The Guitar Lab
Guitar Tutors
DAVID THIRGOOD
Business Owner & Principal Guitar Tutor
DAVID THIRGOOD
As of 2023, David Thirgood has entered his 19th year of full time music tuition (both privately and in NSW State and Catholic School systems). David has been a guitarist since the age of 7 and began playing professionally at the age of 14. Having had the opportunity to be mentored by some of Australia's best guitarists including Phil Emmanuel, Rex Goh, Brett Garsed, Steve Grieve, Rick Price and Ross Ward (of Wards Express), David is able to play seamlessly in a variety of styles ranging from Rock, Pop, Country, Jazz, Bluegrass and Rockabilly... and many more!
With career highlights including appearances on The Midday Show with Kerri-Anne Kennerley, regional NSW Sydney Olympic Torch Relay shows, performing alongside Australian singer-songwriter (and record breaking 7 Golden Guitar winner) Sara Storer, touring with some of Sydney's best cabaret/impersonator shows as principal guitarist and performing in pit orchestras as lead guitarist with countless theatre groups across Sydney, David kept a varied and consistent work schedule always with a goal to find the next challenge and to "never stop getting better".
With a speciality in understanding that all students are individuals, David is a master at creating tailored programs for students that examines their wants/needs so that every student is able to achieve their specific goals while having FUN!
David owns The Guitar Lab in the heart of Drummoyne where all lessons are held in a professional studio with high quality equipment and 21st century technology.
ROSS WARD
Guitar Tutor
ROSS WARD
Ross Ward is a full-time musician/performer/singer-songwriter with an extensive history dating back to 1969, and has worked with and alongside some of the biggest names in the business including Ronnie Burns, Stevie Wright, The Cure, Canned Heat, Phil Emmanuel, Steve Miller and Santana.
As band-leader for "Wards Xpress" or as a solo act, Ross has appeared on multiple occasions at almost every major festival in the country including the Byron Bay BluesFest and the "Deni Blues and Roots Festival (now Big Sky Festival)".
Ross has produced two consecutive no 1 CD’s (Australian Blues & Roots charts), and his ‘Man Of the Road’ music video made it to number 15 on the CMC "Most Requested" chart in 2016.
Moving his home base from Sydney to the Central Coast in 2020 (and then back to Sydney in 2023!), Ross has formed the band "The Defenders" (a primarily festival act) and plays regularly as lead guitarist for the "Sunday Drivers" and "Mirrabooka" bands. Adaptable with a serious sense of humour, he covers a lot of bases.
As a guitar teacher, Ross also covers most bases and has a long list of happy clients having taught consistently since 2010. “My philosophy with teaching is to get you playing songs as quickly as possible. I have a system that has received a lot of success from beginners to advanced players. Typically, I will cover influences from the blues, though I have a background in a variety of styles. I’m very proud of so many of my former students who have moved to their own professional careers as performers in the music industry. I also hope to inspire you along the way!”