Reg Dury - Electric and classical guitar
Born in Belgium, Reg began playing the violin at four years of age, only to give it up 2 years later - as kids sometimes do! Despite a strong interest in music throughout his early life, it wasn't until the age of 17, 2 years after moving to Australia, that he became motivated to begin playing again. His choice of instrument was either the clarinet or the cello, but his budget only allowed him a classical guitar! This turned out to be a good thing, as immediately he fell in love with all things guitar. At that time, he also began playing drums.A short time later Reg moved to Belgium to study classical guitar at the Conservatorium of Namur in Jambes. Returning to Australia to complete his HSC, Reg scored in the top 10% in the state in his music practical examination. He was invited to the Sydney Opera House, performing solo to a full concert hall. Guests included the Hon. Nick Greiner, then Premier of NSW and Amanda Chadwick, Senator for Education. After graduating from the Australian National University with a major in Philosophy, Reg founded one the first guitar tuition websites, The Virtual Guitarist, which attracted students from all over the world. During this time Reg was performing solo in various venues and situations from weddings to the South Coast Annual Classical Concert.
On the rock scene, Reg has both formed, and joined several successful bands. Bands of notoriety were the popular underground alternative act Sexpol, with Reg on drums, and the more mainstream rock act Monkey Wizard, as bassist. After working as a legislative adviser in Canberra for a number of years, Reg settled in Wagga Wagga, NSW, where he founded progressive power metal act Jennifer Will Drown as composer and lead guitarist. Among its successes, JWD was the opening act for Angra (renowned Brazilian band) during the Australian leg of their 05 World tour, recorded a full length CD, which sold out in its first few months of release, and featured as band and CD of the Month in South America's biggest selling Metal magazine, Rock Brigade. The band became very popular, playing regular gigs in Canberra, Albury, Sydney and Melbourne, with the single 'Druid Love' in the JJJ's TOP 20 Unearthed metal charts and in the top 10 of the Musicoz national competition. The band dematerialized when Reg decided to concentrate on other projects, including his solo album, The Feral Fox of Notre Dame, in which he plays all recorded instruments. The first single, I am the Angel, attracted great reviews and won the Underearthed competition, gaining him a spot on the 2005 compilation CD.
Reg was already teaching professionally when he joined the Conservatorium during term 1 of 2006. In 2007 he joined forces with Liam Halliwell to produce a full length CD of classical guitar duets. All 150 CDs printed sold within a few weeks, and combined with a series of concerts, the pair raised over $1000 for various charities. Reg also participated as a tutor at the South West Music Camp 2007 held at Deniliquin and appears at clinics and guest spots throughout NSW.
At present, Reg is available for tuition at music camps and clinics, wedding and ceremony bookings as solo artist or duet with Flautist Catherine Kinsella.