I have been learning guitar with Henry for about 6 months now and I have made a considerable amount of progress in that time. He is a very encouraging and patient teacher who explains what I’m learning very clearly. He is very knowledgeable about different styles of music and playing techniques. He will teach you how to solo, play scales and rhythm guitar. He will give interesting lessons on music theory as well. He will even teach you some of your favourite songs too! I am really enjoying my guitar lessons with Henry and I feel very comfortable about my upcoming grading. - Matthew, Guitar Student
About Me - Henry Whitby (BA (Hons), MMus, DipLCM)
After starting piano at the age of 12 and guitar at 13, I studied a wide range of genres before starting work as a freelance pop and rock performer and classical accompanist. I achieved Grade 8 Electric Guitar and DipLCM in Jazz Guitar in this time.
During my BA in Music, I began to specialise in jazz, composition and musicology, performing solo jazz piano recitals, writing contemporary experimental and jazz compositions and producing a dissertation on institutional racism and jazz fusion. I continued this specialism during my MMus in Music Composition, developing my musical knowledge and exploring experimental music and jazz in greater detail.
I have been teaching for several years, including one-to-one tuition, larger groups and in a sixth form classroom, from 10 to 70+ year old students of all abilities and music taste, both privately and as a Hampshire Music Service teacher. I currently offer lessons in guitar, piano, bass, ukulele, music theory and composition and GCSE and A Level tutoring privately from my studio at home.
My performing career began as pianist for college productions of Phantom of the Opera, Sister Act, and as Pianist/Musical Director for Little Shop of Horrors. This led on to performing and directing charity shows like Basingstoke Variety Show, Basingstoke Gangshow with the Hampshire Scouts, and I have since performed on stage, in theatres, at weddings, events and more. Some recent examples include playing guitar and keyboards for musicals such as Rent and Priscilla: Queen of the Desert with BATS and CODY theatre companies, working as a freelancer for Anvil Arts and the University of Winchester and performing in a 5-piece progressive metal band. During my time at university, I was employed as the accompanist for the Student Union choir.
In 2023, I joined the Starburst Foundation production team as Musical Director for their annual pantomime, as well as The Essential Jazz Quartet as pianist, performing a broad setlist of classic jazz standards and more modern jazz fusion tunes.
Most recently I have begun teaching with Hampshire Music Service, providing guitar, keyboard and Rock to the Beat ensemble provision in both primary and secondary settings.
A performance of my transcription of Jim Hall’s head and solo on Stella By Starlight