My love of music and musical talent was discovered when I was just five years old. An uncle gave me a plastic recorder and, without lessons or help from anyone, I was playing melodies within days. Soon after I started taking private lessons on Saxophone and Clarinet. I played my first paying job at age 14. When I was 15, my private instructor, asked me if I would be interested in teaching. He put me on the County list of private instructors and and soon I had my own thriving studio of Sax and Clarinet students. From that time on, I have almost continuously been involved in music education. Though I had listened to the rock "guitar gods" of the 60's I never became interested the guitar until, at the age of 15, I first heard Maestro Andres Segovia through his televised master classes. About the same time, I was amazed by the chord melody genius of jazz artists like George Van Eps, Joe Pass, and Bucky Pizzarelli. It was then I realized that the guitar could be an "orchestra." In the small town where I grew up, there were no guitar teachers so I studied with outstanding Guitarist Ed McGuire. Later, I studied formally with several renowned professors of guitar, including Bruce Holzman at FSU and Randy Reed, a professor at Duke University in Durham North Carolina. I have also performed in Master Classes for Classical Guitarists Atigoni Goni and Dimitri Diatchenko. Before making North Florida my home, I toured and played throughout the Northeast, Midwest and Southeast in a variety of venues and styles from Rock to Jazz to R&B. Even after settling down I have stayed active in the music business, playing and teaching. I continue to work regularly performing solo, or in ensembles throughout Florida from Tallahassee to Jacksonville. *** Lesson Details *** I am a laid back teacher who prefers to motivate my students by instilling my love of, and enthusiasm for, music in them rather than using any kind of "scare" tactics. I had a very few "knuckle rapper" style teachers over the years and found them to be very unmotivating. A large percentage of the progress a student makes happens between the lessons. The more they practice, the faster they improve. I also believe in building a solid foundation that my students can build upon. A good teacher teaches a student how to teach themselves. On guitar, I encourage, but don't insist on, my students learning to read music. Some styles of guitar do not require it, but I do mention the gigs I have gotten over the years because I could read. On all instruments, I am a big believer in great technique, musicianship and improvisational skills. *** Studio Equipment *** Studio is in back of the house as an addition. It has its own separate entrance and is approx 160 sq feet. Well lit and with heat and air. *** Travel Equipment *** I will provide a music stand if needed. Students must have their own instrument. They will need to get their own books, though I do provide much supplemental material. *** Specialties *** Jazz, Classical, Blues, Flamenco