Guitar Lessons in Austin, TX

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Ukulele Fiddle Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
Yes, I have had several students given opportunities to perform in Boston, Philadelphia and New York (Carnegie Hall). I have also had students compete and win competitions. Many of my students have been first chair in their orchestras.

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
It takes years to master a very nice vibrato, but so fulfilling when you have mastered it on the violin. With guitar slurs can be a bit of a challenge going up a scale for example especially if using nylon strings.

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I chose Suzuki Method because it is downright fun and my students excel and grow using this method. I like using Suzuki Method for violin and also use etude books like Kreutzer. For guitar, I use a variety of different classical guitar method books, including Suzuki, but later introduce different genres including pop, rock, praise and worship, etc.

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
If the student is a beginner, I would like them to start with the following: 1. Bow exercises 2. Tapping exercises 3. Rhythm Patterns 4. Scale and arpeggios 5. Repetoire

If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
I was majoring in music at the University of Texas at El Paso and have a few years worth of credits towards music, and played for the university symphony, but this was back in 1991 when they were eliminating all of the fine arts programs in El Paso, so I had to change majors for job stability. I did end up being a music director in the public schools later in my career.

What is your dream piece to perform and why?
Violin: Vitali Chaconne because the first time I heard it, Joshua Bell was performing it and it literally made me tear up with how beautiful this piece is. For guitar it would be Paganini's 24 caprices back to back non-stop.

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
I would still be a teacher because it is all I have ever known and love. I love teaching! Throughout the years, I have taught elementary, middle school, high school and adult education, and truly enjoyed each new world. God chose me to be a teacher and I have been a teacher for 27 years. It is my life.

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
I would have to say classical music for sure. Classical is the solid foundation and if one can play classical they can play anything! Everything else comes easy after learning classical.

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I began playing violin when I was in elementary school. I loved the violin, but when I got to high school, a friend of mine asked me if I was going to sign up for guitar class. It sparked an interest, so I signed up. Playing classical guitar came so easy to me since I played violin first. Everyone in my class said I played like a "dude" and thought I had played for many years.

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
Yes, my aunt went to Juilliard for piano and we have many violinists that go back several generations.

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
I almost lost my life, and I told God if he would allow me to live, I would practice my instruments consistently and would share my love and passion for music with anyone who would allow me to teach them. I truly am passionate about music and being a teacher.

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
I had two teachers who inspired me greatly! My elementary school orchestra teacher who was ever so kind and passionate about teaching gave me a true love of music. Also, my private lesson guitar teacher who was willing to teach me for free because he saw great potential inspired me. Sadly, both of my teachers are gone now, but will be remembered forever.

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
My father always wanted me to play violin. It was really his idea, and when I began playing in elementary school it was love at first sight. My violin became so personal to me. It was my friend during difficult times. In high school, I chose classical guitar and loved it.

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
I have had several students given opportunities to perform in Boston, Philadelphia and New York (Carnegie Hall). I was given the opportunity to perform overseas with an orchestra. I love extremely motivated and passionate about music!

When will I start to see results?
If you hold your child accountable to practicing at home, you will see results in a short time. Practice must be consistent. I recommend practicing the same time everyday so it becomes routine.

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Practice should be slowly and consistent. I recommend practicing at the same time every day so it becomes routine. A little everyday is better than 1 hour once a week. It is not magic, it's practice.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
If your child has a desire to play guitar or violin, then they are ready to start lessons. If your child has developed some fine motor skills, then it would be a great time to introduce an instrument.

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