Karen Blackwood BA PGCE - Guitar (Classical, Electric, Acoustic), Bass Guitar, Piano, Theory, Drum Kit, Band Classes.

Karen Blackwood is director of our academy and is second to none at producing talented musicians and bands.  Karen qualified with a Bachelor of Arts (endorsement in guitar teaching) from The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education from Moray House and has been teaching in a secondary music classroom for 20 years alongside guitar tutoring for over 30 years.

Having taught at Crieff High School for 20 years Karen has an in depth knowledge of the Scottish Curriculum requirements for all instruments and is the go to person in Scotland for advice regarding presenting pupils for N5, Higher and Advanced Higher in guitar. She has a wealth of knowledge in teaching mainstream and also SEN. Having spotted quite a few undiagnosed pupils within her private teaching, much to the thankfulness of their parents. She has also written her own tutor book which is used in beginner lessons.

Karen is able to present pupils for ABRSM exams, Trinity and Rock School as well as preparing kids for the performance, understanding music and compositional elements of the SQA courses.

She teaches acoustic, classical and electric guitar, bass, piano and drum kit although she studied classical guitar with Professor Philip Thorne MBE at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Being able to play guitar, bass, piano, trumpet and drum kit has enabled Karen to have a diverse knowledge of music teaching and performing. As well as teaching Karen enjoys playing professionally for weddings and functions as well as for her church band. She was also the director of Central Music Agency supplying musicians, discos and dancers for weddings and function all over Scotland.