Meet the Team
Dr Gary Lutton
Director & Guitar Teacher
Gary is a musician and teacher based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He is the winner of Sky TV's Guitar Star and holds a PhD in music from Ulster University. Gary has been a lecturer in music at various colleges throughout N.I. for 10 years and has toured internationally in the US, Europe and China.
Live at Stormont for BBC2 Music Day
Hannah, BA (Hons)
Singing & Piano Teacher, Studio Coordinator
Having just graduated with a first in Music Performance from Queens University Belfast, Hannah is a passionate musician. As a classically trained singer she has experience in opera, contemporary music, musical theatre and jazz. She is also a prolific singer-songwriter, utilising her skills as a singer, pianist and guitarist to create diverse original music. Hannah’s debut single featured on BBC Introducing and her EP ‘Temporary’ is available to stream on Spotify under the name ‘Honeyblossom’. Hannah is a patient and enthusiastic teacher here to build your confidence and skills while having fun as you learn!
Melissa, BA (Hons)
Singing Teacher
Melissa is a Belfast-based music tutor and film composer with a First Class Honours degree in Music and Audio Production from Queen’s University Belfast. Alongside teaching piano, singing and guitar to students of all ages, she composes original music for short films. She was recently selected for the Dialogues residency with Dumbworld and the Hard Rain Soloist Ensemble, where she composed and conducted an original score. Melissa focuses on getting to know each student as an individual, helping them build confidence and express their creativity.
Luke, BA (Hons)
Drum teacher
Luke is the drummer of the successful up-and-coming Belfast noise punk band ‘Enola Gay’. He has toured worldwide across the UK, Europe and USA, playing many festivals such as Download, Boomtown, and Boardmasters to name a few. He has performed live on air on BBC 6 Music radio; on French Television alongside Sleaford Mods; and on Audiotree studios in Chicago. Luke is a highly experienced performer with a passion for teaching both adults and children in all styles of music. If there’s groove, he’ll be there!
Luke’s favourite bands: Fontaines D.C, Radiohead and Korn
Liam, PhD
Guitar Teacher
Liam McCartan is a Belfast-based musician, producer and composer who gained his doctorate from the Sonic Arts Research Centre at Queen's University in 2022. Liam is a multi-instrumentalist with 18 years of cross-genre guitar-playing experience and a speciality in improvisation. Having recorded, written and performed in rock, folk, metal, jazz, electronic and experimental groups, Liam has become expertly versed in many forms of music.
Grace, BMus, MMus
Singing Teacher
Grace is a classically trained vocalist graduating 1st degree honours in performance, and Masters in Music from Ulster University. She is a private music teacher and music lecturer at BMC with a lifelong passion for music, specialising in performance. She has years of experience performing in a wide range of genres including contemporary, jazz, classical, choral and musical theatre. Her experience covers everything from performing in bands at local Festivals, like Derry Jazz and Belfast Blues. to leading roles in musicals such as ‘Maria’ in the Sound of music and performing her own material at the Belfast Nashville songwriter's festival.
Before dedicating herself to teaching, she spent 4 years touring as a backing singer with a successful tribute show ‘Tonight’s the Night’, gaining invaluable experience performing on stages across the UK & Ireland.
Grace combines that ‘real-world’ performance knowledge with a supportive and encouraging teaching style, helping students develop confidence, technique, and a genuine love of music.
Lauren, BA (Hons)
Piano Teacher
Lauren is a Singer/Songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based in Belfast. She has recorded her songs in studios, released to streaming platforms, and occasionally plays live in Belfast. While she sings and accompanies herself on guitar, she is also a classically trained violinist and pianist that has collaborated with local artists, had her arrangements on their songs, played live for functions and events, and also takes commissions for original compositions.
In July 2023 she graduated from Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts with a Degree in Music, specialising in Songwriting, Production and Performance.
Daniel, BA (Hons)
Guitar Teacher
Daniel is a guitarist, composer, and teacher based in Belfast and Derry. Having gained his Bachelors degree in Music (Jazz Performance) from Leeds College of Music in 2018, Daniel has 8 years private tuition experience, specialising in the genres of pop, rock/metal, and jazz. He currently plays in a Metallica tribute act and his band Geilt. Daniel provides a patient and bespoke learning experience with the aim to help build each students instrumental confidence and creativity.
Paul
Guitar Teacher
Paul is a passionate and dedicated tutor who specialises in helping beginners build strong foundations and confidence in their playing. As a regular performer at the Belfast Guitar Festival, he brings real-world experience to his teaching, offering students valuable insights into both technique and performance. Paul’s approach is patient and encouraging, focusing on making learning the guitar enjoyable and accessible for all. Whether you’re picking up a guitar for the first time or looking to develop your skills, Paul’s expertise in the fundamentals will set you on the right path.
Marty
Drum teacher
Marty is a drummer, performer and music tutor with over 20 years of experience playing across a variety of musical styles. Throughout his career, he has performed extensively with bands across Northern Ireland and gained valuable studio experience, including working with acclaimed producer Tom Newman on a re-recording of Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells.
Marty is passionate about sharing his knowledge and helping students develop confidence, musicality and strong technical skills. He believes every student learns differently, so lessons are tailored to suit individual goals, whether that’s learning the basics, improving technique, preparing for grades or simply playing for enjoyment. His patient and encouraging approach creates a positive learning environment where students can progress at their own pace.
Outside of teaching, Marty draws inspiration from bands such as Led Zeppelin, Tool, Deftones and Pearl Jam, whose distinctive drumming and musicianship continue to influence his playing and teaching style
Gillian, BMus, ATCL
Piano Teacher
Gillian BMus (Hons), ATCL - is a classically trained pianist based in Carrickfergus. She graduated from Edinburgh Napier University in 2002 with a Bachelor of Music degree. Much of her musical experience was gained whilst living and studying in Edinburgh, where she frequently performed in ensemble groups and as an accompanist and continuo player in various notable concert venues. Gillian teaches piano privately and has been playing piano in churches since returning to N. Ireland in 2002. She currently holds a Music Co-Ordinator position in a local church. Music is Gillian's form of escape and winding-down from the stresses of everyday life, and she hopes all her pupils can see that benefit too.