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PLEASE CLICK THE MOUSE BUTTON TO VIEW THIS LETTER IN A NEW WINDOW |
Rory is an exceptionally committed and enthusiastic music teacher. He always shows interest in the individual student and makes them feel important and valued, whatever their level of play. Claire Fielding (Student's Parent) |
Rory is without a doubt the man to come to if you want to learn all things bass!
I can put the success of my tutoring down to the friendship he has offered as well as being the most effective teacher I have ever had in any sense of the word. His lessons are relaxed but also highly focused and I always leave every lesson feeling a more accomplished musician than when I arrived. From day one we worked on developing a solid playing technique and the fundimentals of the instrument which are so very important to get right. Before I knew it Rory had turned me into a proficient bass player, arming me with the right skills such as a wide knowledge of playing styles, techniques and theoretical knowledge. I can honestly say the most important thing Rory has done for me as a teacher is to instill the confidence in myself that anyone needs as a player to thrive. If there is something you want to achieve with the bass guitar I couldn't recommend Rory more highly. I have learn't that he can get the most potential out of anyone that dedicates themself because he will give back 200% every time. Tom Ottley (Age 20) |
Rory's infectious and boundless enthusiasm, limitless patience, encyclopedic knowledge and never ending encouragement (not to mention all the cups of tea) for the last couple of years that I have been studying with him, are directly responsible for my return to performance for the first time in nearly three decades! Yes, Rory, it's all your fault! Adrian Lundstrom (Age 49) |
My son Aaron had been playing guitar at a local music club and developed a strong leaning towards the bass. It soon became obvious that he had a flair for this instrument and it was suggested by the music club that he was worth the expense of lessons. I wasn't impressed with what was on offer via his school and eventually a chat with the guys in Vibes [a music shop in Plymouth] led to Rory...and there it all started. Rory is one of those people who you meet twice and feel you have known for years. Friendly, enthusistic and (important to me) doesn't employ a typical teacher/classroom approach. He treats you as an equal, takes time to understand his pupils and tailors the tuition accordingly. Aaron is a typical stroppy 13 year old know all...until he gets to Rory's...As soon as Aaron starts to get ahead of himself, Rory knocks out a riff leaving Aaron with an open mouthed "I want to do that" look on his face (priceless). With Rory you aren't solely getting tuition in playing. This isn't just a job to him, it is a passion. Any advice on the instrument and ancillary equipment is part of the package (his knowledge is vast; you simply cannot put a price on this). He will help you to get the best deal when buying new and has ready access to many of the consumable items. As students progress, they upgrade their kit and sell their used kit through Rory (and no he doesn't take a cut). The money you can save by this service he provides could more than cover the cost of the lessons. If you are new to the instrument it is definitely worth talking to Rory before buying any gear. Aaron has been with Rory for 12 months and is now playing styles he never knew existed. He can hold his own with most people and is jamming at a local youth club with people up to twice his age (the "he's young and won't know much" attitude usually lasts about 5 minutes). Whether Aaron stands on the Pyramid stage in five years time will be down to luck. After another five years with Rory it certainly won't be due to lack of ability! Andy Jacques (Student's parent) I thought I COULD play before I met Rory. Now I know I CAN play thanks to Rory. He is awesome. Aaron Jacques (Age 13) |
I am a 48 year old man who has no previous formal musical training. I had always wanted to try playing the Bass but never truly believed I would achieve that dream. Now I am, and it is thanks to the persuasion of a friend and the good luck to have found a Bass teacher as patient, thorough, capable and friendly as Rory. |
Rory is an amazing teacher and I would definitely recommend him to any one that wants to learn bass. I've had music teachers before but none have made me feel as comfortable and confident as Rory has. He has taught me so much already and I've only been his student for the past four months. He has opened my eyes to grades, styles, techniques and so many other things. Every time I leave a lesson I feel that I have accomplished so much more. I already feel I am an amazing bass player but I know I haven't even scratched the surface yet. I couldn't thank Rory enough for the confidence e had given me and the amount he has taught me. I have got so much more to learn and I am so glad that Rory will be the one teaching me. He is truly the most amazing bass player I have ever met and the best teacher I could ever wish to have!! Thanks Rory!!! Kelly Howells (age 21) |
