Graham Young is the man behind Leeds Guitar Studio. He has been playing guitar for over 28 years and has been teaching for 22 of those. Although intially classically trained on the violin and piano upon picking up a guitar it was obvious that this was his true vocation. From the start he was a natural quickly aquiring a superior technique and a readily identifable style. After some touring and lots of private teaching Graham undertook a classical music degree at the University of Leeds. However, rather than take the easy option and opt for the guitar as his main instrument he decided that there was more to be gained by focusing on the piano. In 1996 Graham graduated with a B.A.(Hons) in music and a pass at the highest piano grade. Since then Graham has concentrated on the guitar and has helped countless guitarists improve their playing. His pupils have ranged from those who play purely for fun to those who are now established professionals themselves. It is Graham's intimate knowledge of the instrument that allows him to teach succesfully at every level. He is also an accomplished performer gigging regularly with a variety of bands in a variety of styles. He has continued to evolve as a player and has continually expanded his range and technique. Leading the Urban Jazz Guerrillas Graham regularly plays with the north's best jazz and rock musicians.

Graham gigs with an astounding variety of bands ranging from heavy rock to Bollywood film music. In the jazz realm he has also performed with Rod Mason, Gary Boyle, Martin Davies, Kenny Higgins, Jon Ellis and  Matt Steele of the Brand New Heavies to name a few. He has also been hired to perform at Drum Clinics with most recently Russell Gilbrook of Uriah Heep. For a full and up to date list of who he's playing with visit www.graham-young.com

Graham's intimate knowledge of such a wide range of musical styles that makes him such a good teacher. Through years of teaching he has developed a methodology which enables beginners to aquire the fundamentals of guitar technique and musical understanding rapidly, allowing them to move on to their chosen musical style. One student progressed from complete beginner to Grade 8 in two years and he was in no way exceptionally talented. He just used the information provided and worked diligently. Whatever the pupil wishes to achieve Graham can get them there quickly. Many of his pupils have gone on to complete music degrees and then work in the industry as musicians This has included those that have ranked very highly in international guitar competitions. Graham also teaches at the Leeds College of Music for the Yorkshire Young Musicians programme along with another of his past pupils Tom Quayle.

Since 2002 Graham has been exclusively playing 7 string guitar favouring Carvin's 7 string series. When playing acoustic guitar Graham favours Faith guitars and has a well worn and much loved natural finish Venus model.

If you wish to see and hear Graham playing check out of his YouTube footage.