About Jon Pickard
“One cannot become a guitarist if he has not bathed in the fountain of culture.”
— Agustin Barrios Mangore
Jonathan Pickard is a professional Guitarist and Pianist, specialising in performances for concerts and all live events, weddings, corporate etc. He has done this for over 25 years. He has developed a busy career specializing in Classical, Spanish, Flamenco and Latin Guitar styles (listen here) but is also known for his many arrangements of modern Pop tunes for the 6 string guitar.
He was trained to a First Class BA degree in Classical guitar and Jazz piano at Bath Spa University by teachers from London Trinity College, and has had many years of private tuition and masterclasses from world renowned players such as John Mills, Xuefei Yang and Terence Latham, to name just a few.
Recently he has become one of the new generation of 'Harp Guitarists'. Harp Guitars are a rare and ancient instrument that feature any combination of fretted (guitar-like) and un-fretted (harp-like) strings, and they are currently experiencing a popular modern renaissance.
Jon designed and commissioned his own 23 stringed version (pictured left) and now composes and performs his own original music for it, as well as other Harp Guitar composers' works, and arranging other music for the instrument.
Currently working on his second Harp Guitar album he has recorded and independently released 4 albums: Spanish Guitar Music From The Ends Of The Earth (2002), Memoryas y Suenos (2006), Guitarra Latina (2011) and Metamorphia (Harp Guitar 2018) - celebrations of Classical, Spanish, Flamenco, Brazilian and South American Guitar, and modern Harp Guitar music. See CDs page for full details.
His videos have been played on TV in over 40 countries and he has given concerts and performances as a professional guitarist across the UK, and in Germany, France, Portugal and Australia as a concert and wedding guitarist.
Jon has also played Jazz piano professionally for around 30 years (listen here) and is available to hire for all events. The majority of his work is playing small concerts across the UK and piano & guitar for weddings, corporate events, and parties.
Jon takes pleasure and pride in all his professional guitarist work and enjoys working with his clients to ensure that they get what they want for their event – the best quality music possible.
He spent 6 years playing Spanish Guitar to packed crowds at the Ortega Tapas Restaurant at Center Parcs Longleat from the opening night in 2007 to the closing night in 2013.
He has countless musical influences (too many to mention them all) but the main current ones for Spanish and Flamenco guitar would have to be: Paco de Lucia, Vicente Amigo, John Williams, Julian Bream, Gypsy Kings, Ramon Montoya, Gerardo Nuñez, Paco Peña, Juan Serrano. Also Rodrigo and Gabriella, Jorge Morel, Paulo Bellinati, Astor Piazzolla and many more. He also loves Brazilian and South American Guitar music, including some Tango music and has studied and learned much from these genres.
He lives in Somerset with his family and earns his living as a Classical, Spanish and Flamenco professional Guitarist for concerts, weddings and corporate functions across the whole of the South and Southwest of England. He also gives guitar lessons in person and online via webcam where necessary.
Jonathan Pickard – Professional Guitarist and Pianist
Whether you’re planning a wedding, a corporate event, a private celebration or a concert, Jonathan Pickard offers professional live music tailored to the occasion. With over 25 years of professional experience, Jon works with clients to create the right musical atmosphere, from elegant classical guitar for a wedding ceremony to lively Spanish and Latin music, familiar pop arrangements or sophisticated jazz piano.
Based in Somerset, Jon performs throughout the South and South West of England, bringing experience, versatility and a personal approach to every engagement.
Music to suit your occasion
Jon specialises in classical, Spanish, Flamenco and Latin guitar, including his own arrangements of modern pop songs for six-string guitar. On piano, he performs light jazz and love songs. Whether you have particular pieces in mind or would like help choosing the right music, he can work with you to create a programme that suits your event.
For weddings, corporate functions and parties, Jon offers both guitar and jazz piano, providing music that complements the occasion without overwhelming it. For concert organisers, his performances combine accomplished musicianship with a varied repertoire and the opportunity to discover something genuinely unusual.
Jon spent six years performing Spanish guitar to packed audiences at the Ortega Tapas Restaurant at Center Parcs Longleat, from its opening in 2007 until its closure in 2013. He has also performed countless concerts, both solo and as part of larger festivals, throughout Europe and in the USA and Australia.
Discover the extraordinary harp guitar
Jon is also an internationally recognised performer and composer for the harp guitar, a rare instrument that combines conventional fretted guitar strings with additional open strings, creating an unusually rich range of sounds and textures.
Part of a new generation of harp-guitar musicians, Jon has designed and commissioned his own distinctive 23-string instruments, including a fretless version. He composes original music for them, performs works by other harp-guitar composers and creates arrangements that explore the instrument’s remarkable possibilities.
For concert presenters and audiences, this offers something beyond a conventional guitar recital: distinctive instruments, original compositions and a musical world that many listeners will be encountering for the first time.
Experience and musical training
Jon holds a First Class BA degree in Classical Guitar from Bath Spa University, where he also studied jazz piano. His training has been complemented by many years of private tuition and masterclasses with internationally renowned guitarists, including John Mills, Xuefei Yang and Terence Latham.
His performances have taken him across the UK and internationally, and his videos have been broadcast on television in more than 40 countries.
Alongside his concert work, Jon has recorded and independently released six albums:
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Spanish Guitar Music From The Ends Of The Earth (2002)
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Memorias y Sueños (2006)
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Guitarra Latina (2011)
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Metamorphia (2018) – harp guitar
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Dances With Angels (2021)
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An Ancient Future (2025) – harp guitar
Together, these recordings reflect his musical interests, from classical, Spanish and Flamenco guitar to Brazilian and other Latin American traditions, as well as contemporary harp-guitar music. His influences include Paco de Lucía, Vicente Amigo, Julian Bream, John Williams, the Gipsy Kings, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Jorge Morel, Paulo Bellinati and Astor Piazzolla.
A personal approach to live music
Jon takes pride in providing music that meets each client's needs. He understands that every occasion is different and welcomes discussion about repertoire, atmosphere and practical arrangements, helping you choose music that feels right for your event.
Whether you are looking for a concert performer, a guitarist for your wedding, live music for a corporate function or a pianist for a special occasion, Jon brings extensive professional experience and a genuine commitment to the quality of the performance.
He lives in Somerset with his family and also offers guitar tuition in person and online.
“How wonderful it was to hear your skill and music at our wedding on Friday 8th April. With the sun shining and your music flowing through the orangery, even the Registrar thought she was Spain!”
— Rachel and Steve