Phil Berthoud

Styles include pop, folk/acoustic, world, blues, Latin, Spanish, rock, jazz. From laid back atmospheric music to lively arrangements of well-known rock and pop songs; from Flamenco inspired improvisations to jazzy blues, Phil aims to create the right atmosphere for your event. Short biography: Phil has over 40 years' experience as a musician, composer, arranger and teacher. First and foremost, Phil performs live on guitar, as well as fiddle and mandolin. He is also an internationally recognised author of music instruction books, a composer/arranger and teacher. Born in Zimbabwe, Phil first took up the guitar aged 14, teaching himself by learning rock and pop songs. In his early 20’s, he discovered Irish traditional music and took up fiddle and mandolin. He’s played with many bands over the years, mainly in London, Spain, Brighton and Devon, and has many years’ experience teaching all age groups and standards. Phil has had a number of instruction books and music collections published (mostly by American publisher Mel Bay) on fiddle, mandolin and guitar playing, which are available internationally. As well as being known as an outstanding musician, Phil has made a name for himself as a composer, especially of string quartet music, guitar arrangements of well-known songs and beginner to advanced level pieces for students. As a performer, Phil often plays with Freedom Fields Ceilidh Band, and currently plays in two duos with his wife, Mahrey – folk duo Rhillig and Stringing Along, a duo that performs for the elderly and those with learning difficulties.