The Students
Some of the players I’m teaching now or have had the pleasure to teach — with thanks to every one of them. Studied with me? Add or update your own profile below.
Meet Cool Gool students, past and present.
Here’s a wall of the individuals I’m currently teaching, or have taught over the years — thanks to them all for letting me share what others taught me in this massive world of musical expression we all belong to.
If you’ve studied, or are studying, with me, feel free to upload or update your details further down. Some fields are optional — fill in what you like, and the more you add, the better your card looks. (You may spot El Diablo further down — that one is a spoof a “mystery” student once sent in, kept at the foot of the page because music is meant to be fun.)
Student of the Month & the Super Student Series
Student of the Month
An award based on the effort students put in to improve. Every winner gets interviewed — read their stories over on the Cool Gool Facebook page.
The Super Student Series
Students upload videos of themselves playing to YouTube. Featured players get their clips shared — watch the Super Student Series on YouTube, and it could be you next.
The Cool Gool
student wall.
Artem Arustamov
Great fun! I really like that everything Malcolm teaches is very well orginized, structured and all the new topics are build upon previous lessons. During a year studying guitar with Malcolm I’ve learned much more then for several years learning on my ownAge: 29
Listens to: All kinds of Rock, Blues, Jazz, Metal
Guitar/s owned: Squier telecaster
Dream Axe: Something with a weird shape and even weirder colours
Plays since: By myself and not very successfuly – since 2019; with Malcolm – since 2022
Current band: n/a
Previous bands: n/a
Ettore C.
Nice, fun time.Age: 8–12
Listens to: Rock, pop and metal
Guitar/s owned: Crafter HM-100
Dream Axe: Not been playing long, will start dreaming later 🙂
Plays since: Oct 2020
Kym Marquis-Lee
Great fun! Malcolm is hilarious and extremely talented. He teaches you to have confidence in yourself and before you know it you’ll be playing like a pro!Age: 26
Listens to: Rock, pop, acoustic, trad, country, folk… the list goes on!
Guitar/s owned: Acoustic Dreadnought
Dream Axe: A pink acoustic-electric guitar!
Other gear: Piano & drums
Plays since: a while ago!
Michael Ahimah
Efficient, comprehensive, easy to follow and enjoyable.Age: 40
Listens to: Rock, soul, funk, folk, blues and metal
Guitar/s owned: Fender DG-5CE Guitar
Dream Axe: Prince’s guitar 🙂
Other gear: My creativity 🙂
Plays since: July 2019
Current band: waiting for me to be good yet 🙂
Matthew Benjamin
He’s experienced, knows how to teach, can have fun & has a good selection of tea 🙂Age: 34
Listens to: Bit of everything really inc. stuff Malcolm suggests
Guitar/s owned: Cordoba GK Studio
Dream Axe: I don’t think guitars are like axes 🙂
Other gear: Fender Jazz Bass
Plays since: Early 2000s
Kelly Whiting
Malcolm is a really great teacher and with his guidance, my guitar skills have developed so much since beginning lessons with him. His method of teaching also sets you up for success, while being as efficient as possible to get the more boring stuff (theory/technique) learned quickly so you can do the fun stuff of playing fun songs or even making your own music. Getting to understand the theory behind the music made things so much easier too. I started off just wanting to learn to play songs, but now I’m gaining the knowledge to sit down and one day be able to understand any piece of music and come up with my own solos. Definitely better than struggling along with youtube videos! I’d highly recommend lessons with Malcolm. The adjustment to online lessons during Covid has also gone really smoothly!Age: 29
Listens to: Everything really
Guitar/s owned: Taylor Mini GS
Dream Axe: An electric acoustic
Other gear: Piano & voice
Plays since: Piano on and off since age 5 and choir since age 8, guitar only recently
Current band: currently a member of the London City Voices choir
Aaron B.
Just brilliant!Age: 8–12
Listens to: All types
Guitar/s owned: Acoustic concert uke
Dream Axe: An electric uke
Other gear: My swagga 🙂
Plays since: 2007
Current band: Never been in a band
Paul Case
Malcolm is a very structured teacher. I learn a ton each lesson and it’s clear he has a huge amount of knowledge and skill.Age: 33
Listens to: Folk, Rock, Punk, Indie, Metal etc
Guitar/s owned: Les Paul Classic
Dream Axe: I am a practical guy, I don’t dream 🙂
Other gear: Blackstar 60W Amp
Plays since: Formally since early 2019
Current band: I wish!
