HARRY O'BRIEN
Guitarist, Arranger, Composer & Educator
Harry O'Brien is a passionate and committed music professional based in Sydney, specialising in guitar performance, composing & arranging, as well as educating the next generation of musicians.
Compositionally, he boasts a wide compositional palette from styles including orchestral, jazz and rock, for a variety of mediums including film and live performance. He has arranged and orchestrated a variety of material for ensembles such as the George Ellis Orchestra's "Sergeant Pepper's Orchestrated", Sydney Conservatorium of Music's New Music Ensemble, jazz big bands, party/corporate bands such as Sydney Live Music Band and for various school band programs and performances including Youth Choir & Orchestra Sydney and Killara High School.
Hailing from a rock and jazz background, Harry is a guitarist (as well as bassist, vocalist and even banjoist), whose wide musical background aids his versatility. His notable performances include Ryde Schools Spectacular at the Sydney Opera House, jazz big bands including Regent St. Big Band and Harmonix Community Big Band, various session recordings and a regular member of corporate bands. He has also played in the orchestra pit for numerous stage shows including Heathers (North Shore Theatre Company), SpongeBob (Hornsby Musical Society), and Bonnie and Clyde (Hayes Theatre Co.)
Services
Need music arranged? Looking for a guitarist? Or maybe looking to start or boost your musical journey on guitar through finding an engaging teacher? Harry O'Brien will help you meet your goals. See at bottom of page to make an enquiry.
Orchestration/Arranging
Have music that you need to be arranged for your next event? Get in contact to see what Harry can do for you. Whether it be orchestra, jazz ensemble or a small rock band, Harry can help the musical material be performance-ready through clear and engaging arrangements. He may even have an existing chart for the song you're looking for! See below for the current catalogue of charts. Prices vary depending on ensemble size/type , difficulty of music and whether it is specially commissioned or an existing arrangement.
Performance
Specialising in rock, jazz and pop performance on guitar, vocals and bass, get in contact to see whether Harry can play at your next party or event, or help you in finding a suitable ensemble for your next event - be it wedding, party or musical.
Teaching
Harry O’Brien provides lessons in guitar, bass, piano & composition, for primary ages through to adults. He is an experienced music tutor, band director and educator with over 4 years of teaching experience, as well as band directing Primary School Concert & Training bands, and High School Guitar Ensembles. All ages welcome - see below for permission slip, or enquire directly through the contact portal.
Catalogue of existing arrangements:
Enquire about purchasing new arrangements, or getting existing charts tailored for your ensemble/performance
Some (but not all):
For party band (rhythm section plus horn section):
- Everybody Needs Somebody (The Blues Brothers)
- Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds (The Beatles)
- Bubbly (Colbie Caillat)
- All I Wanna Do (Sheryl Crow)
- Hip To Be Square (Huey Lewis)
- Our House (Madness)
- Do You See What I See (Hunters & Collectors)
- Mamma Mia (ABBA)
- December 1963 (Oh What a Night) (Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons))
For jazz big band:
- In A Sentimental Mood (Duke Ellington)
- Well You Needn't (Thelonius Monk)
- Strawberry Fields Forever (The Beatles)
- Don't Go Breaking My Heart (Elton John)
- Ophelia (The Band)
Sample part:
Composition examples:
Performance Examples:
8/1/24
Recorded live in the Studio 8/1/24. Solo guitar, vocals and loop pedal.
Songs: December 1963 (Oh What A Night)
Get Back Drops of Jupiter
Take It Easy
16/10/22
Taking a Solo on Mercy Mercy Mercy (Buddy Rich) with the harmonix big band.
On the banks of the Hawkesbury River at Australia’s Oldest church, Ebenezer.
Was a fabulous afternoon of jazz and picnicing.
4/2/23
50 Ways To Leave Your Lover (Paul Simon) with Sydney Live Music Band. Performed at Mopoke Festival, Macquarie St. Sydney.
Pictured behind:
3/6/23
with Sydney Live Music band, entertaining the crowd of a 60th birthday party.
Teaching:
Enrolment form 2023:
Harry O’Brien provides lessons in guitar, bass, piano & composition, for primary ages through to adults. He is an experienced music tutor, band director and educator with over 4 years of teaching experience, as well as band directing Primary School Concert & Training bands, and High School Guitar Ensembles.
Harry O’Brien is an experienced musician specialising in jazz, contemporary and rock performance on guitar, bass, piano & composition.
Various times throughout the week including after school hours & on the weekend are available (enquire for an up to date list of available times).
Lessons are located at home studio in North Ryde, or by house visit (an added callout fee for house visits may apply)
Interested students should download and complete the form and return by email.
Alternatively, send an enquiry through the below link or contact obrienharry08@gmail.com directly..