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Our Tutors

Music 
Lessons
Llanelli & Carmarthen

At Music Factory: Wales, we feel that our team of tutors in both Llanelli and Carmarthen share the same passion for music and the same values when it comes to passing on the knowledge we have acquired over the decades we have spent as professional musicians. Between us, we have taught thousands of lessons to students young and not-so-young, many of whom have gone on to become professional musicians in their own right. The team we have assembled has played music together in various projects throughout our professional career and continues to meet weekly, to enjoy playing music together.  

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Meet the Tutors

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Brandon Thorley

Brandon first fell in love with music at 7 after hearing Guns N' Roses playing on the radio. Hearing Slash playing guitar had such an impact that he decided that guitar would be his passion from there on in.

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Throughout his childhood, Brandon studied guitar and music theory, completing ABRSM Grades 1-8. He then went on to study Music Technology in Coleg Sir Gar where he cultivated his skills in music production. When he wasn't studying at college he played in a jazz band, participating in many competitions.

This led him to be accepted into the very prestigious Leeds Conservatoire where he achieved a Bachelor's Degree in Music. It was here that Brandon really honed his craft by studying a variety of different styles and techniques over multiple genres.

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Brandon writes his own music and is focused on passing on his extensive knowledge to the next generation of musicians to help them achieve their goals and possibly follow in his footsteps of becoming a professional musician.

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Ken Hung

​Ken, is a passionate and very accomplished pianist and music teacher, currently studying computer science at Swansea University. He specialises in classical and jazz piano, tailoring his lessons to students of all ages and skill levels to make learning fun and engaging. When he's not teaching, you can find him in the piano room, exploring new music, window shopping for audio equipment, or listening to various genres. He is excited to share his love of music with you.

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Jonathan Davies

Jonathan Davies is a dynamic and versatile musician hailing from the vibrant music scene of Mid and South Wales.

With a rich tapestry of influences ranging from pop, rock, and heavy rock to funk, indie rock, alternative, and

electronic music, Jonathan has crafted a unique sound that captivates audiences across various genres. His artistic

journey has been profoundly shaped by notable figures such as Jamie Morrison of the Stereophonics and Eddy

Thrower of Lower Than Atlantis, whose styles resonate within Jonathan's own work.

Jonathan's impressive performance history boasts appearances on renowned stages, including The 1865 and the

celebrated grassroots venue, The Joiners. He has also graced Theatr Brycheiniog as a house band member and

highlighted his talents at the YPV Festival alongside prominent Radio 1 DJ, Jordan North. His collaborations include

working with acclaimed artists such as James Oliver, the UK Blues Awards Emerging Artist of the Year 2020, and

various dep engagements with wedding and function bands, further highlighting his adaptability and professionalism

in live settings.

In addition to his performance career, Jonathan is the founder of Northern Ruins, a highly sought-after wedding band

based in Mid and South Wales. Through Northern Ruins, he has established a reputation for excellence and will soon

be featured on one of the UK's leading function band agencies, Tailored Entertainment. This venture exemplifies

Jonathan's commitment to delivering memorable musical experiences for couples on their special day.

Jonathan's musical prowess has garnered recognition from industry professionals, with his former band “The Pretty

Dark” being awarded Record of the Week by BBC Introducing. He holds a First Class Degree in Popular Music

Performance from Solent University, where he honed his skills and artistry. His dedication to the craft was further

enriched by two years of mentorship under Ben Kennedy, who has worked with major acts such as Foxes, Girls Aloud,

Ladyhawke, and Adam Lambert.

Currently, Jonathan is actively involved in several projects, including Northern Ruins and collaborations with artist

Adam Thorn, ensuring that his musical journey continues to evolve and inspire.

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Hollie Singer

Hollie Singer has grown up around music, which plays a huge part in her life. She has gained lots of experience in different areas of the industry, from being the lead vocalist and guitar player in Carmarthen band Adwaith, who has toured all over the world and played festivals such as Glastonbury, Green Man, End of the Road, and South by South West, as well as winning the welsh music prize twice for their debut and sophomore albums. She also has experience in musical theatre, having studied performing arts, and has a first-class honors degree in popular and commercial music. She has worked in the education sector for the last year and is excited to bring her teaching skills and musical knowledge to Music Factory.

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Gareth Lewis

Gareth's passion for music blossomed at a young age. He quickly developed a deep appreciation for the raw energy of roots music – rock, blues, country, and Americana, but his musical curiosity extends to all genres. A seasoned gigging musician, he's toured all around the UK, parts of Europe, and even Africa, captivating audiences ranging from intimate gatherings of 50 to massive festival crowds. Gareth is a prolific songwriter who releases his own material, with songs regularly finding themselves on the BBC Radio Wales A-List play list. He's also graced the airwaves of Planet Rock Radio, countless stations worldwide, and has co-written a song featured in an advert for Porsche starring Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter (Bill & Ted!). He’s even made it to the finals of the prestigious Nashville-based International Songwriting Competition. Gareth hold’s a deep passion for mental health and wellbeing. He has worked for national mental health charities for many years on major campaigns. During this time, he found a way to combine his passions, by developing and delivering music-based workshops as a tool for emotional expression, positive support, and overall wellbeing. Gareth is a natural nurturer, with many years experience teaching guitar, songwriting and music production to young people and adults of all abilities, on a 1-2-1 basis or in group situations. His supportive and friendly approach fosters a positive and encouraging environment for all to learn and grow musically.

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Dr Nik Bizzell-Browning

Nik describes himself as a drummer/entertainer, but how many x-buskers do you know with a PhD in contemporary classical music composition? In brief, Nik has performed at 1000's of venues and festivals across Europe; he's busked with Eddie Izzard, jammed with Jools Holland, and supported everyone from Showaddywaddy to Peter Gabriel. From 2011-2015 Nik was the drummer with "The Men They Couldn't Hang" playing drums and piano on their acclaimed album "The Defiant" and drums on the live album "Raising Hell" (YouTube videos here: https://youtu.be/lNqpz3e4raE & https://youtu.be/T6_zyzqn-ds ). 

 

Nik first studied drum rudiments at the age of 10, and has worked as a session drummer (rock/blues/jazz/ska/cabaret) since the age of 15; not to mention accidently drumming with a reggae band in Africa, a blues band in India, and a Symphony Orchestra in Tunbridge Wells. Nik brings this wealth of diverse cross-genre musical experience to his drum lessons, where everyone from absolute beginners to those wishing to refine their technique or study for grades is individually catered for. Along the way, you might just find yourself learning (i) how to sing 3-part harmony (an essential skill for working drummers), (ii) how to "properly" listen, and (iii) how to better read and understand music using drum scores and rhythm as a starting point. 

 

"Everyone is musical and everything is rhythmic..." (Nik BB)

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