Like many guitarists, Alan first picked up the guitar in his teenage years. After receiving his first electric guitar at the age 16 he hasn't looked back since. Originally influenced by the Britpop movement during the 90s he became interested in Rock discovering guitarists such as Slash, Jimmy Page and Keith Richards. 

 

He went on to study at the Academy of Contemporary Music, Guildford, UK and graduated in 2002. It was whilst studying here Alan would discover new musical genres and develop a keen interest in Jazz and fusion and particularly the guitar styles of Larry Carlton and Scott Henderson. 

 

After completing his studies Alan discovered he had a passion for music education and as a result took up a full time teaching position at Yamaha Music school, Canterbury, Kent where he still teaches to date. Alongside his teaching commitments at YMS Canterbury Alan can also be found teaching at local Secondary and Primary Schools in South East Kent. 

 

In 2011 Alan co-authored his first book ‘Learn To Play Electric Guitar’ followed by ‘Learn To Play Blues Guitar: An introduction to the guitar styles of the three kings’ in 2014. In 2015 Alan co foundered 6stringbooks.com 

 

Alan can also be found performing in many groups and function bands around the South East of England and is a full-time member of the Hell Yeahs, TD4 and Light Years. 

 

In May 2020 Alan was awarded a Bachelor of Arts Degree with first class honours in Guitar Performance with Dime Online, FalmouthUniversity.