Aydin Arif
Very fun and enjoyable, learning new things every time without knowing.Age: 31
Listens to: 80s rock n metal
Guitar/s owned: Westfield bass
Dream Axe: Dean John entwistle bass
Other gear: Red sub amp bass amp bp150
Plays since: 2007
Current band: Never been in a band
Jaxon
Interesting! He likes to keep me on my toes!Age: 8–12
Listens to: Rock, Indie, Grunge
Guitar/s owned: Squier by Fender & LA guitar
Dream Axe: Gibson Les Paul Gold
Other gear: Fender 20g amp, Zoom G3xn multi effects pedal, Blackstar FLY mini amp
Plays since: Jan 2017
Current band: Solo
Alex Hawkes
Malcolm’s lessons are never dull! He brings bags of enthusiasm to our lessons (think Jack Black’s character from School of Rock) which he balances with discipline and knowledge (think Mr Miyagi from Karate Kid). He’s helped me gain a better understanding of music and brought far more structure to my guitar playing.Age: 33
Listens to: Alternative, indie, psychedelia, & some jazz
Guitar/s owned: Yamaha acoustic, Fender Stratocaster & Fender Jazz bass
Dream Axe: Fender Telecaster
Other gear: A Line 6 amp with some fun built-in effects
Plays since: I’ve been playing in bands since I was a teenager, but only started studying music over a year ago with Malcolm
Current band: I currently play in a band with friends, but we’ve not achieved anything of any substance… yet!
Lucasz
I learn new things with each lesson, which is the most important thing for me.Age: 34
Listens to: rock, folk, classic, blues, electronic, ambient, too many to list
Guitar/s owned: Yamaha F310 acoustic
Plays since: May 2018
Joel W.
Malcolm is a dedicated teacher. He looks for ways to engage students and stimulate their interests in music. My son had lessons from quite a young age, and the thought that went into teaching methods and techniques meant the lessons were never boring. I really believe Malcolm is passionate about helping his students to succeed and enjoy learning.Age: 8–12
Listens to: All sorts – from Coldplay to Taylor Swift, Leona Lewis to Bruno Mars
Guitar/s owned: Concert Ukulele
Dream Axe: Electric uke
Plays since: January 2016
Joe “Slow motion hand” Ardini
Malcolm is a very knowledgeable teacher and at the same time he is able to keep you focus on your career path, regardless you want to be a campfire guitarist or a top guitar player. Super cool teacher, but not as cool as me! But who is? I am cooler than all Westminster Parliament put together 😀Age: 39
Listens to: My twin brother Joe Satriani
Guitar/s owned: Epiphone Les Paul Slash edition
Dream Axe: Gibson Les Paul
Other gear: My sunglasses 🙂
Plays since: 2018
Current band: Joe Ardini and the Remainers
Anita Majumda
Malcolm is an excellent teacher – really committed to helping me learn and master the instrument. Definitely no shortcuts with this guy!!Age: the question ladies do not answer 🙂
Listens to: Rock, Blues, Punk anything with loud driving guitars
Guitar/s owned: Ibanez RG and Epiphones
Dream Axe: 1959 Les Paul Gold
Other gear: Keyboard, Drums, Uke, bass, sitar
Plays since: A while
Current band: Anita Maj
Hidayat
Pretty direct and straight to the point! By the time you know it you’ll realise you’ve actually learned something!Age: 22
Listens to: Indie Rock, Indie Pop, R&B, Funk
Guitar/s owned: Squier Jazz Bass
Dream Axe: Fender Precision or Jazz Bass
Other gear: My fingers 🙂
Plays since: May 2018
Current band: Me, myself and I
Nancy B.
Malcolm is a very patient teacher who has taught me a lot and helped me through 7 exams.Age: 13–16
Listens to: Punk, Glam and Rock
Guitar/s owned: Fender Strat, Epiphone Les Paul & Epiphone Hummingbird
Dream Axe: A higher end Fender Strat
Other gear: Boss ME25 & guitar amps
Plays since: Jan 2013
Peter Copper
He is a great teacher who genuinely wants you to improve. His lessons are always well structured and fun.Age: 27
Listens to: Hip hop, house, rock n roll, reggae……
Guitar/s owned: Washburn acoustic
Dream Axe: I already own it
Other gear: Guitar stand 🙂
Plays since: Jan 2018
Rob Cruz
Invigorating, fun, structured & progressive. Malcolm encourages me to practice – I’ve seen a lot of improvement and can now improvise and solo in a way I hadn’t thought I would be able to. I’ve found someone to jam with as a result of the encouragement, learning and confidence Malcolm has given me. I really also enjoy the group lessons – jamming the blues in the park with Malcolm and my fellow students on a sunny evening was a great feeling.Age: 37
Listens to: Dirge metal, stoner rock, grunge and …… Lana del Rey
Guitar/s owned: Beautiful red and black Gibson SG, & an acoustic
Dream Axe: Would like an extensive collection!!
