Richard Stewardson

Mr. Stewardson has been a professional musician for over 40 years. Music–studying, performing, teaching, arranging, and composing–is his life. His goal as an educator is to help students reach the highest level they wish to achieve, using an approach that focuses on ease of learning, joy, and relaxation.

Mr. Stewardson received B.A. and M.A. degrees from York University in the 1990s. He was also a Ph.D. candidate at the University of York. While at York University, Mr. Stewardson taught several university courses. Before attending York, he studied privately with several well-known teachers and performers. In the 1980s, he studied composition with the American composer William Shirmer in Florida. In the 1970s, he studied harmony, counterpoint, and arranging with the well-known Canadian jazz educator and author Gordon Delamont.

Mr. Stewardson has extensive experience teaching both private and group lessons to students of all ages and skill levels. He teaches several guitar styles (including classical, flamenco, finger style, rock, blues, jazz arrangements, and popular) as well as ukulele and banjo. He also has extensive experience teaching private and group lessons in RCM music theory, harmony, and history. He also teaches arranging, composition, and improvisation.