Meet our tutors - James Rowdon

James Rowdon has enjoyed playing guitar from a young age. Originally from Dorset, it was his love for music that brought him to Kent, as he travelled here to study it at University. Since then, he played in many different bands in the county, enjoying genres like Jazz/Big Band Swing, Afrobeat, Funk, Soul, Rock/Blues, Folk/Trad, as well as performing solo classical guitar. His inspiration has long been Francisco Tarrega, who helped to popularise guitar in the 19th century. James says: 'He learned to play being partially blind and later continued performing concerts after becoming partially paralyzed, so I like to use him as an example of playing and learning music in the face of adversity'.

Now, he shares his passion for music with others through teaching at Kent Adult Education. But why does he enjoy it so much? Hear it from James himself: 'I don't think anything beats the satisfaction of teaching a student and watching them perform, knowing that you helped nurture and facilitate that ability. Music is also a great tool for inspiring pride and happiness in people, so I am very fortunate to teach in this area. Music has been my passion since I was a child and so having a job where I am able to teach and talk about it all day long is very rewarding'.

James' classes are fun, friendly and relaxed. He allows students to lead the way and this makes his lessons feel unforced and natural. He allows his learners to learn from material they already love so that they stay motivated, but he also thinks it's important to expose them to styles of music they might not have heard before. But above all, James is dedicated to ensuring that this students learn to truly enjoy and appreciate music.