Christopher Bacacao Racal

Christopher leads the String Department at Melody Makers and heads Rock & Pop instruction across electric, acoustic and classical guitar, bass guitar and drums. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Music, majoring in Music Education, and has been teaching at schools and universities since 1998. He joined Melody Makers in 2010 and has been a cornerstone of the faculty for over 15 years.

His teaching is grounded in internationally recognised systems, including the Trinity College London and ABRSM syllabi. Students move from first chords and first beats through to advanced grades with a structured path that keeps progress measurable and practice purposeful. His students have a long track record of passing Trinity grades with distinction, including full Grade 1 through Grade 8 journeys in both drums and guitar.

As a multi-instrumentalist, Chris also plays piano and keyboards, violin and recorder, which gives him a deep ear for rhythm, melody and harmony. Guitar students benefit from a drummer's sense of time. Drum students get a melodic musician's perspective on feel and phrasing. The result: well-rounded players, not just technicians.

Beyond the classroom, Chris fronts his own metal band in Dubai and has remained an active figure in the local and international scene since relocating in 2010. He has shared the stage with internationally recognised acts including Malevolent Creation (USA), Acranius (Germany), Massacre (USA), Korpse (Netherlands) and Piranha (Greece).

Students and parents consistently describe him as patient, encouraging and genuinely passionate. Long-time student Joshua Jerry put it best: "I could tell from the beginning itself he was a passionate teacher and a musician. Sir Chris saw that passion I had and helped me turn it into a piece of me. One of a kind teacher that you will meet." Parent Magishia Ambrose describes his teaching style as "patient, encouraging, and well-structured, which makes learning both enjoyable and effective."

It is a rare combination: a working, touring musician who can also get a seven-year-old excited about their first open chord, and carry that same student all the way to a Grade 8 distinction.