Christmas Music here...
I have just published "Do You Hear What I Hear?" for intermediate guitar quartet - it's based on the arrangement Hampshire Guitar Orchestra played, but has been enhanced to include an uplifting key change in the middle that makes the music build and build.
Read more/see/hear Do You Hear What I Hear? by clicking ...
$4.99 Intermediate level
See / hear / buyI have just published "A Swingin' Safari" for intermediate guitar trio - it's based on the arrangement my Guitar Workshop play. It's a real toe-tapper!
Read more/see/hear A Swingin' Safari here ...
$4.99 Intermediate level
See / hear / buyI have just published "Orinoco Flow" for intermediate guitar quartet - it's based on the arrangement Hampshire Guitar Orchestra played. It's a lush and hypnotically satisfying sound...
Read more/see/hear Orinoco Flow here ...
$4.99 Intermediate level
See / hear / buyI have just published "Song From A Secret Garden" for intermediate guitar quartet - it's based on the arrangement Hampshire Guitar Orchestra played. It's a lush and hypnotically satisfying sound...
$4.99 Intermediate level
See / hear / buyIn October I added 17 new titles to my list of music you can download as copyright-legal arrangements of modern music for 1-6 guitars and flute & guitar. Visit my download page
See and hear each piece before you decide whether or not to buy.
Another piece is on its way!
Today I added my 50th piece of downloadable music - these are all pieces that are in copyright, and therefore there is a charge to buy them because the copyright holder is paid royalties. These pieces include music for 1-6 guitars (or large ensembles) together with music for flute & guitars as performed by fusion.
Click here for a list of pieces sorted by numbers of instruments. You can see a sample and hear a soundclip, and if you like the piece it can be yours in under a minute!
I have uploaded the first of a set of videos of fusion taken at their concert earlier this month...
I have just published "Mr Blue Sky" for intermediate guitar quartet - it's based on the arrangement "fusion" played in Chandler's Ford 2 days ago.
Read more/see/hear Mr Blue Sky here ...
$4.99 Intermediate level
See / hear / buyWith Christmas on the way, here's a piece that an audience will know and love...
$4.99 Early intermediate level
See / hear / buyOur concert at The Dovetail Centre, Chandlers Ford, raised over £250 for the Samaritans - read more here...
The quartet "fusion" - flute, 2 guitars and double bass - has a charming version of Fields of Gold in its repertoire - styled on the beautiful Eva Cassidy version.
The version on sale can be played without a bass instrument, giving a light and intimate sound, or the bass line can be added on a third guitar, an electric bass or double bass. The bass part is provided in treble and bass clefs.
$12.99 Early intermediate level
Price fixed by publisher
fusion's concert on October 6th in Bedhampton has generated some wonderful audience feedback. Read about the concert here...
"fusion" - a quartet featuring Gilly Slot, Lisa Wheadon, Derek Hasted and Claire Whiteside - is performing "Light Music for Dark Evenings" - a family-friendly evening of gentle music.
It's on October 6th - more details here...
This is a very accessible arrangement of the evocative "Christmas Song", which is much better known as "Chestnuts Roasting By An Open Fire"
It's based on the version played at my Guitar Workshopand the chromatic harmonies which sound so complex are actually very easy to play when the workload is split four ways amongst the players!
Read more/see/hear The Christmas Song here ...
$4.99 Early intermediate level
See / hear / buyThis is a very accessible arrangement of this lovely little Christmas piece.
Guitar One is slightly more complicated than the other parts.
Read more/see/hear Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas here ...
$4.99 Early intermediate level
See / hear / buyThis is a very accessible arrangement of the wonderfully haunting song "Walking In The Air" from the film "The Snowman".
It's based on the version played at my Guitar Workshop, but this arrangement has one more section added, to make it faithful to the original. The music is in full score and parts and there are no page-turns in the parts.
Read more/see/hear "The Snowman" theme here ...
$4.99 Early intermediate level
See / hear / buyWith Christmas in mind (OK, I know it's only October, but we need time to practise...) here's a really fun Christmas piece - it's in copyright, but this is a legal arrangement, and your purchase will ensure that royalties go to the copyright holder...