My son Dan (17) has been learning and developing his love for bass with Rory for the past 3 years. It's not often as a parent of a teenager that you see them filled with inspiration and passion for a subject following lessons! On numerous occasions on picking up Dan from a bass lesson, he has been enthused about either a new style of playing, an awesome piece of music, a cool new bass player or simply the whole experience. Learning should be fun, but also an encounter that assists develops and shapes the individual - and music studies with Rory really do fashion a future. Gone are the days when I could happily teach Dan a few basic guitar chords and accompany him on a few simple songs, I've been left behind - but still jam along happily (if he lets me) with Dan and his mates. The 'bass belief' has impacted on other areas of Dan's student life, particularly his 'A' level product design, where he is currently looking to develop new products to assist his bass playing. Needless to say, Rory is assisting and advising on this project too! I haven't been paid a penny to eulogise like this about RWP - he simply is the bizz! Malcolm Wells (Student's Parent) |
Rory - He's the man! Everything that you want in a single package - encouragement, enthusiasm, a smile, a joke, and, brilliant teacher and musician. 12 months ago I knew next to nothing about a guitar or music, however, 14 lessons later and I'm playing my first full song. All this and coffee too. I'm glad I joined the team, you will too. (But you cannot have my slot for any price). Kenneth Hardy (Age 61) |
I have been taking lessons with Rory now for 2 years, and in that time I have found the lessons to always be focused on improving my technique. I enjoy my lessons with Rory and have found that they have helped me to progress as a player. Rory has always listened to me and then in turn has been able to respond with helpful lessons whether it be to work up to Grade 4 in the graded syllabus exams, work on a certain style of playing for a specific song or prepare an audition piece. Abi Sinclair (Age 17) |
| Well where to start...Rory is one of the nicest guys I've ever met! He takes the time to get to know you and go a bit more than that normal teacher/student thing. He's always really encouraging and upbeat, even though he must have a long day! He organizes lessons with your progress in mind so its a personalised lesson plan. Rory constantly keeps an eye on whether it needs to be altered as well I.E. if he thinks you're doing something well enough to work on it at home he'll move the lessons onto another part of your playing. I'm just about to start the Bass Grade syllabus with him, but he also delves into genres such as Funk, Reggae, Prog Rock, Metal & he's good at them all! He also setups up some really cool trips, like Music Live and other events! They're always fun and he's always willing to go round with you or give advice on stuff! Rory's always there to give advice on gear and equipment, be it amps, pedals or cabs! He also keeps a wicked selection of basses in his teaching Studio! Andrew Westwood (age 24) |
"Rory was recommended to me as 'probably the best bass teacher in Plymouth.' 'Probably' is an understatement! First off the guy is very musical. Second, he can really play that bass. Third he can do a very special thing that many can't - he can teach. Roy Williams (age 53) |
I have been student of Rory’s for the past three years, in which time I have enjoyed the good atmosphere and have appreciated all the encouragement he has given me in our lessons together. I find Rory very easy to relate to, being a cheerful and helpful tutor who takes a genuine interest in his students’ progress. Moreover, he is often full of good tips and ideas when it comes to advancing my abilities on the bass, or getting me around any problems or bad habits I might develop that could impair the quality of my playing. At the same time however, he is always happy to tailor his teaching to my required pace, providing essential motivation along the way. I would not wish to learn with anyone else and I consider these lessons to be one of the highlights of my week. Victoria Grattidge (age 30) |
I started playing bass when I was 16 and never took lessons until I came to Uni in Plymouth in 2004. I was really playing funky bass lines like Red Hot Chili Peppers and Incubus, and I thought I was pretty good at playing those styles. However I had never been able to pick up Slap bass despite buying teach yourself books. When I came to Uni I saw Rory 's advert in Vibes Music in Plymouth and gave him a ring with the intention of learning Slap bass. In my first lesson we discussed where I was with my bass playing and what I wanted to get out of lessons. But since I was self taught Rory thought it would be a good idea to go through his program of basics to pick up on any bad habits I had........and I had a lot. We started with some simple finger fitness exercises designed to enable me to build up my weaker fingers, we also looked at pick technique and about 11 different playing styles. This was all before we even got on to Slap. At first I thought this seemed like a lot of stuff I wasn't really interested in, but I quickly began to realise that Rory's program opened up ways of playing bass that I had never considerd before. Although in my band we were playing a lot of Punk, Funk and Rock my bass lines were starting to become more diverse and interesting as I drew on the new techniques and styles Rory had taught me. I have now completed tear 1 of Rory's 3 tear Slap program and will soon be moving on to using scales and then even more playing styles. The thing that really impresses me about Rory's teaching (apart from the great company and plenty of cups of tea) is the way he makes a program which is both tailored around the student, but also develops any weakness, which like me you may not even realise you had. It also teaches versatility, so now I feel I would be able to play in a Metal, Prog rock or even R&B band, and I can draw on these influences when writing bass lines. Whatever you want to learn, Rory will have a fantastic program to suit you, and you will have a load of laughs along the way. Pete Riddlestone (age 23) |
