Gonçalo

My name is Gonçalo, I’m a young Portuguese musician living in Den Haag. I teach in Den Haag and online.
I have a Bachelor in Jazz Guitar from the Royal Conservatoire of Den Haag and a Master from the Royal Conservatoire if Antwerp.

Although I studied Jazz, the music I make and perform is not only confined to this genre. I explore other types of music in the several groups I work with, such as alternative punk/rock, contemporary jazz, improvised music, folk/singer-songwriter, etc.

What I love about the process of making and performing music are the endless possibilities that exist well within the grasp of anyone who really attempts to understand them. Not only this but, while understanding them, still wanting to create an interesting and unique voice and being able to reach the level of focus and entertainment (both at an intellectual and emotional level) that has the potential to “elevate” our minds and personalities. Basically, Music is true fun and entertainment.

The guitar is, for me, one of the most interesting vehicles for musical expression, given that it has immense sonic possibilities and continuously gives us, in so many ways, some of the most memorable, powerful and fun musical moments.

Teaching is one of the most intellectually engaging ways to pass on the knowledge I’ve gathered, while still learning from the students themselves.
The search for our sound allows us to manifest our own interests and ideas about music and life in general in our playing and enjoyment of music. It is through this very attitude that I get to learn from the students and their personalities, and I believe that it is also something that makes students engage more with their own ideas and perceptions, which in turn makes them progress more.

In class, I always make the effort of understanding what the goals and interests of all students are, as well as their own skills. This way we can address the issues at hand more effectively and make sure the student never loses his/her interest and focus in music and his/her instrument. I believe that an honest and friendly relationship between teacher and student is essential for this exchange of ideas to happen more clearly and fluently, and therefore I do my best to make everyone feel comfortable enough to share their own thoughts freely.

I invite you to come and experience a trial guitar lesson and to start a very enjoyable learning process. I look forward to meeting you!