dARREN MCCAUGHEY
guitar and bass
ABOUT ME
I began playing guitar at a young age and quickly moved into songwriting, recording and playing in bands. Bass and music production later became central to my work, and I’ve been a professional musician, songwriter and producer since 2008.
I am a founding member and main songwriter of the Glasgow-based band The LaFontaines, with whom I spent over 15 years recording, producing, and touring internationally. During that time, we released four albums, including Junior, which entered the Official UK Albums Chart at number 33, and Business As Usual, which debuted at number one in Scotland. Alongside guitar, I’ve contributed bass, keyboards, production and arrangements both in the studio and on stage, giving me a deep understanding of how song structure and composition works within a band setting.
Alongside my own projects, I’ve built a strong career as a touring and recording session musician, working as a guitarist, bassist and keyboard player with major label acts. I’ve toured extensively throughout the world, performing in a wide range of live settings with artists as varied as Aurora, Anderson Paak. & Yungblud. Working across guitar and bass has taught me how to approach songs from multiple musical perspectives.
In recent years, I’ve also focused heavily on songwriting, production and composing music for film & TV - working with artists across genres. My experience writing and recording on multiple instruments allows me to help students understand not just what to play, but why certain parts work and how to think like a complete musician rather than only an instrumentalist.
MY TEACHING APPROACH
I teach guitar and bass to students of all ages and abilities, offering engaging, practical lessons tailored to each individual’s goals. My teaching balances strong technical foundations with creativity and musicality, focusing on real songs, time, feel, tone, and fretboard knowledge. Students are encouraged to develop their ears and understand how their instrument fits within a band. I believe every student learns differently, and I aim to create a relaxed, supportive environment where students feel comfortable, confident, and motivated to progress at their own pace.