This is an easy arrangement that players with limited experience can enjoy and perform. But in the hands of more experienced players who are confident up the neck, the music has a sweetness of tone that is quite compelling. Click on the picture and follow the link - you'll end up able to hear a 30 second recording.
Read more/see/hear "Let It Snow" here ...
$4.99 Early intermediate level
See / hear / buyI was both delighted and, I admit, surprised, to receive a video from Wayne Kilcline of the Rhode Island Music Education Association - it showcased their concert late last year and featured two of my ensemble pieces : "Penultimate Waltz" and the very popular "Tutu Tango", which feature in "Diff'rent Dances Book 2" and Book 1, respectively.
I have to say the performances were amongst the best I've heard!
You can buy copies of the two books in my shop.
If you are looking for private guitar lessons, either as a beginner or someone wanting coaching at a higher level, then pop over to my teaching website and look at the latest vacancies I have - but hurry, there aren't many!
John Keats's famous poem "To Autumn" begins "Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness".
Autumn is when people think of a new hobby for the increasingly dark evenings.
Well, how about learning to play guitar?
If you want to learn nylon-strung guitar, or you already play but you want to lift your musicality and repertoire to new heights, well pop over to my teaching website and see what's on offer!
I teach in Bedhampton - John Keats stayed in Bedhampton... It was in the Old Mill House where Keats finished his poem "The Eve of St. Agnes" in 1819, and in 1820 he spent his last night in England. Keats is commemorated in the Bedhampton Village Sign, situated at the Social Hall.
The inscription reads
"Its loveliness increases;
It will never pass into nothingness; ...From Book 1 of the Endymion - John Keats 1795 - 1821 "
Details of fusion's evening concert in Bedhampton on October 6th are here
Details of fusion's afternoon concert in Chandlers Ford on October 14th are here
I'm starting to arrange music for fusion's full-length concerts in October - more news soon!
This is a very accessible arrangement of the wonderfully haunting song "The Rose" by Amanda McBroom (made famous by Bette Midler).
Laid out in the same key as the original, this is an easy arrangement that players with limited experience can enjoy and perform. But in the hands of more experienced players who are confident up the neck, the music has a sweetness of tone that is quite compelling.
$4.99 Early intermediate level
See / hear / buyAs well as July 12th being a great day for fund-raising (see next story), it is also the day that I've sold the most music as instant downloads. There's music for 1,2,3,4 and 5 guitars and for flute & guitar
My Guitar Workshop gave a concert on July 12th in aid of the Southampton Festival of Music and Drama. I'm delighted to share the good news that we raised £517 towards their fund-raising appeal.
Thank you to all my players, and you, the audience, for making it such a success.
This is a very accessible arrangement of the wonderfully haunting song from the Stage Show "Oliver".
Using familiar shapes, this slow, gentle, piece slowly builds before it fades away. It's a lovely piece and the sustain of the flute mingle with the sweet tones of the classical guitar to make a magical rendition.
Read more about Where Is Love for flute and guitar here ...
$4.99 Intermediate level
See also solo guitar version
It was the hottest day of the year so far, and by all accounts the hottest Student concert we've ever had!
The Small Hall at Lovedean Village Hall was pretty much packed with players and audience for the 8th Student Summer concert and social.
The short concert was followed by something MUCH more important - wine & nibbles and a chance to chat with fellow students.
See the programme and a larger photo here...
This is a very accessible arrangement of the wonderfully haunting song from the Stage Show "Oliver".
Using familiar shapes, this slow, gentle, piece slowly builds before it fades away. It's a lovely piece and the sweet tones of the classical guitar make a magical solo rendition.
Read more about Where Is Love for solo guitar here ...
$4.99 Intermediate level
See / hear / buyThis is a very accessible arrangement of the wonderfully haunting song from the Stage Show "Fiddler on the Roof".
This piece has featured in quite a few of the Hampshire Guitar Orchestra concerts and it's always delighted the audience. Read more about Sunrise, Sunset here..
$4.99 Early intermediate level
See / hear / buyIt's been a long time coming but I finally have Copyright Clearance to publish my arrangement of the theme from The Incredible Hulk - a haunting piece by Joe Harnell, entitled "The Lonely Man".
