Meet Ross…
Guitar player/teacher
A bit about me…
My musical journey began as a self-taught guitar player
From bedroom player to garage bands and playing at the local church hall, I explored the guitar in various settings. Along the way, I realized that my self-taught style needed some polish if I wanted to make a career out of music, so I decided to get an education.
Early Lessons and Influences
My first formal music lessons were with John Rees, a trained classical musician better known as the bass player for Men at Work. John was a natural teacher, and he taught me the basics of harmony, theory, and arranging—lessons that still resonate today.
Advanced Training
To further improve my guitar playing, I sought out the best teachers I could find. Legendary guitar player and teacher Bruce Clarke taught me how to read music and instilled a love of jazz and improvised music. Gifted classical guitarist and teacher Nick Chalkiadakis provided me with a solid technical foundation that underpins my playing style.
Professional Experience
In addition to my studies, I played 5 to 7 gigs a week in original rock bands. During this time, I met Tommy Emmanuel, who was developing his solo playing style that has since made him one of the all-time greats of guitar. Spending time with Tommy, listening to him, and playing with him was incredibly inspiring. He graciously taught me the basics of Travis Picking, which I still use in my teaching today.
Collaborations and Performances
Over the years, I’ve worked live and recorded with various artists and bands, including Pat Wilson, Whiteman Can’t Reggae, Misfits, The Bobby James Syndicate, and Animal Farm. I’ve performed at events ranging from the Hells Angels Broadford annual event with Aussie soul legend Jeff St John to playing in the orchestra for the Moscow Circus. I’ve shared the stage with many legendary Australian artists and performed in venues all over the country.
Teaching Career
I’ve been teaching guitar lessons in Melbourne for most of my working life. The lessons I learned from my own teachers, the many musicians I’ve worked with, and the thousands of students I’ve taught underpin the structure that I work from.
I love what I do—it’s incredibly rewarding to see people learn to play the guitar and experience the joy it brings. It’s also gratifying when the pro and semi-pro players I’ve taught tell me how something they learned from me helped them with their craft, whether it was landing a gig or improving their playing.
My mentors
These are some of the teachers and people that have helped guide me on my journey.
- John Rees (Men at Work)
- Bruce Clarke (Legendary Teacher)
- Nick Chalkiadakis (Classical Master)
- Tommy Emmanual (Guitar Legend)
- Ron Leigh (Inspirational Teacher)
- John Paine (Guitar Player/Teacher)
Memorable gigs
Over the years, I’ve played many thousands of gigs. These are a handful of the most memorable… all have a good story.
- Pentridge Prison – ‘B’ Division
- Calder Raceway – International Event
- Broadford – Hells Angels Annual Event
- The Moscow Circus on Ice
- Warren ‘Wazza’ Hall’s Last Stand
- The Ross Hannaford Benefit
Alli Harris
With Ross’ amazing guitar talent, he can teach you everything and anything you want.
Ben Wolfram
The musical road is never ending, but so long as you’ve got a teacher as great as Ross helping you drive down it, you won’t want it to end!
Bill Briggs
After poor experiences with four other teachers, I’ve found Ross to be skilled, supportive and patient, and have certainly found the right teacher for me.
Damien O’Neil
Ross Helmot loves the guitar and he loves teaching the guitar. He impresses me with his knowledge and skill.
Andrew Lin
Ross has been an exceptional teacher – amiable, patient and very passionate about what he does.