Other gear: Blackstar amp & an unpleasant companion pedal
Plays since: I was a little kid with a screechy violin
Current band: Jamming with a drummer
William “Lazer” Ayerst
Malcolm really knows his stuff, and often the reasons behind certain exercises and techniques aren’t immediately obvious, in short order they are thrown into sharp relief with a ‘Gotcha!’ moment. He’s constantly working with me at a challenging level, but not one which goes beyond my level of comprehension. I’m thankful we got back on track after an interruption of studies and can’t recommend him more highly.Age: 31
Listens to: Classic Heavy Metal, Stoner Rock, 50’s Jazz & Romantic-era Classical
Guitar/s owned: Gibson Explorer, Ibanez Saber, Fender Strat
Dream Axe: I’ve got them, honestly – maybe a Kemper Profiler 🙂
Other gear: Orange Crush 120H Head, JHS AT pedal, MXR 5150 pedal
Plays since: 2012
Current band: Eschatologist
Paul Gill
I’ve had teachers previously, but no-one even close to the experience of learning with Malcolm. He has a way of drawing the best from my ability whilst never making me feel like I’m out of my depth. Being able to also make my lessons fun without intimidating is a real skill – not many teachers/ people in day to day life have this ability, but Malcolm has it in spades, & I’d strongly suggest him to anyone serious about learning ukulele.Age: 39 ….. but I play the ukulele to look younger 🙂
Listens to: Jazz, Rock, Funk, Classical, Soul & more
Guitar/s owned: Brunswick Tenor Ukulele
Dream Axe: Fender 52 Tele Ukulele
Other gear: Mahalo Soprano Ukulele
Plays since: Feb 2016
John Ford
Malcolm is a very good and enthusiastic teacher. He encourages students to express themselves and to enjoy playing, as well as making sure that the fundamentals of theory and technique are in place. My confidence in my guitar playing has increased enormously in just 9 months of lessons.Age: 53
Listens to: More than can be listed here
Guitar/s owned: Yamaha Acoustic
Dream Axe: I don’t dream of guitars, but after seeing Wishbone Ash in 1979, I’ve always liked the Gibson Flying V as played by Andy Powell
Other gear: Roland Piano and a Harmonica
Plays since: Piano since I was 9; guitar since 2015
Charlie W.
I really like my lessons & it’s lots of fun. I like playing my uke rather than computer games.Age: 8–12
Listens to: Justin Bieber, Lucas Graham, Michael Jackson
Guitar/s owned: Soprano Ukulele
Plays since: January 2016
Guus Hoovenaars
Brain-expanding!Age: 37
Listens to: Florence & Machine, Bjork, Coldplay, Queen, Michael Jackson, Talking Heads, Robyn, Lykke Li, Missing Persons, Elton John, Blondie, The Arcade Fire, Petshop Boys, Bob Geldof, Lana del Rey, etc.
Guitar/s owned: Fender Strat Deluxe, Eastwood Tuxedo, Larivee Om, Fender Precision Deluxe
Dream Axe: Got them all already 🙂
Other gear: Vox AC30
Plays since: 1998
Current band: GM4K
Claire Reynolds
I really enjoy learning guitar with Malcolm, he explains things well to a newbie like me!Age: 36
Listens to: Country, Pop
Guitar/s owned: Acoustic guitar
Dream Axe: …let you know once I start daydreaming 🙂
Plays since: Jan 2018
Alex Gunn
He’s a great teacher – encourages organisation, independent learning and most importantly passion for music.Age: 18
Listens to: Mostly various kinds of Metal, but also Rock, hard rock, and old-school punk etc
Guitar/s owned: Yamaha Pacifica 112V
Dream Axe: Ibanez GIO (emerald burst)
Other gear: Stagg amplifier
Plays since: 2017
Karina Leigh
I find Malcolm a very tough and regimented teacher. But hey, if you really want to learn, that’s exactly the discipline you need. I’m not the best at keeping up with practice or homework but Malcolm’s never judgemental, always supportive and very adept at assessing what level I’m at and what I need to do next to improve. I keep up my lessons because I enjoy them and because Malcolm always makes me feel like I have the potential to be a good guitarist.Age: Jurassic 🙂
Listens to: Anything from Metallica to Simon & Garfunkel. Good guitaring essential.