Rory is an excellent bass tutor. I travel from Bristol on a regular basis to be taught by the best. He is a very patient and fun teacher, who shares and fuels my enthusiasm for music. I had always wanted to learn to play the bass, and Rory has helped me to realise my potential and progresses my playing to a level I didn’t think I could reach. Kris Ellis (age 29) |
I first started bass lessons with Rory during May of 2006 and haven't looked back since. I think that you get everything you need in order to grow as a musician from Rory. The variety of musical styles that are explored is a great aspect, especially for someone like me who previously only focused on one genre, and this can add great new flavours to your playing. Rock, funk, southern, progressive & everything in between. Rory works to your pace as well and really emphasizes the importance of developing a solid, machine like technique, which when perfected will set you up so well for future playing. I can safely say that I wouldn't even be quarter of the player I am now without Rory. The lesson's themselves are always great fun and I look forward to them every week. It's a comfortable place to be and Rory is very friendly and is really interested in you a player. He wants you to get better and really involves you in every aspect of bass, and music in general. Oliver Isbell (age 25) |
Just over two years ago I was given a couple of Bass lessons with Rory for Christmas. I had been thinking of taking up bass for years but as often happens I never got round to it. Malcolm Rowe (age 53) |
I have been having lessons with Rory for nearly 2 years now, I first found Rory after picking up his leaflet in Mansons guitar shop in Exeter. After giving him a ring & talking about everything I would learn including the different genres of music & the different playing styles, I knew this was the man I wanted to teach me bass. As I come from a place 20 minutes from Exeter, it means an hour's journey to Plymouth. Some people say it's a long way to travel for a bass lesson but I know I will get to learn as much as I can in those 2 hour sessions (the coffee's good too). Dan Armstrong (age 22) |
I have been having lessons with Rory for around two years and have enjoyed learning a good mix of theory and practical skills. I find Rory to be a very knowledgeable and patient teacher, he has helped me on my way and was happy to help me choosing my equipment - much appreciated Rory! Me and my band have just done our first gig at school in front of an audience of 400. Thanks to Rory I managed to put into effect a number of skills, which helped me in making my first gig a success. Cheers Rory Joe Hesford (age 14) |
I've been going to Rory for about 18 months now and the improvement in my playing is amazing. The improvement is much more than the natural progression that comes with time, entire aspects of my playing have changed. For instance, several months (going once a month) we worked on my right hand technique. This is something that every other bass teacher that I have had has neglected but I know that it has made a massive improvement to my playing. I felt that he was helping me so much that I doubled the amount of lessons that I have. Rory also helped me pick out my new guitar (a fender jazz) and was a great help explaining the choices that I had to make. He did such a good job; I hang the bass on my wall as an ornament. I don't think that I will buy another bass again. He is helping me to become a better bassist not just a bass player by exposing me to all different styles and genres of music. This is very important to any musician and this is why I would not recommend anyone else. Joe Wrennall (age 17) |
Rory has been teaching me for just over two years now; I have enjoyed his lessons very much. Not only have I developed my techniques in playing bass, but also I have learnt them in a comfortable relaxed environment. Playing bass has given me self-confidence and a sense of achievement. This would not have been possible without Rory, though professional he is also a friend. Rory may play like a machine but he has a heart of gold, even though he is cheeky to my mum sometimes :-) Without Rory I wouldn't be where I am in my bass techniques today. Katie Deacon (age 17) |
"For 10 years I used to practice both guitar and bass in the privacy of my own home, since I started working with Rory, two and a half years ago, my Bass playing skills have progressed past the next level and beyond. I have played in three very different bands, done many gigs and have stood and played in front of 750 plus people.
The tuition has helped develop my playing ability, confidence, music knowledge and opened my eyes to all types of music. Rory does not only teach but supports what you do, gives advice and helps out wherever he can. He has since become a very good friend." Craig Rodgers (age 27) |
"Initially, I started learning bass with a man called Ian who I was taught by for a little while, before I was past on into the hands of his brother Rory. In no time at all I could feel and hear a difference to my playing and technique (no offence Ian). I had lessons from Rory at my school for half an hour a week. This doesn’t sound long or very much but I found that Rory was a very confident, willing and most importantly a patient teacher whose main aim was perfection. His relaxed attitude towards his students combined with his love of teaching created the perfect atmosphere to learn.
