Guitar
John Mitchell studied guitar with Charles Ramirez at the Royal College of Music for seven years. He also studied piano and singing and was selected to take part in a series of master classes given by John Williams, graduating in 1989 with the RCM’s Teaching and Performing Diplomas. Having tried (and failed) to master the violin and piano, his parents gave him a guitar at the age of 8 in the hope that developing his finger muscles would improve his untidy handwriting, though anyone attempting to read his scrawl will attest that the idea didn’t quite go to plan.
Since graduating he has divided his time between teaching, performing and working for the RCM Junior Department where he has been Performance Manager since 1989. He is also a Course Manager for the National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain, running residential course logistics and heading the Social Staff teams. In May 2010 he was honoured by the RCM in recognition of services both to the College and music education, receiving his HonRCM from the College’s President, HRH The Prince of Wales.
A former Woking Young Musician of the Year, he has given numerous recitals and master classes for Music and Guitar Societies nationwide and has appeared with the Imperial College, Jersey Symphony, National Youth Ballet and Royal College of Music Orchestras. His recordings include movie and television soundtracks and a number of studio albums.
Outside music, his interests include foreign travel, photography, motor racing, cricket, avoiding housework and trying to remember why he opened the fridge, and when time permits, he can be found behind the controls of whatever light aircraft he can get his hands on.
