Online Teacher Profiles

George Hartshorn

Online Guitar Tuition

George’s life has been heavily involved with music from a young age. Early memories of watching acts like Rodger Waters and listening to Phil record music, sparked a big interest. 

George began busking in Arrowtown when he first moved to the Wakatipu Basin. He was the youngest member involved with the Arrowtown School rock bands programme to perform at the Smokefree Rock Quest competitions.

At high school he met three guys who together became great mates, and became one of Queenstowns most prominent bands, The Fletchers. At 14 George was regularly playing in Queenstown’s bars and clubs performing many covers and originals. This carried on for the next five years. In addition to their regular Queenstown gigs, they often played in Christchurch, Wanaka and Dunedin. The Fletchers played so much that it could be safely said they performed on every stage and venue in the Wakatipu Basin.  During their time they opened for many significant artists such as America, Dave Dobbyn, Pat Benetar & Neil Giraldo, Bachman & Turner, James Reid (The Feelers), Tahuna Breaks along with many others.

George was also involved with the Jazz combo and Big Band at Wakatipu High School. He was awarded the school's Cultural Blues Award for music; Best Instrumentalist; and Best Musician. The Fletchers won the local competition Battle of the Muso’s for three consecutive years. They also gained first place in the Dunedin Battle of the Bands; and were placed as one of the top 20 bands in New Zealand’s National Rock Quest.

In addition to learning guitar from an early age, George also has a big interest in sound production. He spent some time at Mainz as well as working with Tom Tom Productions. Currently George is in Purakaunui where he is setting up a studio recording, writing, practicing and teaching. He continues to take lessons with Phil. A slightly recent project which was Rogue Society (essentially live improvised jams) can be seen below. George currently teaches a range of students online with guidance from Phil. Feel free to get in touch with us for any queries.