This music has featured in many of my concerts; it always surprises and delights the audience. Read more about The Incredible Hulk Theme here
$4.99 Intermediate level
See / hear / buyI'm delighted to tell you that my arrangement (for 5 or more guitars) of Lionel Bart's haunting "Where Is Love?" is available for instant download.
The music begins with just some of the ensemble playing - imitating the little voice of Oliver - and it builds into a massive wall of sound - read more about Where Is Love? here..
$4.99 Early intermediate level
See also version for solo guitar
I'm delighted to tell you that my arrangement of You Needed Me (as sung by Anne Murray) is available for instant download.
This version is almost identical to the version that Hampshire Guitar Orchestra played in concert - read more about You Needed Me here ...
$4.99 Early intermediate level
See / hear / buyI'm delighted to tell you that my arrangement of The Bangles' "Eternal Flame" is available for instant download.
Hampshire Guitar Orchestra frequently played this piece and it's a concert audience pleaser - read more about Eternal Flame here..
$4.99 Intermediate level
See / hear / buyI'm delighted to tell you that my arrangement of Peter Cetera's "If You Leave Me Now" is available for instant download.
The music has an interesting twist that turns a straightforward piece into a concert audience pleaser - read more/see/hear If You Leave Me Now here...
$4.99 Intermediate level
See / hear / buyMy arrangement of Boudleaux Bryant's "Love Hurts" is now available for instant download.
Made famous by The Everly Brothers, Jim Capaldi and many others, this is a really easy yet satisfying arrangement for 4 guitars or a larger ensemble.
Read more/see/hear Love Hurts here ...
$4.99 Beginner level
See / hear / buyI'm delighted to tell you that my arrangement of Elvis Presley's "Love Me Tender" is available for instant download.
The music has an interesting twist that turns a straightforward piece into a concert audience pleaser - read more about Love Me Tender here..
$1.99 - Beginner level
See / hear / buyI'm as concerned as the next person (that person was VERY concerned) about pollution, wastage and the scarcity of resources. With that in mind I have published my recycling policy which you can read here
I've received the following email from a teacher in Dubbo, Australia...
"I would like to let you know that my trios cleaned up at yesterday's Eisteddfod performance, placing 1st, 2nd and 3rd (this was their first ever appearance anywhere) and earned glowing praise from the adjudicator for their reading of your arrangement. Many thanks once again!"
And that arrangement was English Country Garden - a free download for 3 guitars, here on my website.
I'm delighted to tell you that my arrangement of Roger Hodgson's "Breakfast in America" for 4 guitars (or large ensemble) is now for sale. This is a real crowd-pleaser, and not just for Supertramp fans!
Read more/see/hear Breakfast In America here ...
Stop Press - I've also arranged a duo version of Breakfast In America for Flute & Guitar!
$4.99 Early intermediate level
See / hear / buyAdvance notice that my Guitar Workshop is holding another little informal concert on Thursday July 12th at St Nicholas, Belmont Grove Bedhampton. We're raising much-needed funds to support the work of the Southampton Festival of Music and Drama - one of the oldest in the UK.
I'm delighted to tell you that my arrangement of Stevie Wonder's "Lately" for 5 guitars (or large ensemble) is now for sale.
Read more/see/hear Lately here
$4.99 Early intermediate level
See / hear / buyI'm delighted to tell you that my arrangement of "The Feather Theme" (the music over the opening sequence of the film Forrest Gump) is now for sale - it's written for three guitars, and it fits like a glove!
Click see/hear/buy (on the right)Tap see/hear/buy below for sample score & audio
$4.99 Early intermediate level
See / hear / buyThe General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes into force on May 25th. Unless you have given me consent to keep your contact details, I can't let you know about local events and my concerts, except through this news page, so do please check back here regularly...
I've created a top-level website at hasted.me.uk It's a good reference place if you're not sure which of my 4 websites you are looking for!
I've moved my websites to another hosting provider following a really awful upgrade by the provider I've used for the last 18 years.
The Contact Forms are sometimes very slow to process once you press Send, but that apart, we're back in business at this website and my Teaching website.
Last Thursday, my Guitar Workshop celebrated its Pearl Anniversary - 30 years of ensemble music making in South East Hampshire!
I arranged the Glenn Miller version of "String of Pearls" for the occasion.
