A professional guitarist has strummed his way to success by passing one of the world's toughest guitar tuition exams. Jon Buck, from Bungay, has become a Licentiate of the London College of Music after passing an advanced diploma examination in electric guitar tuition.

A professional guitarist has strummed his way to success by passing one of the world's toughest guitar tuition exams.

Jon Buck, from Bungay, has become a Licentiate of the London College of Music after passing an advanced diploma examination in electric guitar tuition.

Mr Buck said the qualification had an average national pass-rate of only 15pc and that he was delighted to pass with flying colours first time. He now uses the initials LLCM (TD) after his name.

The father-of-two teaches people of all ages to play the electric guitar, acoustic guitar and bass, and has a 100pc pass-rate for students taking their exams with him.

He teaches at schools in the area including Bungay Middle School, Bungay High School and Archbishop Sancroft High School in Harleston.

Mr Buck had to undertake a three-hour written paper and a one-hour practical exam to secure the LLCM (TD) qualification.

He said: 'From a teaching point of view, in this area, there are very few people who have this. I was quite surprised to pass first time, but I did work hard. I knew how difficult it would be, but I was hopeful and thought I had done enough.'

Mr Buck, 35, added: 'I left school at 18 to set up my own business as a guitarist and teaching has always been a big part of what I do, along with gigging and recording.

'Mainly I teach kids up to adults and some people who have been playing for years. I teach pretty much anyone of any age if they are keen and want to learn. I do try to have fun when I am teaching. At the end of the day not everyone is going to be Eric Clapton or Slash, it is about being able to enjoy music, having fun and getting a lot out of it.'

Mr Buck has also written a tuition book published by Hamlyn called Play Guitar In 10 Easy Lessons.

As a performer he has played for explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes and at Gordon Ramsay's Petrus restaurant at The Berkeley Hotel in London.

He has released three solo instrumental guitar albums and plays with the Jon Buck Project and The X-Men.

For more information visit www.jonbuck.co.uk