Alan Banks (musician)

Alan Banks (born 1973) is an internationally renowned Australian guitarist.

Alan Banks
Born1973
GenresClassical music
Occupation(s)Guitarist, arranger and composer
InstrumentsGuitar
Years activefl. ca. 1999 – present

Biography

Alan Banks was brought up in Mahogany Creek, Western Australia just outside Perth. In his early years, he attended Glen Forrest Primary School where his uncle introduced him to the guitar. At Swan View Senior High School, Banks became a student of Eddie Roberts. While completing his undergraduate work at Western Australia Conservatory, he performed on stages throughout the continent. In 1999, he was a featured guest in the Young Australia Series, part of the Darwin International Guitar Festival, with John Williams labelling his performance "fantastic".[1]

In September 2000, Banks was awarded a grant by the Australia Council for the Arts enabling him to move to the UK to pursue his career. He studied under Carlos Bonell at London's prestigious Royal College of Music where he was the only guitarist accepted for post-graduate studies that year. He is skilled in a myriad of styles, from the Classical, Spanish/Flamenco, Latin, Jazz and Bluegrass.

Banks performs throughout the world, including France, the UK,[2] Ireland, New Zealand, Italy and Portugal. His London debut was at St Martin in the Fields, Trafalgar Square. He is a sought after soloist, both nationally and internationally, performing with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, Croyden Symphony Orchestra, and Ulster Symphony Orchestra amongst others. Banks is active on the festival circuit and has performed at Musicora Festival (Paris), the Sonorities Contemporary Music Festival (Northern Ireland), The Darwin International Guitar Festival (Australia), and The Derry Guitar Festival (Ireland).

Banks currently resides in Perth, Western Australia with his wife and two young sons.

Recordings
  • Richard Charlton – Turlough's Ghosts
  • Franks Lyons – Mnemonics

Notable performances

Instruments
  • Simon Rovis-Hermann classical
  • Richard Howell classical
  • Martin D-28 steel-string (heard on Last Drinks in Derry)

Discography
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References
  1. Classical Guitar Style of Western Australia – Alan Banks Archived 20 November 2008 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved on 2008-11-03.
  2. "Outstanding Guitarist to Perform at University". University of Ulster press release. 24 September 2004. Archived from the original on 12 February 2007. Retrieved 3 November 2008.
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