Mark Newman was a nice guy who was friendly - pleased to hear he is sill around although he must be an oldie like me now. Thad Kaye was a bit bumptious but I am sorry to hear of his death Let us not forget the gypsy jazzers and the country players who pick very well indeed. In my part of London there are lots of South Americans so we get all the Latin guitar and there is a thriving flamenco scene in London. Check out my teacher Steve Homes who is a leading player

The Registry of Guitar Tutors has many exams for acoustic guitar at levels up to grade 8 and it is a recognised instrument now with an exam structure