Alison Storm - guitarist and teacher

So how did it all begin?

I began playing Classical Guitar at the age of 11. Previously, from the age of 5, I had played the piano for a year or so but had given it up after a change of teacher. The new teacher was a little too serious for the 5-year-old me and I had stopped enjoying it. For years after that I remember missing playing an instrument. I grew up in a reasonably musical household; my Mum plays the piano and my Dad has always been a huge classical music lover. It was actually my younger brother who first showed an interest in the playing the guitar. However, my parents were advised that he was too young... so I thought I'd give it a go. I guess I stole the idea really!

How did you get started?

We searched for guitar teachers in the yellow pages and in local news papers. My first guitar teacher was great and I stayed with him until I went to University. When I started having lessons I don't think I had a strong idea what genre of music I wanted to play. My teacher, although he did a bit of everything, was really a Classical Guitarist. Although I enjoyed listening to pop/rock/indie music, I found that I really enjoyed playing Classical Guitar. I knew very few other Classical Guitarists so I think I liked that fact that I was doing something a bit different. I guess music became quite an important part of my school life. I became quite used to performing and was often asked to play in school concerts.

Who/what inspired you to pursue music as a career?

I had never considered music as a career until my Mum suggested it when I was about 16 or 17. At the time I didn't really think that I was good enough and I wasn't really sure where a degree in music would lead. However, the idea really grew on me. I remember leaving my guitar lessons feeling quite inspired and thinking 'actually, it would be really great if I could do this all the time!’. My guitar teacher was very supportive of the idea of me studying music. He gave me advice on courses and helped me to prepare for auditions. I was lucky enough to get into a Classical music degree course at Napier University.

Do you perform alone or with others?

Throughout school and a lot of University I performed largely on my own. The nice thing about Classical Guitar is that you don't really need anyone else- it's a bit like the piano in that respect. However, the life of the performing Classical Guitarist could also be a lonely one for this reason. These days I perform with my friend Rhiannon, who plays the flute. We have been playing together reasonably regularly since our final year of University. The best thing about our duo is that we keep each other motivated to practise and to perform.

What's the most memorable event you have performed at?

During my 4th year at University I performed in the House of Lords at a dinner for the Scottish Peers. Unexpectedly I was not just performing but was also a 'guest' at dinner! A totally surreal experience!

Did you naturally progress onto providing tuition for others?

Yes, I always imagined that I would teach in some capacity. I have always liked the idea of being self employed so private teaching became quite appealing to me. My first teaching job was in a school though. I was very lucky and got the job while I was still at University. I knew the person that had taught there previously; he recommended me for the job. At the time I only had 3 or 4 pupils there. I still teach in the same school, but now I have twenty pupils! I also teach from home.

What's the best thing about developing student's musical skills?

It is nice to think that you are passing something on; a skill that not everyone has, and hopefully one that your students will always get pleasure from.

What skills are most important in your role as a teacher?

Patience and enthusiasm!

Tips for budding musicians and potential teachers?

Musicians - Natural talent is extremely helpful but in the real world showing yourself to be reliable and hard working is also important.

Teachers - Remain enthusiastic about your subject/instrument by practising, performing, and not falling out of touch with what is going on in the guitar/music world.