Guitar/s owned: Gibson Les Paul, Fender Strat, Takamine, Yamaha acoustics, too many guitars (said no-one, ever)
Dream Axe: Duesenberg Signature Series Johnny Depp Model because I’m mad about Johnny Depp
Other gear: Marshall/Peavey amps, Boss effects board
Plays since: Forever, but seriously since earlier in 2018
Current band: Awaiting a signing 🙂
Alex Achikeh
Malcolm has taught me how to praise Jesus in style 🙂 He is a great and passionate teacher. Our lessons are very enjoyable and he has given me a great musical foundation upon which to build on. I taught myself before Malcolm to a certain level but Malcolm has pushed me way beyond the level I was at before I met him 🙂Age: I live an amount of years in different dimensions 🙂
Listens to: Hillsong, Chris Tomlin, Kari Jobe, Planetshakers, Jimi Cravity, Cold Play
Guitar/s owned: Martin D18 acoustic & Peavey Raptor Plus electric
Dream Axe: Gibson Les Paul Standard, and of course my Martin
Other gear: Fender BassBreaker 15, Fender Mustang II, Boss OD3
Plays since: December 2015
Current band: Jesus & The Bare Angels 🙂
Graham Seabrook
Malcolm really understands what I want to learn and tailors the lessons to fit that.Age: 30
Listens to: Metal
Guitar/s owned: Ibanez with a pine finish
Dream Axe: Blue ESP Horizon
Other gear: Small amp
Plays since: 15 years on and off
Current band: None at the moment
Leondre A.
Very good teacher – I have learnt a lot!Age: 13–16
Listens to: Pop music like Bruno Mars, Empire Music, Tiny Tempah
Guitar/s owned: Acoustic guitar GearforMusic 8CJ, Mahalo Red Star soprano ukulele
Dream Axe: Electric guitar
Other gear: Yamaha electric organ
Plays since: 2014
Alex Priestley
Top guy!Age: Too old for the young, too young for the old
Listens to: U2, Coldplay, The Killers
Guitar/s owned: Geddy Lee Jazz Bass
Dream Axe: 1960 Vintage Fender
Other gear: Korg Cube amp
Plays since: 1990
Henry B.
My experience has been great – I have learnt a lot more with Malcolm than with my previous two teachers combined!Age: 8–12
Listens to: AC/DC, Nirvana, Iron Maiden, Green Day
Guitar/s owned: Fender Strat copy, Gibson SGJ, Jackson JS11 Dinky
Dream Axe: Gibson Les Paul Black Beauty
Other gear: Marshall MG100 amplifier
Plays since: Sept 2012
Chris Roos
I really enjoy my lessons with Malcolm & the feeling of progress that I make. I am also preparing for RGT exams, which is helping me to guide my practice.Age: 31
Listens to: A bit of anything & everything but guitarwise it is mostly percussive acoustic stuff
Guitar/s owned: Seagull S6 acoustic & Epiphone Casino electric
Dream Axe: A PRS
Other gear: Orange Crush amp
Plays since: Been playing for a good 15 years but only picked up studying in 2012
Kemal “Spider” Suleyman
Malcolm makes learning fun & enjoyable, using his crazy humour to help remembering things much easier. Would highly recommend to others.Age: 31
Listens to: Rock & alternative
Guitar/s owned: Epiphone Les Paul Standard, Stagg Electric, Cort Electric
Dream Axe: A PRS & a Martin acoustic
Other gear: Fender Mustang 2 amp, Boss ME-70 Gtr Multi-FX Pedal
Plays since: 2005
Bastian Didier
Thanks!Age: 32
Listens to: Post-Rock
Guitar/s owned: Ovation semi-acoustic & Fretlight electric
Dream Axe: PRS
Plays since: 2011
Amit Chatterjee
Clearly explains technique & is patient with me when I do not do my homework. Overall, allows me to freely express myself to learn at the rate I am comfortable with.Age: 30 (but I tell the girls I am younger)
Listens to: Rock & indie
Guitar/s owned: Epiphone Gibson Les Paul Model
Dream Axe: A real authentic Gibson Les Paul
Other gear: A small guitar amp I am too shy to mention the model of 🙂
Plays since: 2 years alone, less than 1 with Malcolm
Current band: I hope my pic shows I got the image to become any successful band’s guitarist of choice 🙂
George Stein
He taught me how to practice, how to improve my technique & how important it is to good playing! I am quite musical and I love being able to play better! I can feel myself improving – working with Malcolm is fun & rewarding!Age: 52
Listens to: Everything, but especially classic rock, pop, jazz & classical music
Guitar/s owned: Fairclough Acoustic River, Simon & Patrick Songsmith CW Burst A3T, Simon & Patrick Woodland 12 Spruce
Dream Axe: Gibson Les Paul Custom
Other gear: None yet, but I need a small amp soon
Plays since: 1967 (piano & trumpet)
Daniel Bellington
Malcolm is easy-going & approachable. He makes lessons fun and interestingAge: 28
Listens to: Various genres of music
Guitar/s owned: Yamaha F310
Other gear: Amp
Plays since: 6 months
Ashley
Malcolm is great fun – knows his stuff and even more his metal! That is exactly what I was looking in a guitar teacherAge: 19
Listens to: Black metal, black/death, blackened folk metal
Guitar/s owned: BC Rich Dagger
Dream Axe: Dean Razorback DB
Other gear: Boss Metal Zone mkII
Plays since: October 2011
Matt Koss
Structured but fun! Been with him for over 2 yrs so that says something.Age: What a rude question 🙂
Listens to: Various Rock & Metal
Guitar/s owned: My 1st cheapo Squire Start & a Takamine G-Series acoustic
Dream Axe: Not yet decided, PRS maybe
Other gear: Line 6 UX1
Plays since: Feb 2010
Damilola Hassan
It is fun and interesting, and at a good pace.Age: 21
Listens to: R & B, Dubstep, House & Hip-Hop
Guitar/s owned: Eastwood LA-125 acoustic
Dream Axe: One with an interesting shape
Other gear: Keyboard
Plays since: 2011
Sid the Kid
Awesome rockstar! I want to be like him.Age: 8–12
Listens to: Justin Bieber and Indian music
Guitar/s owned: Yamaha CS40 classic guitar
Dream Axe: Acoustic steel string
Other gear: Keyboards
Plays since: Oct 2010
Current band: I plan to be on stage once I am 20
Marko M.