After a while, Rory stopped teaching at the school and stuck to home tuition. As he was such an excellent tutor I started attending lessons at his house. There hasn’t been a single occasion where I wasn’t greeted by a smile, and no occasion when I left without one. I have stayed with Rory over the years because he provides outstanding services and tuition. If you require any assistance he will be more than happy to go out of his way to try and lend a hand, whether strings, plectrums or even guitars are needed, or you want to sell an item he will make sure he will give the best service and support your need (he even sorted me a DVD one time). All in all, outstanding man, as I have said, I have been with him for some years now and I will keep going back, thanks for every thing Rory, couldn’t have done it without you mate! Adam A. Mason (age 16) |
"I have had Rory as my bass tutor for over a year now, and the whole
experience has been very enjoyable. Rory has overseen and taught me
from being unable to play bass, to being able to achieve my dream of
forming my own band and writing and playing my own bass riffs.
He has also been able to provide me with very good contacts amongst music shops allowing me discount on a wide range of items, along with personally sourcing me a bass that I'm going to keep for a lifetime." Rob Wildman (age 23) |
"I have been interested in learning a musical instrument for many years and never really got round to it. Finally, at the age of 32, I decided to take up bass. After a quick trawl through the adverts in Vibes I saw Rory's flyer and decided to give him a call. Before contacting Rory I was a little unsure of what to expect. I thought I would be the oldest student he had and was concerned about taking up an instrument so late. My fears were proved unfounded as, after speaking to Rory, I found he had a number of "older" students. We discussed what the tuition would involve and what lesson times were available, Rory even suggested a great starter bass that served me well for two years when I finally traded it in. Rory takes you through everything to do with the bass, from finger fitness to styles and also gets you learning some industry standard songs from very early on. This really keeps your interest up and, along with Rory's personality, makes for a great atmosphere and a pleasant distraction from my day job. What I also find with Rory is that he has a wide taste in music, he's not tunnelled into one style which means that you can develop your own style over time. We have had many discussions about bands and what we like and dislike. The other great thing about Rory is he's a fantastic sales man. Recently I decided to trade in my old bass for something a little bit more upmarket. Rory managed to sell my bass quickly and even took me around various music stores to find my ideal bass. This was invaluable to me as I was able to get Rory's professional opinion on the guitars I was looking at. I would strongly recommend Rory to anyone and of any age." Martin Buck (age 34) |
"About 2 years ago I picked up my brother’s bass after he lost interest in it. 6 months later I had made some progress but wanted to take it further so contacted Rory. Immediately I began improving and 18 months later I have been through different finger techniques, pick technique, all sorts of musical styles, slap techniques, loads of songs and more.
What sets Rory apart from my bass teacher at school is his commitment to the instrument, his thorough teaching of it and his friendly attitude. He also offers more than just tuition in that he gives advice on gear, offers discount on gear, gives advice for my band, organises trips to events such as MusicLive and is always willing to help in any music-related problems." James Allen (age 16) |
"I first picked up a bass guitar approximately 2 years ago, and I literally didn’t know one end from the other let alone anything about the technicalities of music itself. To begin with I tried teaching myself by getting books and dvds but it soon became obvious that I could only go so far using that approach.
Rory was recommended to me through a trusted source, and a year later I am now in my own band with gigs booked for the year ahead.
Lessons are structured to the individual and give you a fundamental grounding in the basics that are vital to build the more advanced techniques upon. Every aspect is covered from how to hold the instrument and knowing where the notes are right through to every style of music and technical ability. Most importantly for me though the lessons are fun and I am always sorry to see them come to an end. I always look forward to my next lesson, as I know that I will learn something new every time.
Rory has an unrivalled passion for music and bass that rubs off on you and always leaves you on a high.
I feel that I have learned so much from these lessons and I haven’t even begun to scratch the surface yet which for me is very exciting. At 36 years of age I thought that I was too old to achieve much in the way of technical ability and my only goal when I started was to be able to play something that resembled music and wouldn’t have people reaching for their ear plugs. With Rory’s help I have already far surpassed this and am now setting my goals higher all the time. I would recommend Rory Pearse as a bass tutor to anyone without question." Peter Gooding (age 37) |
"I have been with Rory for over two years. In that time he has taught me a great deal about my instrument of choice. Instead of the boring bits like scales and other exercises Rory throws you in at the deep end with full songs to learn. No pressure though, you learn in your own time, at your own pace. If there’s a song you’d particularly like to learn then you can add that to your wish list and as soon as Rory feels you’re ready he will introduce it into your lesson. Rory’s knowledge of the instrument and electronic gadgetry that can accompany it is peerless. Not only will Rory teach you how to play but if required he will also teach you how to use the various effects pedals you might buy in the ensuing months. There is no question in my mind that if I hadn’t gone to Rory as my Bass Guitar teacher I wouldn’t be anywhere near as accomplished as I am." Andy Proctor (age 47) |
