Oegmundur Thor Johannesson
About
Hello and welcome! I’m Thor, a classical guitarist from Iceland. I had the honor of studying with three of the world’s leading guitarists: Marco Tamayo at the Mozarteum Salzburg (where I graduated with distinction), Carlo Marchione at the Conservatorium Maastricht, and Ricardo Gallén in Barcelona.
For over 15 years I have taught and performed internationally across Europe, Asia, the USA and South America, and given masterclasses at institutions such as the Manhattan School of Music, Tianjin Conservatory, and the Iceland Academy of Arts.
As a performer I have collaborated with outstanding musicians, premiered contemporary works, and presented concerts from chamber music to solo recitals. Teaching is equally central to my life — I take great satisfaction in guiding students to discover their sound, strengthen their technique, and enjoy the guitar at all levels.
Teaching Style
My teaching style is clear, adaptive and supportive. I place strong emphasis on building a solid technical foundation — posture, tone, fingerings, and effective practice routines — because these are the tools that allow true freedom in music-making. As Debussy said, “the music is the space between the notes”; I believe the same applies to technique — it is also the space between the notes.
My goal is to foster a supportive and inspiring environment where students can feel comfortable making mistakes and using them as opportunities to learn. My teaching is about building both confidence and curiosity, so that students not only improve their skills but also discover a deep, long-term connection to music.
Practical music theory is a natural part of my lessons, never something abstract or intimidating. Understanding phrases, for example four-bar structures, and harmonic flow helps students recognize the architecture of music and play with greater expression and joy.
Alongside technique and theory, I integrate performance skills: stage preparation, psychological awareness, and connecting practice with performance. Whether you want to play for personal joy or prepare for advanced repertoire and concerts, I will guide you toward playing with clarity, depth, and artistry.
Curriculum
My curriculum is always adapted to each student’s level and goals, but it is rooted in three essential pillars: Learning, Practicing, and Performing.
* Learning (Technique & Foundation): Whether on classical or acoustic guitar, I emphasize clarity and accuracy in both hands — posture, tone production, finger placement, and resonance. Students learn how to make smart fingering choices, develop coordination, and build the technical foundation that supports every style of playing.
* Practicing (Methods & Awareness): Practice is not about quantity but quality. I teach how to practice effectively, manage time, and avoid mindless repetition. We explore tone color, phrasing, and shaping of musical lines. For acoustic players, this might include chord transitions, rhythm work, and fingerstyle patterns; for classical students, it may involve etudes and repertoire studies.
* Performing (Expression & Confidence): I integrate stage preparation and performance psychology into lessons, helping students play with confidence at recitals, in bands, or simply for friends at home.
Credentials & Affiliations
- Master of Arts in Classical Guitar, Mozarteum University Salzburg, with distinction (Prof. Marco Tamayo)
- Master of Music in Classical Guitar, Conservatorium Maastricht (Prof. Carlo Marchione)
- Private studies with Ricardo Gallén, Barcelona
- Prizewinner at international guitar competitions in Lambesc (2003) and Tokyo (2011)
- Recipient of the Jean Pierre Jaquillat Prize (2005), Rotary Foundation Grant (2009), and Icelandic Artist Salary Grants (2010, 2019)
- Masterclasses given at Manhattan School of Music, Tianjin Conservatory, and the Iceland Academy of Arts