When it comes to guitar, there’s not many people more passionate than Alan Shaw.

Growing up and listening to classical guitarist records by the likes of Julian Bream, Alan took up the instrument aged 12.

“The sound and quality of the music I was listening to made a massive impression on me,” he said.

“Part of my family was very musical, and I went to a very musical school, so that all motivated me to play and I developed a true passion.

“it was just a normal, Northern comprehensive school, nothing special, but I had a great group of talented teachers helping me. I was quite lucky in that sense.”

Having achieved grade eight distinction in classical guitar by age 16, Alan was invited to audition for the Royal Academy of Music.

At 17, he was asked to attend the Academy

“It’s a little bit like Billy Elliott,” laughed Alan.

“A young 17-year-old kid from a small village in Yorkshire in the middle of nowhere, with nothing else to do but study going down to London.”

During his time at the Royal Academy, Alan began to focus on the Latin side of classical guitar.

After graduating aged 22, he left the UK to study in Spain under Jose Thomas, who was the right hand man to the legendary guitarist Andres Segovia.

“I left England with my backpack and guitar,” he continued, “it was completely intoxicating.

“Living and travelling around Spain with some of the best young guitar players in the world, fully immersing myself in the music, flamenco, the culture, it was amazing, I fell in love.

“I lived in Barcelona for 15 years and learned about Catalan guitar – I still feel Catalonia is the epicentre of classical guitar. It was a unique experience.”

Alan returned to the UK four years ago, but still regularly tours and performs around the continent.

And after coming to Gloucestershire, he reserves special mention for local composer Gilbert Biberian.

“He’s retired, about 75 years old and is so inspiring to me,” he said. “He lives in the Cheltenham area and is so great to speak to about music.”

In the coming months Alan will be at St Mary’s Church in Fairford on Saturday 16th June, St Andrews United Reform Church in Cheltenham on Sunday 30th June and at Cirencester Parish Church on Saturday 20th July.

“When I came back to England I’d picked up all this rhythm without even realising it,” he said.

“People were saying they’d never really heard anything like it, and I was really surprised because I’d been living it for so long.”

With more dates planned for the future, Alan is keen to use his concerts to fundraise for local causes, and has recorded a CD that will be available to buy at his shows with all profits going to help homeless charities in the area.

“I’m also keen to get more young people at my shows,” he added. “I think it’s important for the youth to experience live classical music so children under 16 who are attending with an adult can come to my shows for free.

“There’s so much talent in Gloucestershire and if seeing live music inspires someone to take up an instrument that’s what it’s all about for me.”

For tickets and more information on Alan’s upcoming concerts you can email him at ashaw2809@gmail.com.