Biography
Rhayn began his musical training in Australia, taking part in competitions for the Victorian schools Music Association as a drummer, bassist and percussionist. He went on to read music at Bath Spa University College, specialising in performance, theory and composition, he graduated with an honours degree. He achieved a post graduate diploma in performance from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Completing his academic studies at Cardiff university with a masters degree in music, culture and politics, focusing in on the connection between Cuba and its past. Currently he is an independent academic continuing his research into the music of cuba on which he has published various articles.Starting his training on the classical guitar at twenty two years of age, with the reputed Neil Smith, he went on to study with Tom Kerstens, James Woodrow and finally progressing under John Mills and Eleftheria Kotzia. He has also played for Gary Ryan, Eric Roche, John Dearman, Tim Walker, Craig Ogden and Leo Brouwer et al, in master classes. Rhayn attended the Cordoba guitar festival in Spain 2002; tutored by Leo Brouwer he gained a certificate in 20th century composition for the guitar. He has studied renaissance lute under Dr Matthew Spring and Matthew Nisbet, furthering his love of the renaissance period, he studied and researched continuo under Dr Andrew Wilson Dickson.
He began teaching as an assistant for the International Guitar Festival out reach programme in 2000. Since then he has tutored for Cardiff and Vale music service and the vale of Glamorgan's Adult Education service where he designed and ran the guitar program. As such he has over nine years teaching experience and holds a teaching certificate.
He has played in various festivals and private recitals both as a solo artists and in a variety of bands and ensembles through the years. From wandering mistrals in the Cirencester Arts Festival to lute player for the Rondo Theatre company and headlining festivals on bass for Celtic goth rockers: the Bluehorses.
Currently working as an examiner for RockSchool, guitar tutor for juinor music at The Royal Welsh College staff writer for Bass Musician Magazine and playing bass with South Wales' premier rock band - Sankara.