I'm a Bristol-based freelance musician, tutor and lecturer with over thirty years in the music industry. I work as a guitarist, songwriter and composer, delivering private guitar tuition, small group workshops, and large-class ensembles, alongside guest lectures at BIMM University in Bristol. My projects span from solo albums to touring with Ian Prowse & Amsterdam, to composing for COP28 in collaboration with BIMM and Exeter University. I value honesty, reliability and clear communication, and I aim to bring passion and discipline to education and collaboration.

Johnny Barlow

I'm a Bristol-based freelance musician, tutor and lecturer with over thirty years in the music industry. I work as a guitarist, songwriter and composer, delivering private guitar tuition, small group workshops, and large-class ensembles, alongside guest lectures at BIMM University in Bristol. My projects span from solo albums to touring with Ian Prowse & Amsterdam, to composing for COP28 in collaboration with BIMM and Exeter University. I value honesty, reliability and clear communication, and I aim to bring passion and discipline to education and collaboration.

Available to hire

I’m a Bristol-based freelance musician, tutor and lecturer with over thirty years in the music industry. I work as a guitarist, songwriter and composer, delivering private guitar tuition, small group workshops, and large-class ensembles, alongside guest lectures at BIMM University in Bristol.

My projects span from solo albums to touring with Ian Prowse & Amsterdam, to composing for COP28 in collaboration with BIMM and Exeter University. I value honesty, reliability and clear communication, and I aim to bring passion and discipline to education and collaboration.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Music Tutor and Lecturer at Bristol Beacon (formerly Bristol Music Hub)
January 1, 2008 - Present
Music tutor and lecturer in classical and contemporary guitar with small group ensembles and performance workshops; private guitar tuition since 2008; open mic host.
Guest Lecturer at BIMM University (Bristol)
January 1, 2024 - Present
Freelance guest lecturer at BIMM University (Bristol).
Composer/Producer at Self-Produced Album: The Fosse Way
January 1, 2010 - September 11, 2025
Composed, arranged and produced solo album 'The Fosse Way' (released 2010).
Founding Member/Lead Guitarist/Bassist/Arranger/Writer at Ian Prowse & Amsterdam
January 1, 1998 - Present
Founding member and lead guitarist/bassist/arranger/writer with Ian Prowse & Amsterdam for the past twenty-six years with several studio albums released.
Guitarist/Performer at Amsterdam
January 1, 1996 - Present
Ten full UK tours with Amsterdam from 1996 to present; live TV performance on the BBC Jonathan Ross Show backing Elvis Costello.
Street Musician at Self-employed
January 1, 1996 - September 11, 2025
Street musician across the UK and Europe from 1989-1996.
Music Tutor and Lecturer at South West Music
January 1, 2008 - Present
Small group guitar tuition; whole-class ensemble workshops; rock band/composition/ performance workshops; private guitar tuition in classical, rock and pop.
Guest Lecturer at BIMM University (Bristol)
January 1, 2024 - Present
Freelance guest lecturer in music education and industry.
Songwriter/Arranger/Producer at COP28 project (in collaboration with BIMM and Exeter University)
January 1, 2023 - Present
Invited to compose for the ‘We Are The Possible’ project; one of three songs became the adopted anthem.
Founding member/Lead guitarist/bassist/arranger/songwriter at Ian Prowse & Amsterdam
January 1, 1998 - Present
Founding member; lead guitarist/bassist/arranger/songwriter; multiple studio albums released over 26+ years.
Musician/Touring Artist at Amsterdam
January 1, 1996 - Present
Ten full UK tours since 1996; TV appearance on the Jonathan Ross Show backing Elvis Costello.
Street Musician
January 1, 1996 - September 11, 2025
Street musician across the UK and Europe.
Music Tutor & Lecturer at Bristol Beacon / BIMM University (Bristol)
January 1, 2008 - Present
Small group guitar tuition; whole class ensemble; rock band/composition/performance workshops; private guitar tuition (classical, rock, pop) from 2008-present; freelance guest lecturer at BIMM University (Bristol, 2024).
Founding Member / Lead Guitarist / Bassist / Arranger / Songwriter at Ian Prowse & Amsterdam
January 1, 1998 - Present
Founding member and multi-instrumentalist with the band for 26 years, contributing as guitarist, bassist, arranger and songwriter; multiple studio albums released.
Composer / Arranger / Producer at Self (The Fosse Way)
January 1, 2010 - September 11, 2025
Composed, arranged and produced solo album 'The Fosse Way' released in 2010.
Composer / Performer at COP28 Project (BIMM Bristol & Exeter University)
November 1, 2023 - Present
Invited to compose for COP28 in collaboration with BIMM and Exeter University for the 'We Are The Possible' project; one of three songs adopted as the anthem.
Street Musician at Various UK/Europe Venues
January 1, 1996 - September 11, 2025
Street musician across the UK and Europe (1989-1996).

Education

MA in Music Composition for Film and Television at University of Bristol
January 1, 2023 - September 11, 2025
BMus (Hons) in Performance and Songwriting at BIMM University (Bristol)
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2023
A Levels (Philosophy, Psychology) at West Cheshire College of FE
January 1, 1990 - January 1, 1993
GCSE English Language at West Cheshire College of FE
January 1, 1990 - January 1, 1993
GCSE Music at The Grange Comprehensive
January 1, 1983 - January 1, 1989
MA in Music Composition for Film and Television at University of Bristol
January 11, 2030 - September 11, 2025
BMus (Hons) in Performance and Songwriting at BIMM University (Bristol)
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2023
A Levels - Philosophy at West Cheshire College of FE
January 11, 2030 - September 11, 2025
A Levels - Psychology at West Cheshire College of FE
January 11, 2030 - September 11, 2025
GCSE - Music at The Grange Comprehensive
January 1, 1983 - January 1, 1989
GCSE - English Language at The Grange Comprehensive
January 1, 1983 - January 1, 1989
MA in Music Composition for Film and Television at University of Bristol
January 1, 2023 - September 11, 2025
First Class BMus (Hons) in Performance and Songwriting at BIMM University (Bristol)
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2023
A Levels: Philosophy, Psychology at West Cheshire College of FE
January 1, 1990 - January 1, 1991
GCSEs: Psychology, English Language, Music at The Grange Comprehensive
January 1, 1983 - January 1, 1989

Qualifications

CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
January 11, 2030 - September 11, 2025
Olympic Weightlifting Coach - Level 1
January 11, 2030 - September 11, 2025
2nd Dan in Shotokan Karate
January 11, 2030 - September 11, 2025
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
January 11, 2030 - September 11, 2025
Olympic Weightlifting Coach - Level 1
January 11, 2030 - September 11, 2025
Shotokan Karate - 2nd Dan
January 11, 2030 - September 11, 2025
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
January 11, 2030 - September 11, 2025
Olympic Weightlifting Coach Level 1
January 11, 2030 - September 11, 2025
2nd Dan in Shotokan Karate
January 11, 2030 - September 11, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Other