About Ron Dolan
My background and philosophy to music
How it all started…
My musical journey began with the study of the piano at age 7 however, I was quickly drawn to the evocative sounds of the guitar. This led me to alter my musical compass and set a new course with a change in instruments at 10 years of age.
This change led me to a lifelong study of the guitar, its repertoire and the wide variety of genres available to the instrument. Since this period in my life began, my relationship with the guitar has intensified and grown into a lifelong career as a player, teacher, performer, composer and perpetual student of the instrument and music in general.
My early career
My early guitar career began like so many young musicians who fall under the spell of this instrument: I started by performing in rock bands. I quickly formed my own rock band and trained each member to play their respective instruments. However, my appetite to understand and absorb a wider range of music soon led me to explore the seductive and subtle sounds of classical, jazz and Latin American guitar music. To my delight, I discovered some of the world’s most beautiful music and over the years, my interest and love of these genres deepened dramatically.
Formal music studies
My enjoyment of these genres was such that I was inspired to undertake a robust and demanding formal study of music. This ultimately led me to graduate with a conservatory level Teachers Licentiate in Guitar (Distinction) from Trinity College London. My teaching attributes include preparing pupils for exams (both school and external such as AMEB, Trinity College (TCL), Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) etc.), the study of music theory, musicianship, and composition.
In addition, I was blessed to be taught by some of the most talented and wonderful musicians. These included Fritz Buss, who is a disciple of the great Spanish Classical Maestro, Narciso Yepes, and Jimmy Gilmer, a wonderfully colourful jazz guitar maestro. I was also fortunate to experience the teachings of the great Narciso Yepes. Theory and composition teachers included Mike Wolfson, (harmony, counterpoint, and composition), and Gordon Reid (modal form and harmony).
Personal music interests
Discovering these various genres drew me towards performing in ensembles, quartets, trios, duets, small orchestras and sometimes as a soloist. Whichever form or combination of these I participated in, I gained immense joy and personal enrichment from the experience. I simply enjoyed offering people the opportunity to experience ‘musical storytelling’. These experiences have led me to explore the avenue of composing for the instrument, recording with other instrumentalists and extending the repertoire of the guitar in whatever manner I can.
While performing solo with any instrument can be a joy in itself, the infusion of pleasure when making music with other musicians cannot adequately be described in words. It has to be experienced to fully appreciate the spiritual enrichment of the soul that takes place. As Beethoven has been quoted to have said, ‘Music is the mediator between the spiritual and the sensual life.’ For this reason, I encourage my students to play with other instrumentalists as soon as they are sufficiently competent to do so. Similarly, I encourage pupils to perform whenever possible, even if this is a Sunday evening concert for parents at home or a group of friends.
My teaching career
During more than 30 years of music teaching in various settings, I have had the privilege to help people of all ages and levels emanating from a wide range of backgrounds and professions. During this time, I have taught both exceptionally talented students as well as folks who have physical and cognitive challenges remaining after illness or injury. Music is often the most rewarding activity for people in their later years.
My professional appointments have included universities, performing arts schools, conservatories, as well as private schools. I have also filled the role of adjudicator of guitar competitions. I am a registered music teacher with the NSW Music Teachers Association (NSW MTA) and hold a current ‘NSW Working with Children’ check.
What I look for in pupils
After many years of teaching music, I consider that there are really only three requirements to be a successful student of music. Simply put these are…
- Most importantly, an unbridled passion for the instrument and its music. Without passion, the endurance required to travel the road of learning an instrument will seem very daunting
- Dedication to persevere while you cognitively and physically learn the intricacies of what is required to master the instrument you have chosen and,
- Commitment to allocate regular time to the practice of the instrument which is essential to succeed
My opinion is that when these three core ingredients are coupled with the pupil’s innate talent, a positive result will ultimately emerge. I have never taught anyone who has not progressed in ability when these three ingredients are present and actively at work.
I regard myself as an empathic, patient and dedicated teacher who seeks to help you achieve your goal whether that is the casual or formal study of the instrument. My goal is to constantly strive for consistent growth and progress in the student’s musical development.
I welcome your enquiry and the opportunity to learn more about your aspirations, dreams, and hopes for the guitar so please feel free to contact me to discuss these further!
Ron Dolan, Guitar teacher, Sydney