I am Bradley Johnston, a professional musician and music educator with extensive experience performing and teaching jazz guitar. Since my early teens, I have been performing professionally in renowned venues and festivals in the UK, collaborating with international artists from Europe, the USA, Brazil, and Cuba. I hold a Master of Music degree and have developed a strong passion for jazz performance, improvisation, and music language tutoring. Alongside performing, I have a solid background in music education, working as a tutor at prestigious institutions such as the Royal Irish Academy of Music and North Music Trust. I also lead workshops and masterclasses focusing on jazz and improvisation, continually striving to inspire and develop young musicians through creative practice and analysis of jazz artistry.

Bradley Johnston

I am Bradley Johnston, a professional musician and music educator with extensive experience performing and teaching jazz guitar. Since my early teens, I have been performing professionally in renowned venues and festivals in the UK, collaborating with international artists from Europe, the USA, Brazil, and Cuba. I hold a Master of Music degree and have developed a strong passion for jazz performance, improvisation, and music language tutoring. Alongside performing, I have a solid background in music education, working as a tutor at prestigious institutions such as the Royal Irish Academy of Music and North Music Trust. I also lead workshops and masterclasses focusing on jazz and improvisation, continually striving to inspire and develop young musicians through creative practice and analysis of jazz artistry.

Available to hire

I am Bradley Johnston, a professional musician and music educator with extensive experience performing and teaching jazz guitar. Since my early teens, I have been performing professionally in renowned venues and festivals in the UK, collaborating with international artists from Europe, the USA, Brazil, and Cuba. I hold a Master of Music degree and have developed a strong passion for jazz performance, improvisation, and music language tutoring.

Alongside performing, I have a solid background in music education, working as a tutor at prestigious institutions such as the Royal Irish Academy of Music and North Music Trust. I also lead workshops and masterclasses focusing on jazz and improvisation, continually striving to inspire and develop young musicians through creative practice and analysis of jazz artistry.

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Work Experience

Peripatetic Guitar Tutor at Self-employed
January 1, 2021 - Present
Providing guitar teaching services on a peripatetic basis, delivering tailored lessons and supporting students' musical development since 2021.
First Study Guitar and Music Language Tutor at North Music Trust (CAT & Foundation, Make Music: Young People, The Glasshouse International Centre for Music)
January 1, 2017 - Present
Tutoring guitar and music language to young people through the North Music Trust's programs, supporting musical education and performance growth since 2017.
Residential Tutor at Rick Taylor's Ensemble Week Course, Isle of Skye
January 1, 2019 - August 20, 2025
Residential tutoring during Rick Taylor's Ensemble Week course, providing guidance and musical instruction annually between 2014 and 2019.
Professional Musician at Various Ensembles and Projects
January 1, 2011 - Present
Performing professionally since age 16 across world-class venues and festivals throughout the UK. Collaborated with ensembles and guest artists from UK, Europe, USA, Brazil, and Cuba, including a jazz guitar duo with Dr James Birkett. Leading multi-instrumental jazz and improvisation workshops.
Jazz Guitar Tutor at Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM), Dublin
January 1, 2025 - Present
Provide jazz guitar tuition focusing on technique, improvisation, and performance at the Royal Irish Academy of Music.
Peripatetic Guitar Tutor at Self-employed
January 1, 2021 - Present
Offer private and group guitar lessons in various locations, tailoring curriculum to individual student needs.
First Study Guitar and Music Language Tutor at North Music Trust (CAT & Foundation, Young Musician programme, The Glasshouse International Centre for Music)
January 1, 2017 - Present
Tutor first study guitar students and assist with music language instruction, supporting young musicians through formal training programs.
Residential Tutor at ‘Rick Taylor’s Ensemble Week’ course, Isle of Skye
December 31, 2019 - August 20, 2025
Lead residential workshops and ensemble rehearsals focusing on jazz ensemble performance and improvisational skills.
Professional Musician at Freelance
January 1, 2011 - Present
Perform professionally since age 16 at world-class venues and festivals across the UK, collaborating with diverse ensembles and guest artists from Europe, USA, Brazil, and Cuba. Lead a jazz guitar duo project with Dr James Birkett and conduct multi-instrumental jazz and improvisation workshops.

Education

Master of Music (MMus) at Newcastle University
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2021
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Young People and Adult Specialist at Teesside University (Newcastle College)
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2017
Bachelor of Music (BMus) (Hons) Jazz, Popular and Commercial Music at Sage Gateshead (Sunderland University)
January 1, 2013 - January 1, 2016
BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Music at Shiney Row College (Sunderland College)
January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2013
MMus at Newcastle University
January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2021
PGCE in Young People and Adult Specialist at Teesside University (Newcastle College)
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2017
BMus (Hons): Jazz, Popular and Commercial Music at Sage Gateshead (Sunderland University)
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2016
BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Music at Shiney Row College (Sunderland College)
January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2013
Young Musicians Programme (full scholarship) at Centre for Advanced Training (CAT), The Glasshouse ICM
January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2013

Qualifications

Rockschool Grade 5 Guitar
January 1, 2010 - August 20, 2025
ABRSM Grade 5 Theory
January 1, 2011 - August 20, 2025
Rockschool Grade 6 Guitar
January 1, 2011 - August 20, 2025
Trinity College London Grade 8 Plectrum Guitar (Distinction)
January 1, 2013 - August 20, 2025
Rockschool Grade 5 Guitar
January 1, 2010 - August 20, 2025
ABRSM Grade 5 Theory
January 1, 2011 - August 20, 2025
Rockschool Grade 6 Guitar
January 1, 2011 - August 20, 2025
Trinity College London Grade 8 Plectrum Guitar (with Distinction)
January 1, 2013 - August 20, 2025

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services