Malcolm teaches very well. He is very expressive so his class is always entertaining & never boring.Age: 8–12
Listens to: Pop
Guitar/s owned: Encore ENC36N Classic Guitar
Dream Axe: An electric guitar
Plays since: Sept 2010
Stanley T.
Hardworking but in a fun way!Age: 13–16
Listens to: Rock & blues
Guitar/s owned: Gibson SG & Fender Telecaster
Dream Axe: A Fender Jagstang
Other gear: A Blackstar amp
Plays since: a few years. With Malcolm since April 2010
Current band: no name yet
Pavan Kumar
Wonderful teacher! Very passionate for music and patient with my slow learning.Age: 38
Listens to: Indian, Classical & film soundtracks
Guitar/s owned: Yamaha FG700MS
Dream Axe: An even better acoustic
Other gear: Maxim MX25-181 keyboard
Plays since: Guitar since Oct 2010
Current band: Plan to have one some day
Dave Gasson
Brilliant. Took up guitar to see how it goes, and Malcolm has convinced me to continueAge: 53
Listens to: Anything as long as I like it
Guitar/s owned: Yamaha FG720S acoustic; Vintage Advance Series electric
Dream Axe: nothing really
Other gear: Roland amp
Plays since: January 2010
Current band: None but you never know about the future
Roscoe M.
Cool! He makes me laugh when he calls me Roscoe Bobbits 🙂Age: 8–12
Listens to: Indie rock
Guitar/s owned: Electric Tiger and acoustic Squire DG-6NAT
Dream Axe: nothing
Other gear: Tiger GCC-805 amp
Plays since: Since age 7
Current band: We don’t yet have a name
Richard Harper
He constantly pushes me to get better (although I might hate him a little for it hehe!)Age: 34
Listens to: Hard Rock & Metal
Guitar/s owned: Dean Vendetta (left-handed)
Dream Axe: One made of pixie dust
Other gear: Hughes & Ketner 30W Combi Amp + Line 6 gearbox effects
Plays since: 6 months
Peter de Bont
Being originally a banjo player, and largely autodidact at that, I was never taught how to play the guitar properly. I’m learning something new every time now and lessons are good fun!Age: Ssshhh! It is a state secret 🙂
Listens to: Classical & jazz
Guitar/s owned: Electric G# guitar, electric tenor guitar/banjo, dobro, old Hoeffner jazz guitar
Dream Axe: A metal dobro
Other gear: Behringer & Magix Guitar Recording equipment + and some cheap stuff I won’t throw away for sentimental reasons
Plays since: Again after a hiatus since May 2010
Current band: Me, myself & I
Max M.
It’s cool – I get a lot out of it and I find it really fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!Age: 8–12
Listens to: Rock and indie
Guitar/s owned: Bass guitar & 2 acoustics
Other gear: Tiger GCC-805 Amp
Plays since: Music since 2006, guitar since 2008 and bass since 2010
Kevin Broughton
Age: 34
Listens to: Rock
Guitar/s owned: Yamaha Acoustic Fg700MS
Other gear: A MacBook Pro
Plays since: 2010
Tristan Barraclough
He is clear and direct but at the same time laid back in his teaching. Which makes learning with him very fulfilling and a whole lotta fun. Rock on!Age: 30
Listens to: Cream, Jeff Beck, jazz & a 101 others that I can’t fit in such space
Guitar/s owned: Tanglewood Evolution acoustic guitar
Dream Axe: Some electric eventually
Other gear: Spoons 🙂
Plays since: 2010
Current band: Me, myself & I
Dave “Two Riffs” Xmas
Amazing! Just when I thought I couldn’t get any better I’ve been booted into the right direction of greatness by Malcolm. Top stuff!!Age: 27
Listens to: All genres of Metal, blues, & old 70s prog
Guitar/s owned: Gibson Les Paul Custom, Gibson Flying V, Dean Explorer, Ibanez RG, a crap acoustic & a bass!!
