Richard Durrant

Richard studied guitar, composition and cello at the Royal College of Music between 1981 and 1986. He is a passionate supporter of music literacy, particularly amongst guitarists. He has received an award from Prince Charles (now King Charles) for his work supporting art in the community.

Richard Durrant is a musician who defies categorisation. He is one of the leading guitar virtuosos of his generation who, uniquely, performs standing up and writes a high proportion of his own concert music. Over his long career Richard has been able to share his skills and experiences as a musician in masterclass settings, on his many teaching films (formerly available via the Richard Durrant Academy) and at his annual residential guitar course in France (French Guitar Adventurers). Some of his teaching resources have now been moved to Udemy.

Richard has performed worldwide. He’s celebrated in Paraguay for his playing of the music of Agustin Barrios and his lyrical, virtuosic interpretations of Bach’s works (played on Tenor Guitar and Ukulele) have received critical acclaim. In the UK Richard has appeared live on BBC Radio 2, 3, 4 and 6 Music.

Richard shows his concern for the natural environment by playing his annual, British Isles midsummer tour carrying everything on a bicycle and trailer. In 2022 he cycled one thousand miles from Orkney to Sussex performing concerts along the way. He regularly appears in cathedrals, concert halls, theatres, churches, forests and fields. His Candlelit Christmas Tour and Music for Midsummer Tour have become a much loved fixture for audiences throughout the UK.