Ms Lauren Harrison (B.Mus-degree Student, 4th year)
Classical and Flamenco Guitar Specialist
‘My interests in music have taken me from Contemporary Rock music to Classical and to many interesting styles of music in between as I have travelled along my musical journey.
I first picked up the guitar at age thirteen and became obsessed with anything that had to do with rock music and how I could play it. I was in a Heavy Metal band for a while and we had a few gigs around the Melville area. At this point I could not read music but I knew that I always wanted to study music further.
I completed my high school diplomas at a school that offered A Level’s in music. Studying under Franscois Bezuidenhout, I began to learn the theory of music and then composition as well. Franscois mentored me as a former university music student, in helping me believe that it was possible to go on to do that as well.
I joined the University of Witwatersrand in 2008 and enjoyed a brief stint in Jazz guitar, but quickly realised that Classical guitar was where my passion for the instrument lay. Upon learning the Classical guitar I became determined to master techniques that were, as many said, above my years of playing that genre, but in one year I was able to achieve going from a grade three level to a grade eight level, out of sheer determination.
I know first-hand that anything is possible if you put your mind to it and then also your time. I am currently studying under one of South Africa’s finest Classical guitarists, Jonathan Crossley and have enjoyed a Master Class with Cape Town Classical guitarist, James Grace.
It is my dream for the future to compose my own music in a ‘Classical style’ on the guitar. I feel that finding your own voice through a creative outlet is very important and that is why I have chosen to dedicate my life to it. I also have a passion for passing the knowledge of what other great teachers have taught me, and help others realise their dreams. We may not all want to be virtuosos but playing an instrument is a great way to relax and explore your own creativity.
I am currently working with Francois at his music academy here in Johannesburg, in the hopes of extending my passion for the Classical guitar on to many more students.’
Auditions for Classical and Flamenco Guitar will take place on request, and lessons will thereafter be held on Saturdays only. For audition dates please e-mail PBMA at info@phoenixbenedict.com