Dream Axe: Any that are really expensive!!!
Other gear: Marshall TSL 100 half-stack, Ibanez tube screamer, Vox Wah , Dunlop Rotovibe, Line 6 pod, Line 6 combo, Sessionette combo, drumkit + more stuff somewhere…
Plays since: … since I can remember!!
Current band: F.S.I & a couple of exciting projects in the pipeline!
Andy Langthorne
Malcolm explains the theory and techniques in an easy to understand way so you can get on with rocking!Age: 24
Listens to: Rock & some metal
Guitar/s owned: Ibanez RG
Dream Axe: Gibson Les Paul Custom
Plays since: Feb 2010 (+ sat for my 1st exam with Malcolm lately & got a Distinction!)
Sam Taffs
Malcolm is a great teacher – if you want to learn fast and without any bull, then Malcolm is the person to see. If you are serious about learning he will teach you really well and you can progress quickly. I went to grade 3+ in 8 months with him and now onto grade 4.Age: 26
Listens to: I listen to lots of different music – anything from hip hop to folk, jazz or blues
Guitar/s owned: Les Paul (Epiphone); Washburn steel string acoustic; Nylon string Spanish
Dream Axe: Parker fly
Other gear: Drum kit
Plays since: Did music in school, but started with Malcolm mid-2009
Caroline Chen
He makes me do homework 🙂Age: Do I have to answer this lol?
Listens to: Indie rock/pop, electro
Guitar/s owned: American Fender Stratocaster
Dream Axe: Got it already! Although I wouldn’t mind a Telecaster as well.
Other gear: Vox amp
Plays since: Classical piano when I was young, electric guitar only since 2009
Rohin Imberger
Age: 36
Listens to: Rock, Folk, Instrumental, Indie, Blues
Guitar/s owned: Walden Natura
Plays since: 2009
Norbert Scicluna
Great! He was the reason I stepped up from classical guitar to rockin out on my electric! A great and dedicated teacher!Age: 23
Listens to: EVERYTHING! I really don’t care if it’s pop, rap or metal. But my mp3 player is only filled with thrash and death metal m/
Guitar/s owned: Dean FBD tribute, Ibanez Gio, Fender Stratocaster electrics
Dream Axe: Dean FBD tribute (that’s why I bought it)
Other gear: Randall half stack, Marshall combo, & loads of Boss floor pedals like Metal Zone, Chorus, Overdrive, Equaliser, Tuner, & Noise Gate
Plays since: 1998
Current band: We got no name yet, we are too busy playing to bother 🙂
Zhuan A.
Brilliant! I’ve learnt so much over the past few months, and I really enjoy his lessons.Age: 13–16
Listens to: Rock, metal, and whatever else appeals to me!
Guitar/s owned: Ibanez S470DXQM, Tanglewood acoustic, Stagg F300
Dream Axe: Ibanez S5470
Other gear: Roland Microcube
Plays since: 2007
Current band: Just a small band at school with some friends
Theo Almenis
Age: 32
Listens to: Thrash & heavy metal, 70s Funk, Blues, early punk, euro rock, and last but not least the Blackberry Jam
Guitar/s owned: Jackson Dinky Pro, Aria Pro 11, Peerless Acoustic & Ibanez RG Series
Dream Axe: Jackson Charvel (your guitar as a gift before leaving Australia)
Other gear: Marshall 9000 50 X 50 Power Amp + 4 X 12 Speakerbox, Zoom 4040, Digitech GFX 1 Preamp, Yamaha Portasound & Tascam Porta II Mini-Studio, Boss Heavy Metal & Flanger Effects
Plays since: 12 yrs old (tutor note – neither if you had been studying for 32 yrs would you get my guitar, so dream on Mad Thrasher 🙂 )
Current band: Inslain
Eljay Lambert
Learning with Malcolm is great! He is encouraging and friendly and a great boost for anyone wanting to learn but lacking a bit of confidence.Age: 22
Listens to: metal, hip hop and funk
Guitar/s owned: Jackson RR3 Pro Series Randy Rhodes model, Squire Stratocaster, a fake Les Paul, and a spanish acoustic
Dream Axe: A custom Les Paul
Other gear: Vox amp; Jim Dunlop cry baby wah pedal
Plays since: Early 2009, the last 2 months of which with Malcolm
Current band: Death Remains (main band) + some other pretties like laying tracks for an up & coming UK hip-hop producer..
