Florent Devos
About
What My Students Are Saying
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"Great teacher who teaches exactly what you need to know no matter what level. He is a teacher's teacher." – Michael S. (Australia)
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"Flo is an incredible and thoughtful guitar teacher. He will help you learn ANY song ANY style and all with patience and skill... 10/10" – Regan W. (USA)
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"Every lesson has been packed full of information and he's been flexible with timing which is valuable when we are 8 time zones apart! Can't recommend him enough!" – Chris W. (England)
About Me
Welcome! I am a professional virtuoso guitarist, vocalist, and composer specializing in Manouche-style guitar, with over 15 years of experience performing and touring across Australia and Asia. I hold a Bachelor of Jazz, along with Certificates III and IV in Music. My professional background spans from composing and producing my own albums to teaching music in primary schools across Queensland and mentoring private students all over the world.
My Approach to Teaching
My teaching philosophy is 100% focused on your goals. I have successfully taught students of all ages and skill levels—from complete beginners to working professional musicians and fellow teachers. Whether you want to focus on practical technique, dive deep into music theory, or integrate your vocal skills, I teach exactly what you want to learn. For every student, I set up a structured, proven practice routine designed to deliver real, measurable results.
Custom Transcriptions & Resources
You won't be forced into rigid, standardized textbooks. If there is a specific song you are eager to learn, I will personally transcribe it for you. I create custom tabs and meticulously written sheet music so you always have the exact, high-quality resources you need to master your favorite repertoire.
Accelerated Video Feedback
For students looking for accelerated growth between our live sessions, I utilize a weekly video feedback loop. You can send me a progress video, and I will review it and provide detailed, personalized notes on exactly what to adjust and focus on for the following week. This ensures you are always moving forward and practicing with absolute purpose.
Teaching Style
Teaching Style
My teaching style is highly adaptable, student-centric, and grounded in real-world professional experience. Having taught students of all ages and skill levels—from primary school classrooms in Queensland to private mentoring for working professional musicians globally—I know that no two students learn exactly the same way.
Because I hold a Bachelor of Jazz and Certificates III and IV in Music, alongside 15 years of active touring, composing, and producing, I can effortlessly bridge the gap between formal music education and practical, on-stage reality.
I do not force a rigid, one-size-fits-all curriculum on my students. Instead, my approach shifts to match your exact goals. Whether you want to focus on mastering advanced Manouche guitar techniques, building a rock-solid foundation in music theory, integrating vocals with your playing, or simply learning to play your favorite songs for fun, I listen to what you want to achieve and build a supportive, engaging, and highly customized path to get you there.
Curriculum
Teaching Method and Recommended Student Texts
My teaching method is structured around proven practice routines tailored specifically to each individual student's goals and current skill level. Rather than forcing you into a rigid, one-size-fits-all curriculum or generic textbook, my approach focuses on dynamic, real-world learning.
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Custom Transcriptions & Sheet Music: If there is a specific song, melody, or style you want to master, you won't have to search the internet for unreliable tabs. I personally transcribe the music, write out custom tabs, and provide clear sheet music for my students.
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Structured Practice Routines: I provide every student with a proven practice framework designed to maximize your efficiency, ensuring that every minute you spend on your instrument counts.
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Organized Online Resource Library: All lesson materials, exercises, and custom resources are kept fully organized in a comprehensive online library accessible to my students, making it easy to review and track your progress between sessions.
Credentials & Affiliations
Education & Training
I hold a Bachelor of Jazz Performance from the Jazz Music Institute (JMI) in Brisbane, Queensland, which I completed between 2010 and 2013. Prior to this, from 2009 to 2010, I completed a Certificate IV in Music and a Certificate III in Music at Mt Gravatt TAFE in Brisbane, where I studied music production, music theory, and the business of the music industry.
Teaching Experience
From 2011 to 2013, I worked as an after-hours music educator across primary schools throughout Greater Brisbane and extending to Ipswich through DDJ Performing Arts, a performing arts education company operating across the region. In this role I delivered guitar and music instruction across more than 30 schools, including St Flannan's School among many others, working with students of varying ages and abilities in both individual and group settings.
Performance Experience
I have been an active performing musician for over 15 years, with engagements across Australia and Asia. In 2023 I performed as a headline act at the Brisbane Jazz Club as part of OzManouche Brisbane. I also perform regularly on the Sunshine Coast through bookings arranged by talent agent Melissa O'Bryan. During my time performing internationally in Vietnam, I appeared at premium venues including the Sheraton Grand and Courtyard by Marriott. In 2021 I performed at the Jazz and Blues Festival in Thailand.
Recordings & Productions
I am an active independent recording artist with a catalogue of original work available on Bandcamp. My debut album Mahtab — meaning "the splendor of the moon" in Persian — was released in November 2021 and features 11 original compositions in the Manouche swing style, recorded at my home studio in Bali with collaborating musicians from across the world. Since then I have released additional singles and albums including Me and You (2022), Timeless (2024), Cosmic Dream (2025), Melissa (2025), and Villeneuve-d'Ascq (2025).
International Student Testimonials
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"A great teacher. Very patient and willing to teach to the level of the student. He wants to help you learn to play according to what you want to play not some other plan. He caters lessons to your skills and time available." – Luke U. (USA)
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"A great teacher. Breaks stuff down to simple pieces of a puzzle you can easily put together. He makes it understandable. Highly recommend." – Kurtis H. (USA)
- "Quality lessons and he is a very good guitarist." – John R. (Holland)
- "I highly recommend Florent Devos for anybody wanting to get the best of their guitar lessons from an incredible world profound guitarist!" – Amiel V. (Australia)
- "Florent is a rare talent of performer and teacher with a passion for playing, showing and sharing. His knowledge and understanding of the guitar inspires those who study with him. Recommended." – Graeme B. (England)
