Name: Michael Clarke

Business: Michael Clarke Studio

Location: Connah's Quay

Telephone / Website: 01244 822535 / www.michaelclarkestudio.co.uk

Opening hours: 9am-10pm Monday to Friday, noon-10pm Saturday and Sunday

When did you open and why? Started November 3, 1983. I kept getting asked technique questions after performances and media interviews. And I get bored easily and needed to keep my mind occupied.

Why did you open in this location? I love the area and the people. I live in Connah's Quay and have done for 40 years. I feel honoured to meet and teach a huge amount of amazing people from the area.

Tell us about your business/what do you sell? It's guitar, bass and vocal tuition which has been running for 36 years. The recording side of the studio started in 1993 following a demand for business in the area. In 2018 we decided to join retail and start selling top quality guitar strings and anything musical. We do guitar set ups and guitar/recording seminars.

We have many students with disabilities and mental health issues who have been tutored over the years. Our studio is open to anyone and we always try to give a little back to the community with donating to charities and good causes.

What's your most memorable/proudest moment in business? I couldn't say what exactly is my most proudest moment in business, just watching people go way beyond what they thought they would achieve and playing a small part in their journey. I'm proud of each and every one of my students.

Have you had any strange requests/quirky suggestions or stories from customers? I couldn't possibly go into details because I like being married but a student who only wanted to learn TV and film theme tunes. A student who only had half a finger and we reworked the course to allow him to access it, now he is a phenomenal guitarist. Many students have gone on to careers in the music industry.