André Swanepoel
Violin Tutor
Job Role: Guest Guitar Tutor
Department: Guitar
Honours: ARCM, FCLCM (Hons), ARAM
John Mills has a long association with the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, being a former head of the Guitar Department. An international performer for over fifty years, he welcomes the opportunity of continuing his teaching within the department and enjoys working with young and talented musicians.
His own studies with amongst others John Williams, Julian Bream, and the legendary Andres Segovia have provided him with an in-depth knowledge of particularly the 19th to mid-20th century repertoire, and he is enthusiastic about encouraging students to approach the learning of repertoire through a highly analytical and historic perspective, with repertoire selection and concert programming in mind.
John’s other activities involving the guitar include broadcasting, recording, and exploration of the construction and history of the instrument. He has also worked with composers in many countries on new additions to the repertoire, both in solo and chamber music. With his broad range of experience in the music profession, he also offers support and guidance to students in terms of goals and career-planning.