Dr. Grant Sambells
Guitar Teacher
Grant Sambells is a distinguished classical guitarist, scholar, and educator with over fifteen years of experience in performance and music pedagogy. A dedicated artist and teacher, he maintains an active career as a concert performer while fostering the next generation of musicians through his academic roles.
Trained under renowned guitarists Clair Wenborn, Don Andrews, and Peter Calvo, Grant’s formative studies were further enriched by mentorship from Jeremy Sawkins, Gary Vickery, and Tim Rollinson. His commitment to musical excellence has earned him first-class Honours and a Master’s degree in classical guitar performance, as well as performance diplomas from AMEB and Trinity College London with distinction.
As a performer, Grant has graced prestigious stages, including solo and ensemble appearances at the Sydney Opera House, Government House, The Art Gallery of NSW, and The Independent Theatre. Notably, he premiered New Zealand composer Ross Carey’s Lachlan Moods at the Forbes Music Festival (2011). His 2019 all-Villa-Lobos recital at Sydney’s Instituto Cervantes, presented for the Brazilian Consulate, showcased his interpretive depth and technical mastery of the classical repertoire.
Since 2009, Grant has served as a classical guitar lecturer at the Australian Institute of Music (AIM), where he teaches performance, and directs ensembles. He also holds a teaching position at the Academy of Music and Performing Arts (AMPA), where he mentors emerging guitarists in both technical and artistic development. His prior instructional roles include Fiveways Music Studios, where he cultivated students’ skills in guitar and music theory.
Currently, Grant is pursuing a Doctorate in Music at Western Sydney University under the guidance of Professor Diana Blom, focusing on the intersection of performance practice and pedagogy.
An avid collaborator, Grant has performed alongside esteemed musicians such as Wendy Dixon, Robert Harris, Clair Wenborn, and Salut Baroque, among others. His work extends to live broadcasts, including a Christmas Day performance on Eastside FM (2015), and masterclasses at regional conservatoriums, where he shares his expertise with aspiring artists.
Balancing performance, teaching, and research, Grant Sambells remains a vital contributor to Australia’s classical guitar tradition—celebrated for his artistry onstage and his commitment to nurturing musical excellence in the classroom.