Marc Ongley had one guiding philosophy while writing his Guitar For Everyone book series – to treat each student as a potential professional. It’s an unpatronising approach borne out of Ongley’s own 35-year journey from teenage rock player to respected classical and jazz musician.

“I want to give beginners and intermediate students the opportunity to enjoy music in a complete way, to learn to read, not end up in 20 years still playing the same chords they might have learnt as a child or teenager.”

Book Two of Guitar For Everyone - published in 2004 – shows readers how to play solos and different voicings of chords. Ongley believes he has achieved just the right mix of interesting and challenging material while not advancing so quickly that students become dispirited. Book Three is now available in ebook form only. Guitar For Everyone 'First steps' and Rock 'n' Blues Guitar For Everyone were recently published in September 2006.

“When students understand what they’re doing, the magic of the language of music begins to open up. And the more you learn, the more you appreciate what’s out there.

“The weakness of using tablature alone is that people tend to learn their favourite riffs or pieces, never really understanding why notes fit together. It’s like using a language parrot-fashion without knowing what the words mean. People point to Hendrix and Montgomery as non-readers but they were uniquely gifted individuals in very specific areas of music.

“My whole thought process with this series was first of all to make the books enjoyable, but also to think of the person who might one day read professional charts or delve into classical and jazz.”

Personal experience defines Ongley’s approach. From the age of thirteen, he was a rock player, supporting the Kinks and the Beach Boys in his native Australia. Then the drummer in his band played him a Barney Kessel record. Its subtleties spurred Ongley to teach himself to read, armed only with fleeting knowledge from a few early piano lessons.

Another change of direction followed. He turned pro at 18 and one of his first pupils asked to be taught classical. Ongley freely admits he didn’t have a clue what was involved but he stayed several steps ahead of his student and in the process became addicted to the style. He moved to grade six in two years, travelling 120 miles every fortnight for lessons with Don Andrews, one of the best teachers in Australia, and a great jazz player. It led to Ongley eventually recording with Australian jazz guitar legend George Golla.

Television work followed and a Wigmore Hall debut in 1982. In Britain he studied under Alirio Diaz, one of Segovia’s favourite students. In Australia he’d studied with Turibio Santos, the Brazilian guitarist who Villa-Lobos chose to be the first artist to record his famous 12 Studies for Guitar. Ongley has since recorded with members of the London Symphony Orchestra and John Williams’ group Sky.

Since 1991, Ongley has made his home in London, performing, teaching and writing, as well as running Natural Light Records and Publications and this site www.guitarteachingbooks.co.uk his most recent venture. Marc's company Natural Light Publications is just about to launch internationally through retail outlets worldwide from June 2006.

Of his latest venture, he says: “The best book in the world couldn’t give you everything you need but I believe this one speaks for itself. It works.”

Reviews...
" ....This book is also perfect book for those interested in learning how to read notation..." (Total Guitar Magazine UK)

" ...if you don't want to still be playing House Of The Rising Sun in 20 years, try these books." (Janey Hulme - The National Teachers Magazine UK)

If you wish to hear samples from Marc's CD catalogue visit: www.naturallightrecords.com