richard hillyer music
London
Richard started playing the electric guitar at age eight after being inspired by
a Spanish guitarist on a family holiday in Menorca. Richard was privately taught
up until age fifteen and continued his study of music through college and
university after he left school. He performed regularly as a child gigging from
age nine in social clubs and retirement homes, playing a variety of
Shadows/Buddy Holly music. Richard has entered numerous competitions over the
years, one of which he came second in at the Fry’s Club Search For A Star
Competition. He has also performed at the Lakeside venue where the Darts are
televised, winning a Fender guitar presented to him by Bruce Welch of The
Shadows. He also played for five years in a successful pub/wedding, functions
band called Outbreak. Richard continues to regularly involve himself in
performances and has deputised for many local bands including Tundra & Obsidian.
Richard also performs regularly with a six piece wedding/function band called
Freeze. He is a full time professional musician, making a living from
performing, teaching and studio session work. Richard has seven years teaching
experience and has performed in thousands of venues all over the South West in
the seventeen years he has been playing the guitar. He graduated with a BA
Honours Degree in Professional Musicianship from the Bristol Institute Of Modern
Music. He has been featured on their website under success stories. Take a read
Here. Musicians who have passed through the doors have included, James Bay, The
Kooks & George Ezra. He has been lucky enough to receive master classes from
guitarists such as Greg Howe (Michael Jackson’s guitarist) Rene Woollard (Jessie
J/Olly Murs/Cheryl Cole session guitarist) and has been taught by professional
guitarists who regularly work for Guitarist, Total Guitar & Guitar Techniques
magazines including Stuart Ryan & Jamie Humphries. Richard was also lucky enough
to perform onstage with bassist Jet Harris from The Shadows. He has also
featured in an interview on making a living as a professional guitarist in Total
Guitar magazine, issue number #257. He has experience teaching in schools as
part of the South Gloucestershire Music Hub, so he’s comfortable teaching in a
group lesson environment.