If you live too far away to drop into Workshop, you can purchase a copy as an electronic download - contains full score and parts. It's arranged for four guitars (or large ensemble) and it's accessible and fun to play.
Read a little more about String Of Pearls here.
$4.99 Early intermediate level
See / hear / buyOn April 26th, my Guitar Workshop met for the start of the Summer Term and to celebrate our Pearl Anniversary, with wine, cake and a new arrangement of "String of Pearls" (made famous by Glenn Miller).
For larger photos, pop across to the Workshop Website's Story Page
Here's a photo of our quartet playing in Thornden Hall for the Southampton Music Festival closing concert.
See the story below - we've been invited to play at the Southampton Music Festival closing concert on Sunday 22nd April - concert starts 7:30pm
It was a thrill to play "The Feather Theme" from Forrest Gump, and "Driftless" by John Goodin at today's Music Festival in Southampton.
It was a bigger thrill to win the "Music In Print" Cup for the best ensemble performance.
My thanks to Lisa, Gilly and Claire for a performance on flute, two guitars and double bass that the adjudicator described as "I really enjoyed your performance... there is a lovely feel in the playing and the combination of instruments is very pleasing. Lovely"
There's a new video on the Hampshire Guitar Orchestra YouTube page that showcases some of the HAGO arrangements that I have re-worked to suit a standard guitar quartet or large ensemble.
You can download any of the arrangements via this link on my site...
I've given a small facelift to my Guitar Workshop website ready for Workshop's 30th anniversary at the end of April
Southampton Music Festival (see the news below) is postponed until 15th April. My quartet is looking forward to playing our two pieces again!
I've added another trio to my free guitar ensemble music page
I've added another article to my FAQs page and its PDF e-book
Looking for lessons?
I've updated my teaching website with the vacant slots I'll have after Easter.
First come, first served - enquire now!
Looking forward to the Southampton Music Festival at Thornden Hall on 18th March.
I'll be playing in a quartet late in the afternoon.
Congratulations to my solo student Kai, who won the Vice-Chairman's Cup in yesterday's Portsmouth Music Festival!
I put together a quartet and arranged two pieces of music for it to play at the Portsmouth Music Festival. We won our class (but I'd better be honest and say we were the only entry in the "Guitar and other instruments" category!)
Here's a photo of Gilly (flute), Lisa (guitar) and Claire (double bass) along with yours truly.
Click for larger photo
Later in the afternoon at Portsmouth Music Festival six fellow guitarists (Viv, Jana, Caroline, Aurora, James and Jenny) played three of my compositions in the "Guitar Ensemble" category, finishing just a mark behind the section winners.
The fastest selling arrangement of mine at the moment is for flute and guitar (though it's also available for two guitars) - it's "You Raise Me Up".
Click the links above to listen and see some of the score.
$4.99 Intermediate level
See
also version for 2 guitars
For a complete list of my contemporary downloads (including flute and guitar duets), visit this page on my website...
You'll see a new and fresh look starting to appear on this website to celebrate its forthcoming 20th anniversary.
All the existing pages are still tucked away, but the free music, the music shop and the free Mini-Masterclasses all have a new, clean appearance.
Looking forward to the Portsmouth Music Festival at Park Community School on 3rd March.
I'll be playing in a quartet, some guitar friends of mine are playing three of my compositions, and two of my students are competing too.
I've updated this news entry about another arrangement to tell you that this has become one of my most popular pieces - it's really straightforward and fun and makes a great concert item for an adult group with modesst experience, and for school teachers wanting a great end-of-year piece.
$4.99 Beginner level
See / hear / buySince Christmas, I've arranged a number of contemporary pieces for 2-5 guitars. They're all legal, with copyright clearance, and you can purchase them as PDF downloads at this link
The latest is Viva La Vida - read more/see/hear here
$4.99 Intermediate level
My best seller!
Originally by Keane, the Lily Allen cover brought it to the attention of many more people when her track accompanied the John Lewis Christmas advert on TV.
$4.99 Intermediate level
See / hear / buyMy teaching website has a new list of when I'm available for teaching
Since Christmas, I've arranged a number of contemporary pieces. The latest set that are now published contain ...
$4.99 Early intermediate level
See also version for 3 guitars
My teaching website has a new list of when I'm available for teaching