Expert Guitar Lessons & HSC Music Specialist – Gosford & Central Coast
Tailored Tuition for HSC Music 1, 2, and Extension Pathways
Advanced-beginner to pro levels
Theory, ear-training, and sight reading
Songwriting, improvisation, and instrumental composition.
1, 2 & Ext. Performance Coaching
Exam preparation
Expert guidance on repertoire, technique, and university entry strategy
My guitar lessons are tailored to your unique learning style and goals. While there are no shortcuts to mastery, my PhD in Music and years of experience teaching hundreds of students have allowed me to develop highly effective, time-saving methods. Whether you want to perform professionally or play for personal enjoyment, my methodology fosters technical proficiency and creative expression at every level.
Student Success & Awards
My students consistently achieve excellence, ranging from local scholarship winners to international touring professionals:
Scholarship Winners: Recipients of the Pearl Beach Scholarship, Central Coast Conservatorium Instrumental Scholarships, and the Boudi Society Awards.
Award-Winning Performances: Prize winners at Youth in Performing Arts (YIPA) and the Music Centre Gosford Guitar Scholarship.
National Recognition: Winner of the prestigious National Jazz Award.
Industry Professionals: Former students have gone on to perform with major artists including Guy Sebastian, Ronan Keating, Mike Nock, and Vince Jones.
My musicianship lessons provide comprehensive music theory tuition tailored to the NSW Year 7–12 curriculum or the specific goals of each student on the Central Coast. I integrate essential ear training and rhythm skills to help students build a deeper connection with their instrument. By incorporating singing and rhythm clapping into the learning process, students develop better pitch and feel the 'groove' of the music. Even students who believe they cannot sing, quickly learn to perform in tune while playing rhythm on the guitar.
Songwriting
Lessons analyze the inner workings of famous songs. Students learn how to create phrase shapes when building melodies, apply extensions to conventional chords and progressions, inject interesting or functional grooves, and master structural components such as the Intro, Verse, Bridge, Chorus, and Coda to turn draft ideas into fully formed songs. (Admission requirement: Year 11 & HSC 1 Music, AMEB/Rockschool Theory/Musicianship Grade 3/4 or equivalent).
Improvisation
Learn to solo step-by-step over blues, rock, jazz, and even classical guitar music, using scales, arpeggios, and—most of all—ear-hand coordination. We will listen to guitarists such as B.B. King, John Mayer, Steve Vai, George Benson, and Ralph Towner to help develop deep listening. (Admission requirement: 3-years guitar learning/playing).
​
Composition
Lessons focus on building and strengthening the foundations of instrumental composition for Year 11 & 12 HSC Music, as well as professional or aspiring composers. Structural and creative analysis of Baroque, Classical, Rock, and Jazz works are covered. (Admission requirement: AMEB Theory/Musicianship Grade 4 or equivalent).
Preparing a guitar recital for your HSC Music 1, 2, or Extension exams can be a daunting challenge. I specialise in mentoring HSC guitar students across the Gosford region through to the finish line, including a three-way collaboration with your school music teacher to ensure complete alignment with your goals.
Depending on your chosen HSC stream, I provide expert advice on repertoire selection and mastering the technical demands of your pieces. If you are preparing a Viva Voce musicology presentation, my extensive research background (PhD) allows me to guide you toward a sophisticated, high-level analysis.
As an awarded composer and university composition lecturer, I can also provide elite-level guidance for those incorporating original compositions into their HSC portfolio. Together, we will focus on the best strategies to maximise your marks and achieve a Band 6 result.
Whether you are an aspiring classical guitarist or a contemporary player exploring blues, rock, latin, jazz, and other modern styles, I provide expert support for exam preparation on the Central Coast. Beyond piece selection and technique, I guide students through musicianship and harmonic analysis, focusing on the high-level artistry required for top marks—including tone, touch, phrasing, and dynamics.
I offer expert guidance on repertoire, technique, and university entry strategy for students aiming for tertiary music studies. Having lectured at Sydney University, UNSW, Macquarie, the Sydney Conservatorium, and Newcastle over the past 20 years, I have a deep understanding of what audition panels look for. I have successfully mentored numerous students who have gained acceptance into these highly selective degree courses.
"I started learning guitar with Guy Strazz as a self-taught beginner and completed my HSC Music under his guidance. He played a major role in helping me achieve a mark of 94 in Music 1 and an ENCORE nomination, and I have since received multiple musical scholarships, including the Pearl Beach Music Scholarship. Guy is an exceptional teacher, a thorough mentor with a sharp attention to detail, and a great player. I always look forward to the lessons and would highly recommend him to guitarists of any background or skill level."— Jerome Drobot (Scholarship Winner & ENCORE Nominee)
"As a younger guitar player looking to make it in the music industry, Guy has been absolutely essential for my growth as a musician. He is highly knowledgeable, encouraging, and provides the exact professional direction needed to succeed."
— Brendon Kenny (Industry Track Student)
“Lessons with Guy are relaxed and stimulating. Even though this is a hobby for me, my repertoire, technique, and musicianship continue to grow through his skillful instruction” Dr David Darnell​
“Guy’s lessons come from an infinite wealth of knowledge and worldly experience that continues to leave me inspired after each and every lesson.” Saxon Penn
“My classical repertoire, technique, and musicianship continue to grow through his insightful teaching, deep knowledge of music and mastery of the instrument. His support in my AMEB Grade 6 Guitar and prepping me for HSC Music 2 is invaluable. Learning about improvisation, and contemporary music has enriched my classical playing” Kairavan Selvarajan
"Guy is a world class musician and his online classes have given me the opportunity to take advantage of his knowledge and experience. Any trepidation about learning online disappeared after a few minutes of the first lesson." Jeff Galea B.Mus MA