Stefano Garombo
Good fun ! Very productive and lots learntAge: 18
Listens to: Metal (all types), hard rock, blues, classical, jazz
Guitar/s owned: Ibanez RG350, LTD C401FM
Dream Axe: Gibson Les Paul Custom
Other gear: Peavey Valveking, Line 6 Pod X3 Live
Plays since: 2001
Jack G.
Every lesson is fun!Age: 13–16
Listens to: Pop, rock, indie
Guitar/s owned: Roytek bass guitar
Dream Axe: Ibanez bass guitar
Other gear: amp
Plays since: Piano & music from age 8-10; bass from 2008
Peter F.
I’m enjoying it!Age: 13–16
Listens to: Tonnes of metal!
Guitar/s owned: A Cort bass
Plays since: 2009
Alexander B.
Fun, exciting and interesting. I really enjoy the lessons.Age: 8–12
Listens to: 80’s pop
Guitar/s owned: Valencia CG1K mini-classical guitar
Dream Axe: An electric guitar
Other gear: Yamaha YPT-310 Keyboard & a recorder
Plays since: 1 year guitar, 2 years overall
Enzo L.
I love it!Age: 8–12
Listens to: Rock & indie
Guitar/s owned: Squire Mini-Fender
Dream Axe: Holy cow! I can’t answer this one, I dream of many guitars 🙂
Other gear: Yamaha DD-65 Rhythm Machine; Roland MiniCube amp; Zoom GX1 FX; Soundbox 50 keys
Plays since: 1 year
Current band: Boys of History
Rowland Phillips
Fun but serious at the same time.Age: 31
Listens to: Hard rock and pop
Guitar/s owned: Les Paul Gibson and a custom acoustic
Dream Axe: No idea, but definitely a loud one
Other gear: Amps, MP3 devices, laptop etc
Plays since: Late 2007
Marianne B.
I have learnt a lot so far. I have lots of fun.Age: 8–12
Listens to: Soul, Pop, Jazz
Guitar/s owned: Valencia Classic Guitar
Dream Axe: Skylark Retro Solid Electric Guitar in Metallic Red
Other gear: Yamaha Keyboard YPT-310 and a recorder
Plays since: 3 years
Robert Grech
Age: 20
Listens to: 80’s Metal, early 90’s doom metal
Guitar/s owned: Fender Stratocaster (mexico)
Dream Axe: Jackson Randy Rhoads
Other gear: Torque 150watts amplifier, Boss metal zone, Ibanez virtual amplifier, Yamaha distortion pedal
Plays since: Piano from 1988 to 1995. Guitar from 1998
Brandon S.
Age: 13–16
Listens to: Most types of music except rap
Guitar/s owned: Tanglewood Nevada FST 32K Electric Unbranded Acoustic
Dream Axe: Fender 62 Jaguar
Other gear: Tanglewood MG-10 Guitar Amp
Plays since: 1997
Jonathan E.
Age: 8–12
Listens to: Mostly Light Rock and Pop
Guitar/s owned: ¾ sized Classic Guitar
Dream Axe: Electric
Plays since: just started
Emvin T.
Age: 13–16
Listens to: Hip-hop rock, nu- and heavy metal, and some death and black metal
Guitar/s owned: Fender Mini
Dream Axe: B.C Rich Warlock Handmade Series
Plays since: 1666
Current band: friends
Scott W.
Age: 13–16
Listens to: death/progressive/doom metal
Guitar/s owned: a Gibson explorer + a crappy old Hohner
Dream Axe: Esp M307/ Jackson SL1
Other gear: Boss Metalzone and a shitty amp (for now)
Plays since: 1999 by myself, 2002 with teacher
Current band: Erythuria
David Alan Caruana
Excellent guitar tuition method! I asked specifically to learn the basics of guitar (I already knew music theory & piano) in the direction of improvisation and Malcolm put me through the paces in a structured way, starting from exercises to strengthen the fingers and achieve correct positions on the guitar, through scales and arpeggios onto advanced techniques. If you’re willing to back up each lesson with a few solid hours of practice, the Cool Gool method is definitely the best way to get you playing what you want to play!Age: 27
Listens to: Heavy metal, death metal, jazz, classical (esp. baroque), elettronica, trance, uhmmm … anything but Rap & Britney Spears when she’s trying to sing (rest of the time she’s truly quite OK actually hehe!)
Guitar/s owned: Guild DeArmond M75, Apollo Les Paul Special-HB clone, Ovation Applause electric/acoustic, Ritmo Classic nylon string, Keen 5 string bass
Dream Axe: Gibson black beauty or Les Paul Custom AAA flametop in cherry sunburst
Other gear: Too much to list as home studio includes two pianos, various synths, Laney valve amp, Zoom 606 FX, 12 chan mixer, large PA, various ethnic instruments & what not….
