Tom Downer
Guitar, Bass, 5-string Banjo, Ukulele & Mandolin teacher and musician
based in Groningen, Netherlands
Teaching
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How do your lessons work?
I believe that the best teachers are those who show you where to look but don't tell you what to see.
So no matter what your goal, tuition is always tailored to suit each individual’s needs. I might be able to help if whether you’re a complete beginner or you’d like to play favourite band’s songs. If you’re a singer wanting to accompany yourself or you’d like to learn music theory. Whether you’d like to be good enough to join a band or you’re a more advanced player wanting to brush up on some new skills or techniques. If you’re a fledgeling songwriter wanting a few tips or you’d like to study graded exams. But whatever your goals may be, I always try to make lessons fun.
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Zijn je lessen in het Nederlands?
Alhoewel ik langzaamaan een beetje Nederlands leer, geef ik momenteel al mijn lessen (gitaarles, banjoles, mandolineles, ukeleleles en basgitaarles) in het Engels.
Experience
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With WinterKids Tom recorded, toured and released music throughout the world. Record releases in Japan (Columbia Records), USA (Starbucks Records), Germany (Tapete Records), UK, Austria, and Switzerland
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Live television and radio on Channel 4, BBC radio, German TV and other smaller stations
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Touring experience in the UK and overseas, from small clubs to large open-air festivals (Koko, Truck Festival, Glastonbury), USA (SXSW, Mercury Lounge NY), Japan, Germany, Sweden, Austria & Switzerland
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Achieved Top 30 track on US radio & UK single releases - reaching no.7 in the UK Independent chart
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Experience of recording sessions, production and mixing. Worked in a variety of studios including Sawmills, Air & Parr Street. Worked with award-winning producers including Ken Nelson (Coldplay, Paolo Nutini, Gomez), John Cornfield (Muse, Oasis, Razorlight), Chris Sheldon (Foo Fighters, Biffy Clyro) and Mike Cave (John Martyn, Elvis Costello)
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HND in Music Practice with Merit grade at the Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM). Diploma in Music Practice with Merit grade.