Find out more about our guitar teacher, Riccardo.

I started playing guitar when I was 12 years old, back in 2008. My first guitar was a second hand Squier Stratocaster Sunburst. I was very fascinated by music and the first time I saw my old father’s classical guitar without strings I thought it might be a fantastic idea to put strings on it and, after I picked that up, it was pure connection and immediate passion that made me want to learn more.

I started learning with the first materials I had at my disposal. Later on, I used to study in music schools and in the meantime I used to research my sound and experiment with all the new knowledge I had, putting everything together. The first song I learnt was Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin.

My first band was a rock band named Heartbreaking Disease and the first act ever was with them in a contest, playing a short set of 6 songs, one of which was original. In my career I have played loads of gigs and the list of favourites is very very long. However, my two favourite gigs were the first date of my first regional tour with a national artist and my first solo gig ever.

Two of the best experiences I’ve been to were a big gig by Black Sabbath and also at the Jazz Expo event in my city where I have had the opportunity to see Billy Cobham live.