Guitar Lessons at JWA

Saul Richardson, B.Ed (Hons), MACE

Saul Richardson is a guitarist and bass player who graduated from the University of Sydney with First Class Honours in Education and the University Medal in 1995. He studied Jazz guitar under Steve Brien and Steve McKenna, and conducting with Jerry Nowak. He is an internationally recognized Jazz educator, and served two years as Australasian representative on the Executive Board of the International Association for Jazz Education (IAJE).  Saul also lectures in jazz pedagogy at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

Richardson established and developed the renowned Jazz program at North Sydney Boys’ High School, now widely regarded as a benchmark of excellence in its field in Australia. He was recognized by the (IAJE) at their January 2004 conference for his outstanding service to Jazz Education.

As a performer he has worked with many of Australia’s leading Jazz artists and groups including Ed Wilson, John Morrison and Swing City Big Band, Andrew Firth, Roger Frampton, Don Burrows, Col Nolan, Keith Stirling and Tony and Bob Barnard. He has performed throughout Australia, the UK and Europe and in the USA. Mr Richardson is also director of the NSW Department of Education and Training Arts Unit Stage Band and has previously directed the Blue Riff big band and the Powerhouse big band. He is a founding member of IAJE in NSW and works as a clinician, consultant and adjudicator.

Some of Saul Richardson’s past students have included Simon Ferenci, National Jazz Award winning pianist Jackson Harrison, Dale Gorfinkel, Jeremy Rose, Jamie Castrisos, Scott Simpkins, Robert Sidaway, Andrew Brooks, Martin Wieczorek, and many other fine young musicians now making their own mark on the Australian Jazz scene. Graduates of his programs and ensembles can be found studying tertiary music across Australia, working professionally as performers and educators, or simply appreciating and hearing Jazz with discerning ears.

Carl Morgan, B.Mus.

One of Australia’s rising stars of jazz guita, Carl Morgan grew up in the rural village of Central Tilba on the NSW South Coast, picking up the guitar at the age of 9. After completing high school, Carl attended the Australian National University in 2006-09, graduating with a Bachelor of Music. He was awarded the Peter and Lena Karmel anniversary award for the most outstanding graduate at the ANU School of Music. Carl was a finalist in the National Jazz Awards in 2007, and a finalist in the James Morrison Scholarship in 2008.

Carl has played with many of the top names in Jazz from Australia and overseas. As a composer he is gaining recognition with his group the “Carl Morgan Quintet”, which features some of the most talented young musicians from around Australia. He is a member of the Jazzgroove Mothership Orchestra, Australia’s premier contemporary big band, which performs regularly around the country.

Jazz Improvisation

All of the teachers at the Jazz Workshop can give lessons in jazz improvisation to any student, regardless of their instrument. Saul Richardson specialises in teaching improvisation to beginners and young players. Other JWA teachers love to teach very advanced concepts.

So, whatever instrument you or your child play, one of our teachers can give lessons in jazz improvisation. Lessons can be either ongoing, occasional, or a short series. Call or email for details