Biography of Nathan Fernandes

In 1986, Nathan began learning the guitar at home from his older brother who had been attending an evening guitar class. This was the beginning of Nathan's devotion to the guitar. He chose all the music electives at school and enrolled in private guitar lessons, he joined the church band and a number of high school bands, and he played at several local guitar competitions and talent shows. He quickly discovered that his interest in music was influencing his life.

During his high school years, Nathan received numerous certificates and awards for his studies and performances in music, including a Certificate of Achievement in Music in 1989 at Cardinal Newman High School. He studied jazz guitar with private instructions from Carlos Lopes, a Genie Award winner. He progressed and studied in the Music program at Humber College of Applied Arts and Technology and continued his studies with private instructions from William Westcott, a professor at York University, and Don Ross, a two-time winner of the U.S. National Fingerstyle Guitar Championship.

Since 1991, Nathan has been teaching professionally at several organizations in both private and classroom settings. He started teaching at the Federal Conservatory of Music, Music Trends, and the City of Toronto. In February of 2002, he opened his own music school Strings Connected which is based in Durham, Ontario. He established relationships with the City of Oshawa, the Town of Whitby, the Town of Ajax, and the City of Pickering and now offers various guitar courses in their community centres. Nathan also teaches guitar for Fleming College at their Haliburton School of The Arts campus in Haliburton, Ontario.

Occasionally, Nathan performs as a solo artist, or with small ensembles or bands in Ontario. Currently, his interest in music has focused on encouraging others to develop and enjoy their own musicianship skills. He judges in community talent competitions, teaches music in several cities and towns across Ontario, and writes instructional music books. Nathan also writes articles for magazines, such as Music Teacher magazine by Rhinegold Publishing.

The diversity of his students has influenced his own development as a musician, and he has evolved into an eclectic guitarist with an interest in several styles of music. Nathan enjoys learning about his students and their perceptions and appreciation of music. He has always enjoyed teaching and finds it rewarding because of the gratification he receives from his students and the pride he feels in watching them learn and play.