Phillip An is a guitarist based in Vancouver, Canada and holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of British Columbia. Phillip was born in Seoul, South Korea and started taking piano lessons at the age of eight. He took his first guitar lessons during a trip to Korea where he learned the foundations, and also had the opportunity to experience live rock music at a music festival. Since then, he developed a keen interest in creating arrangements, compositions, and exercises with a desire to learn the guitar. He finds joy in sharing music and discovering various techniques and musical styles.

Phillip also began to study music theory and guitar when he attended a Diploma program at Capilano University, where he participated in workshops and guitar ensembles so that he could further enhance his musicianship and skills. He also started to perform at local venues and events from that time.

During his time in UBC he attended masterclasses from renowned classical guitarists including Marc Teicholz, Jonathan Leathwood, Rene Izquierdo, Rovshan Mahmedkuliev, Romilio Orellana, and Jerome Ducharme.

Phillip teaches classical guitar, as well as acoustic guitar, electric guitar, and ukulele. He can teach the basics, such as posture and position, picking / fingerstyle technique, melody playing, scales and power chords, as well as more advanced subjects like arpeggios, sweep-picking, alternate picking and fretboard theory. He is also aware that every student learns differently and tailors his lesson to the students’ needs, and often uses his arrangements as a vehicle for bringing the best out of each individual student. Alongside offering private lessons, he frequently instructs group guitar/ ukulele programs for beginner to intermediate players, and helps to organize rock band groups. He finds this approach of teaching to be engaging and beneficial, as it brings together people of different musical backgrounds through participation and cooperation. He teaches RCM and ABRSM grades/ levels of guitar, and his students consistently achieve high marks in the exams.

He also encourages his students to participate in recitals, ensembles, and music festivals to further build their musical skills and abilities outside of the classroom setting. During his spare time, he likes to play different styles including pop, baroque, classical, and blues and is eager to share his love for music and promote interest in the wonderfully diverse world of the guitar.