Plays since: Since aged 4 years old i.e. 1979
Conrad Aquilina
Age: 22
Listens to: pure death fucking metal, anything with good guitars, and above all music delivered with passion
Guitar/s owned: Tanglewood TW-360, Fenix by Young Change (Strat Copy), Parker Nitefly
Dream Axe: Parker fly
Other gear: Marshall Valvestate 40W amp, Zoom 3030 Fx, good old metronome for those lonely days, picks, fast fret, and the like!
Plays since: 1996 alone, 1999 formally
Johann M.
Age: 13–16
Listens to: Black Metal
Guitar/s owned: Fender Squire
Dream Axe: BC Rich Warlock
Other gear: Nil
Plays since: 2002
Current band: Diabolical Carnage
Peter Gange
Malcolm is the greatest teacher and friend. He come to Australia back in 2003 and I only had the pleasure of meeting and learning from him half way into his stay here. He made sure I understood the theory he laid out before he left. What he taught me is so beneficial and I’m forever grateful for it.Age: 26
Listens to: Metal, thrash, death, anything heavy & fast. But also other styles.
Guitar/s owned: Jackson Randy Rhoads, Aria Acoustic, Yamaha Acoustic, Dean from hell Razorback, Fender acoustic
Dream Axe: I already got the Jackson, it fulfills my dreams
Other gear: Marshall Valvestate VS 100, 2 4 X 12” Quads
Plays since: A teen, but only really studied theory when I met Mal in 2003
Current band: Void in my life I need to fill..
Sebastian C.
Age: 13–16
Listens to: Metal
Guitar/s owned: Currently some shitty acoustic
Dream Axe: ESP 207
Plays since: October 2001
Current band: Deface
Mike Sledge
Malcolm has been a great help! An awful lot of work but my playing is light years ahead of where we started. Good clean fun!Age: 49
Listens to: 60s & 70s Rock n’ Roll, Alternative rock & some country music
Guitar/s owned: Fender Stratocaster Electric & some cheap acoustic
Dream Axe: Eric Clapton Fender Stratocaster
Other gear: Vox Valvetronic tube amp
Plays since: June 2009
Stephen Mikulic
Age: I do not answer rude questions 🙂
Listens to: The many styles of Metal, especially Power Metal and Doom
Guitar/s owned: Jackson Kelly, Fender Stratocaster Yngwie model, Ibanez Destroyer ll
Dream Axe: Still searching, I have many yet to play
Other gear: Zoom 9050 FX, Marshall Valvestate (for now), considering buying a Reynolds Sledgehammer amp
Plays since: First played guitar at 10 years of age, have been playing on and off since
Current band: Lycanthia
Reg Barber
Age: 28
Listens to: Glassjaw, One Minute Silence, Hell is for Heroes, Coheed and Cambria, Finch, Soad, Amen, Thrice, At the Drive Inn, Lost Prophets, Million Dead, Thursday
Guitar/s owned: Yamaha Drop 6, Yamaha Image Custom
Dream Axe: PRS McCarty
Other gear: TSL 100, Super Phaser, Cry-Baby Wah, Super Chorus
Plays since: 1996
Current band: Animism
Quan Tran
Age: 28
Listens to: Classical, pop & karaoke
Guitar/s owned: Ashton CG- 44 Classical guitar
Dream Axe: Jose Ramirez Classical guitar
Other gear: My fingers
Plays since: On and off since 1996, with Malcolm for 2003
Current band: My room in Sydney
Troy Cook
Age: 31
Listens to: Metal, Metal, Metal
Guitar/s owned: Washburn Dimebag Signature Series 333, Ibanez RG 570 , Washburn electric/acoustic
Dream Axe: Washburn Dime 3
Other gear: Zoom 9150 digital effects, metalzone distortion
Plays since: 7 years
Current band: Zeitgeist (Gothic Metal)
Mario Cachia
Age: 27
Listens to: All types of rock and guitar-related music
Guitar/s owned: Explorer
Dream Axe: not yet dreaming 🙂
Plays since: 1 month only
Current band: too soon for this
One that isn’t real.
Years ago a “mystery” student sent in this spoof profile and I’ve been sport enough to keep it. It is the only made-up card on this page — every player on the wall above is a real student.
El Diablo, El Idiota Loco de la Gitarra (this entry is a joke)
Malcolm is a great guy and a wonderful teacher, although he fights like a girl.Age: Unknown (since ever and forever)
Listens to: Mexican Death Techno or anything by Carlos Santana
Guitar/s owned: El Diablo Signature Edition Strat
Dream Axe: I own my dream guitar losers!
Other gear: The fastest fingers in the east
Plays since: 1666
Current band: Eating Strange Biscuits Machine
Previous bands: Were not up to my standard
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