Welcome to our new series called Spotlight, where we shine a light on a member of our Front Row family and see what they’ve been getting up to outside of teaching. All our tutors are working musicians and we’re so lucky that they’re able to swap the stage for the classroom. Our students get Front Row seats to be inspired by their skills and knowledge. First up is a tutor from our Manchester Franchise, Chris Liggett.
Who is Chris?
Chris has been teaching with us since 2015 and does an amazing job teaching guitar and ukulele in a number of primary schools around Manchester, but he’s much more than just a tutor.
For most of the last 12 months, Chris has been playing with Virgin/EMI artist HRVY.
He’s done a UK tour, played at YouTube HQ and V Festival, has had a sold out show at O2 Academy London, and has amassed over 17,000 Instagram fans!
This led to a showcase for Republic Records in New York and Chris got to shoot a music video in Times Square which you can check out here:
Outside of working with HRVY, Chris has been writing and recording with producer Nat Powers and has done some recording sessions with Ian Prowse.
Chris has his own band called Cassidy Stone with Tim Gallagher (The Voice UK) and they have a management and publishing deal in Nashville. You might be hearing some his music on TV and Adverts in the near future!
As well as America, Chris’ career regularly takes his guitar skills to exotic places like Dubai, Bahrain and Wigan.
Q&A
Who or what made you want to pursue music when you were growing up?
There was always a guitar lying around my house when I was younger. I can vaguely remember aimlessly bashing at the strings trying to imitate the music my dad was listening to at the time – Eagles, Dire Straits etc.
I started having lessons on acoustic guitar at primary school, just like the kids I teach now, and was instantly hooked. When I was about 11 I came across two records by Gary Moore and Albert King and became obsessed with the sound of electric guitars. I knew this was what I wanted to do forever!
Brief stints in several terrible jobs in my late teens confirmed that I had to make music my career. I feel incredibly fortunate I’m able to do so!
What’s been the highlight of your career so far, and what are you looking forward to in the future?
The highlight so far has to be going to NYC to film that music video in Times Square at 3am last summer. A close second place is probably playing festivals – I absolutely love festival season in the UK!
In terms of the future, I’m looking forward to teaching more students and playing abroad even more this year.
What’s the best thing about sharing your passion for music to our Front Row students?
One of my favourite things about teaching is introducing students to new types of music.
I recently asked a group of students if they had ever listened to rock music before. Seeing their faces as they heard AC/DC – Back In Black for the first time was incredible!
I should add this works both ways and some students really keep me on my toes with new music!
Have you had any success stories with Front Row students who have really impressed you?
I used to teach a student who initially wasn’t very confident. In his first few weeks he was very conscious about his playing and never wanted to perform to his classmates or participate in any classroom games.
Over the course of the school year he gradually built up his confidence alongside his skill level. It was amazing to see him perform a solo piece in front of the entire school at the end of the year!
What’s the best tip you can give to anyone starting to learn an instrument?
Patience and fun!
Learning any instrument takes a great deal of time, patience and determination. Practice time can often feel like a massive chore – finding a way to keep it fun and exciting is the key to success.
Playing music that you absolutely love will actually make you want to pick up your instrument and consequently, bring much better results. It’s why the Front Row syllabus is so good, it’s full of pop and rock music that the kids already know!
A massive one for me personally was finding friends to play music with. Music should be social and there’s nothing better than playing with your mates. The group aspect of Front Row lessons work really well – they might end up starting a band!
Thanks Chris!
If you want to know more then you can find him on www.chrisliggett.com or instagram.com/chrisliggett
If you’re interested in lessons for your child or your school then just head to our contact page and get in touch!
