Guitar Lessons in Fresno, CA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Ukulele Recorder Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
Music definitely runs in my family. My father was a church music minister and singer. He had my sister, brother, and me singing from pre-school days, often having us sing solos or in ensembles in church services and ministry gatherings. My mother played the piano and organ and started us in lessons early on. I will always be indebted to them for this training and legacy and hope to have told them so.

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
As mentioned in my profile, I became exposed to singing, piano, and guitar in somewhat independent ways. Ukulele and recorder also came along at separate times. The simple answer is that I find them interesting and enjoyable. Each area of singing and instrumental work informs and enhances the others.

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
I have been involved in many non-musical endeavors through the years, including computer programming and analysis, project management, sales, customer service, law, and church ministry (both musical and teaching or preaching).

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
For voice, I sing through particular pieces and vocal exercises, stopping and starting to focus on technique as well as interpretation, in particular passages as well as the piece in general. For piano and guitar, I take a similar approach -- tying exercises and scales to basic technique and applying the to songs. I also try to combine familiar and comfortable things with challenging things and trying to push myself for improvement even in relatively easy pieces, to find ways to make them sound better.

When will I start to see results?
If you're paying attention, you may start to see them right away, even just in your awareness of what it means to make music with your voice or chosen instrument. Beyond that, if you are practicing regularly and staying focused in your lessons, give yourself six months or more to start to see meaningful improvement and changes.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
The first indicator is that the child expresses an interest and desire for music. The second is that the child can stay focused on a task for several minutes at a time. The third is the ability to hear and follow simple instructions. The fourth is the ability to persevere through a series of lessons that will be ongoing, past the stage of initial interest and fascination. The fifth is finding a teacher that will work with your child in a nurturing and patient way. Finally, if you try lessons and they don't work out, you can take a break and try again later, or perhaps try something else. Be patient and don't push the child too much too soon.

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
My first and most important recommendation is to just get started. Once you take the steps to sit down (or stand), take out your music and lessons notes, and start singing or playing, well over half the battle is done. If time or energy is limited, tell yourself that you will practice only for a few minutes, and they will go by quicker than you would guess. The next recommendation is to practice daily (at least five days a week). If you do so at the same time each day, that will also build practicing into becoming a regular and valuable part of your routine -- just like eating meals, watching television, or playing games.

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