TUTOR SPOTLIGHT: ADAM THORNDYKE
TUTOR SPOTLIGHT: ADAM THORNDYKE
Lewis Eady Music School tutor Adam Thorndyke got his first guitar at around 5-6 years old and has never looked back. Adam currently teaches guitar at our partner schools and at our Great South Road studios, and also writes and produces his own music in his home studio.
LEMS: Let's start from the beginning!
ADAM: I got my first guitar around 5-6 years old and started getting lessons the following year. After a few years of playing, my tutor suggested the Trinity Rock and Pop Exams, so I started at Grade 4 and worked my way up to Grade 8. It was a really good experience for me as it stretched my learning and introduced me to other genres of music.
I also played in rock/pop bands throughout intermediate and high school. In intermediate school, my band entered the Rockquest Competition and won, so we got to record a song at the Neil Finn Roundhead studios.
LEMS: WHY DID YOU GET INTO TEACHING?
ADAM: I attended the Rock Band holiday programme at Lewis Eady Music School and loved being part of that. As I progressed, I was lucky enough to start to be able to teach these rock bands. This was my first introduction to teaching.
Teaching instruments and mentoring bands is always exciting because it doesn't matter if it's someone's first or 100th lesson - they always leave with something new and something to work towards.
LEMS: WHAT'S YOUR INSPIRATION BEHIND PERFORMING AND TEACHING?
ADAM: Music has always been my passion and always been something I've wanted to make into my career, so being able to work in all aspects of the music industry has been inspiring.
LEMS: WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU'RE NOT TEACHING?
Adam being interviewed on George FM.
ADAM: Most of my personal time is spent around music as well. I have a home studio where I record other artists, mix and master songs, and produce my own music - I have been lucky enough to have my music played on George FM. I'm always working on original material and try my best to collaborate as much as possible with other like-minded musicians.
LEMS: Where do you see yourself in ten years?
ADAM: I cannot imagine not working in the music industry. Ten years from now, I hope to have my own professional-level recording studio and run my own label. I'd like to think that I'll still be just as involved in music, if not more. One of the best things about music is no matter what level you reach, you can always go further, and there's always something new to learn or create.