​David Joseph Powderly LRSL, ALCM(TD), is an Irish guitar teacher with over 30 years playing experience, has taught internationally, and is currently an Examiner in Australia and New Zealand for the Registry of Guitar tutors.
All ages, levels and learning styles taught, complete beginner to professional, from Elementary and Preliminary grades to Licentiate level, from 7 years old to 70. Tailored curriculae for students with special needs are also available.
Previous students include Britain's Got Talent entrants, professional rock and contemporary guitarists, recording artists, singer/songwriters, jazz and session musicians among many others.
David gave his first lessons at the age of 15 and loved the teaching experience. He decided to specialise in music from an early age, graduating from Pulse Recording College in the top percentile, and continuing his studies with the Institute of Acoustics in St. Albans, UK. He studied under the Registry of Guitar Tutors syllabus, achieved guitar grades and specialised in guitar teaching, attaining his Diploma and Associate Diploma accredited by the London College of Music.
He attained a Licentiate in Music Teaching from Rockschool in 2015, which is currently the highest available internationally accredited instrumental teaching qualification available, and is awarded by the AMEB in Australia. He continues to further his studies in pedagogy by researching current developments in the psychology of learning, special needs education and any applicable areas.
His love of music always rested in sharing knowledge and discovering new and exciting material both for, and in conjunction with his students. He has over 25 years teaching experience. He has taught music in Ireland, the UK and New Zealand, and has a current international student roster online.
He co-founded Meath Music Academy in Ireland which grew from strength to strength. Within 4 years the school grew from a 2 teacher partnership to having 11 teachers in many musical disciplines, over 300 students, becoming one of the most respected music education hubs in the North East of Ireland, and having two Music Examiners from different countries as permanent members of staff.
However, David's heart has been in Australia since 2002, the country to which he returned to live in 2017.
His philosophy in teaching revolves around the student.
"The greatest gift we can hope to teach is a love of music. Not just for music, but for the exploration of music... for the joy it brings and all of the emotions it reflects and accentuates, and the minute you pick up an instrument and play, nobody will sound like you. It's yours. Your voice. Your emotion and your joy. Nobody can take that away from you."
Details last updated: February 14, 2024
