My music career began at 16, when a good friend lent me a guitar. I proceeded to lock myself in a room for 6 months and started to play away on the guitar, very badly. I didn't know what I was doing. I was just making my own sounds and playing my own made-up shapes until I started having some mini breakthroughs and things started to sound a bit more melodic. These methods have filtered through into my teaching as I teach people not to overthink. In retrospect, I can now thank my childhood music teacher who I learnt nothing from because he only told people what they couldn't do, rather than explore the possibilities of what they could do. So now,  I teach people in the oppposite way to him. Although I can teach music theory, it's not my preferred method of teaching. Over the years, I have developed a more hands-on, intuitive method when teaching students to learn the guitar that is more about feel and trusting your own judgement. This method has proven successful with a wide age range from 8 year olds to 80 year olds! My approach as a musician is to never give up. You've got to have an attitude that everything is possible-  it's just up to the individual and how much time they want to put in!

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I got the idea to start Angel Valve in 2010 after feeling that there was a need for a studio that lent itself to the particular needs of singer-songwriters; somewhere for them to be supported and assisted in elevating their work to a professional level. I'd known for a long time that people can be intimidated by studios that are loaded with technical equipment, bright lights and pressure-cooker atmospheres- it's scary and mysterious to a lot of people. So, I wanted to create something that was less threatening: an environment with a homely, intimate feel and between the therapy cats, sequin cushions (thanks, fashion department) and tea and biscuits, I like to think I've achieved that. During the creative process, I Iike to explain what I'm doing to people's work in layman's terms so as to not confuse them with tech-speak. This may include help with lyrics, composition, choosing instruments, the provision of session work (guitar/bass/keyboards/ percussion/various stringed instruments). The studio houses a large selection of quality vintage instruments, that are available to be used on request. I am currently working with many songwriters whose work covers all genres including pop, folk, rock, jazz and dance. Songwriting workshops are also in place now should you be interested . ​

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I have often heard clients say that they find Angel Valve a place of sanctuary. Somewhere they can not only be creative, but they can enjoy the laidback atmosphere of the calming environment, far removed from the world and it's troubles. I really enjoy working with a varied client base who all have individual requirements and aspriations. They range from serious musicians  who have their eye on a career-changing end result to beginner songwriters, who may just be testing the water and having fun whilst working on a tangible end product, born out of a musical idea that they hope to share with their family and friends. Though, importantly, the same effort and care will be taken with these smaller projects as with any other work undertaken at Angel Valve and who knows, once you have enjoyed the process, you may go on to finish your first album like so many of my long-term writers and musicians. On many occasions, after being taught to play an instrument, some music students have gone on to show an interest in the studio, and with a little help, guidance and encouragement, I now see people on a weekly basis who are putting their new-found skills into creating original music.

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