Colin Outhwaite

Hi folks, my name is Colin, I'm a musician, teacher and academic researcher. I have over 20 years of performance experience accross a range of styles and settings including acoustic duos, cover and tribute music, musicals, original music and instrumental jazz fusion. 

With 10 years teaching experience, I have taught music and guitar at all levels of learning from primary to higher education and mature age, with extensive experience working with students with disabilities and learning difficulties.

I have recently completed a PhD in music and ethnography (anthropology and sociology), and also have a first-class honours degree in music performance which I completed in Perth, Western Australia.

Having moved to Utrecht at the start of this year, I am looking to build my student base and meet like minded musicians. I also have a thriving online community of students if you would prefer to learn the guitar from the comfort of your own home.

If you'd like to find out more, please get in touch and I look forward to jamming with you soon!

I focus on active learning in a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere, encouraging students to develop practical musical skills through creativity. I ensure that students are playing music from the very first lesson, using popular songs as reference points for learning foundational techniques and theory. Either students choose their own songs or I can guide lessons based on tastes, aspirations and ability. Lessons are ultimately built around ‘doing’ rather than ‘knowing’, whether that involves learning songs, developing improvisational techniques or songwriting. 

Most importantly, I make sure we play music together and have fun in the process.

Practical Information:

Styles: Rock, blues, funk, folk, alternative, soul, jazz fusion, R&B, electric & acoustic.

Techniques: Songwriting, improvisation, rhythm guitar, lead guitar, cross-picking, finger-picking, hybrid-picking, legato techniques, strumming, music theory, sight-reading, aural, Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), performance, critical listening.

Skill Level: Beginner - advanced; Students of all ages and abilities; Students with disabilities/learning difficulties.

Language: English - I am a native English speaker in the early stages of learning Dutch. I am working towards hybrid Dutch/English lessons for younger students who perhaps want to develop their English in the process of learning guitar.

What you will need: Bringing your own guitar is preferable although there will be one available if necessary. Other items that are not neccessary but may help depending on learning preference include: A4 lined paper note pad (for guitar TAB) or manuscript paper (for standard sheet notation), iPhone/iPad or similar for recording audio/video memos, specific sheet music you would like help with, laptops if you require help with DAW based learning. (What you need can be discussed after our first session so no need to purchase anything till after then.)

Parents with young children: Feel free to sit in on the lessons and participate as much as neccessary. 

Tertiary education support: With a first-class honours degree in music performance, I am able to help you prepare for tertiary education admissions/auditions or specific curriculum based content.