John
Tabs
The first lesson is always a trial lesson.
If for any reason you are not happy we will fully refund any pending charges or help you find a new teacher. Your choice!
Teaching Statement
"I wish I had you as a teacher 20 years ago!" - recent comment from classical guitar student.
I teach guitar and other music courses in the Metro Vancouver area. I offer private guitar lessons based on the classical style. Learn to hear and read music. Learn the best guitar technique so you develop the skills to last a lifetime, to play in any style. You get my core teaching and learn the music you want to play. I also teach electronic music, theory, musicianship and composition.
Whether you want to learn for personal enjoyment or prepare for a music career, I give you the guidance you need, including conservatory or university exam preparation. I give priority to students with previous music experience on any instrument.
Education
D.Mus. and M.Mus., composition, McGill University School of Music
B. Mus., composition, University of British Columbia
San Francisco Conservatory of Music: studied classical guitar with George Sakellariou; master classes with Michael Lorimer, Abel Carlevarro, Pepe Romero, Leo Brouwer, and others. A summer of private studies with British guitarist and composer Gilbert Biberian were crucial to Oliver’s musical development as guitarist and composer. Oliver studied music composition with John Adams, whose encouragement lead Oliver to become a professional composer.
Biography
Oliver has performed as guitarist in solo, chamber and orchestral settings with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Borealis String Quartet, François Houle, Vancouver Chinese Music Ensemble, the Little Giant Chinese Orchestra (Taiwan), and others, and has appeared at various music festivals, and on the concert series of New Music Concerts, Vancouver New Music, Groundswell, Upstream, New Works Calgary, and Music in the Morning among others.
In 2002 he toured 11 Canadian cities with his group Structural Damage with guest improvisers Ron Samworth, Kasuhisa Uchihashi, and Yoshiro Otani, appearing at several universities across Canada, as well as on the concert series of New Works Calgary, Upstream (Halifax), Groundswell (Winnipeg), The Music Gallery (Toronto), Tim Brady's "Guitarevolution" (Montreal), Vancouver New Music, and Open Space (Victoria).
Oliver has pursued a personal project with guitar, computer and synthesizers since 1991. This project developed into a solo "immersive sound" event by 2005, when Oliver was invited to present a Portrait Concert of his electroacoustic music by Réseau des art médiatiques (Montréal). He now uses various special guitars whose sound he transforms by realtime computer processing. Oliver is an expert in Ableton LIVE, Logic Pro, Native instruments, and Sibelius notation software.
Oliver is a member teacher and performer of the Vancouver Classic Guitar Society.
Studio Policies
JOHN OLIVER
STUDIO POLICY
Welcome as a new student to my studio.
This information is provided to maintain clear communications and make the most of our time and energy studying the guitar and/or music. The principles listed below will help you make the most of your investment in the guitar and yourself.
PUNCTUALITY
Always come to your lesson on time with all materials ready for use. The lesson will begin and end on time.
PRACTICE
Practice every day. Daily practice ensures progress.
LEARN OUTSIDE LESSONS
In your free time, listen to recordings, youtube, etc., and attend concerts.
CONDUCT
Cell phones or other devices may not be consulted during a class, except in case of emergency, or as an aid to instruction.
Thank you for enrolling in my classes.
John