Felipe DeBastos
About
I am a professional guitarist and music educator with over 20 years of performance and teaching experience across four continents. I earned my Bachelor of Applied Music in Guitar with Honours from Humber College's Creative and Performing Arts program in Toronto (2008–2012), and previously completed a three-year Applied Music Program at the Jazz School of the Hot Clube de Portugal in Lisbon (2002–2005), studying improvisation, harmony, and composition under acclaimed Portuguese guitarists Afonso Pais, André Fernandes, and Pedro Madaleno. My formal training began at the Conservatory of Tomar (1992–1997), where I studied classical guitar, music theory, ear training, and chamber music ensemble.
As a performer, I have recorded and toured professionally across Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. I recorded and toured with a BMG-signed artist who was a finalist on Operação Triunfo — Portugal's equivalent of American Idol — and performed at venues including Rock Bottom Café at the Regent Palace Hotel in Dubai (2013–2014), Ibrida in Manama, Bahrain (2014), and held multiple residencies at Soju Nightclub locations in Kuala Lumpur and Penang, Malaysia (2014–2017) with the Professional Entertainment International Group "Ovaload." Earlier in my career, I toured throughout Portugal with the band FH5 (1996–2004), building a broad repertoire across rock, funk, R&B, Brazilian music, and Portuguese popular music.
As an educator, I have over 15 years of teaching experience across multiple countries. I have taught guitar at Allegro Music in Toronto (2006–2008), Scarboro Music in Scarborough (2007–2009), and The Music Embassy in Etobicoke (2011–2012), working one-on-one with children and adults at all levels. I also served as a Music Instructor at International School Malaysia / Kolej Tuanku Ja'afar (2018–2020). In addition to music, I hold a TEFL International TESOL Certification (Paris College of International Education, 2022) and have taught English at several institutions in Thailand and online through EF Education First (2024–2025).
Teaching Style
My approach to teaching is rooted in the belief that every student learns differently, and I tailor each lesson to fit the individual's goals, learning pace, and musical interests. Whether you are a complete beginner picking up the guitar for the first time or an intermediate player looking to break through to the next level, I focus on building strong technical foundations while keeping the material engaging and fun. I draw from a wide range of styles, including rock, funk, jazz, R&B, and Brazilian music, to ensure lessons feel relevant and inspiring rather than formulaic.
Having studied in both classical conservatory and contemporary jazz environments, I blend discipline and structure with creative freedom, encouraging students to develop their own musical voice alongside technical proficiency. I place particular emphasis on ear training, music theory, and improvisation, as I believe these tools empower students to become truly independent musicians rather than simply learning to replicate songs. Lessons are always student-centered, and I regularly set clear short and long-term goals so that progress feels tangible and rewarding at every stage.
Curriculum
My lessons are structured around three core pillars: technique, theory, and creativity. Each session begins with a focused warm-up targeting finger independence, posture, and tone production, followed by work on the student's chosen repertoire or exercises tailored to their current level. I consistently integrate music theory into practical playing rather than treating it as a separate academic subject, so students naturally absorb concepts like chord construction, scales, and rhythm as they progress.
For beginners, I prioritize building confidence early by introducing simple but satisfying pieces alongside foundational technique. For more advanced students, I incorporate improvisation exercises, composition challenges, and style studies to push creative boundaries and broaden musical vocabulary. I also make use of backing tracks, play-along materials, and recording tools so students can hear themselves in a real musical context, which accelerates both motivation and growth.
Online lessons follow the same structured approach as in-person sessions, and I ensure the digital environment remains interactive, focused, and productive. I am experienced teaching students of all ages and backgrounds, and my multicultural experience, having taught and performed across Portugal, Canada, Malaysia, Bahrain, the UAE, and Thailand, gives me a uniquely broad perspective that I bring to every lesson.
Credentials & Affiliations
- Bachelor of Applied Music in Guitar with Honours — Humber College, Creative and Performing Arts, Toronto, Canada (2008–2012)
- Three-Year Applied Music Program (Improvisation, Harmony & Composition) — Jazz School of the Hot Clube de Portugal, Lisbon, Portugal (2002–2005)
- Classical Guitar Diploma — Conservatory of Tomar, Tomar, Portugal (1992–1997)
- Bachelor in Industrial Design — Escola Superior de Artes e Design, Caldas da Rainha, Portugal (1998–2002)
- TEFL International TESOL Certification — Paris College of International Education (Online, 2022)
- Professional Entertainment International Group "Ovaload" — International performing artist (Middle East & Southeast Asia, 2012–2017)
- Former member, Mahavishnu Experience Ensemble — Humber College, Toronto (2010–2012), praised by drum faculty member Paul Delong as "world class" and "outstanding"
