Guitar Lessons in Houston, TX

Instruments: Guitar Voice Bass Guitar

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
No music in the family, unfortunately. Self taught initially.

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
I became a professional musician when I realized that there was nothing else that I wanted more in life.

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
Curiosity and desire are the most important things. It started from acoustic guitar to electric to classical and then to other string instruments such as the Mohan Veena, the Oud, the mandolin and ukulele. Then moved on to percussion.

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
I cant imagine being anything else

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
I love playing all styles and genres and that is exactly what makes music exciting for me. The constant variety keeps it constantly interesting. Life would be boring playing just one genre.

What is your dream piece to perform and why?
I dont have any such desire, If you keep playing according to your limits your limits keep growing and once impossible pieces become much easier. Having said that, I would love to play any of Paco de Lucia's works.

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
Warm up, scales and arpeggios, Start off with practicing from easier to harder pieces. Mostly a combination of old repertoire and newer things as well. I like to constantly learn new styles and techniques.

If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
I have a Bachelors degree in music theory and composition and a Masters degree in performance of classical guitar. For the Masters degree a performance recital was required for degree completion.

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
It depends on the subject matter and style of music being taught. For some kids it works great, for others they don't like the structured approach. I don't insist

Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
I have not had such a privilege yet but I am sure with the right student and dedication, this is entirely possible. It takes a combination of the right student and the right teacher to create the synergy required.

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
Unlearning all the technique and just make music, and enjoy yourself without thinking about it. After all the years of training, you become a machine and have to become a little human again.

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
My Masters recital, being part of a World class band, playing jazz with Buddy Collette, writing over two thousand tracks and creating a production music library. Learning audio engineering and music production.

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
I fell in love with the guitar when I was 10 years old and saw someone playing it. It was the easiest instrument to buy and also to learn with plenty of resources to learn, such as books. It was also the most popular and hippest instrument growing up and did wonders for your social presence.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
He is excited and looking forward to it and that he has some control over small motor movements. He is not being pushed into this activity for any other reason.

When will I start to see results?
Depends on how much time you put into practicing at home. Practicing a little everyday. Enjoying your practice. If you can put in 20 minutes a day, you will see definite progress in a month

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
My inspiration was Robert Guthrie. He was extremely proficient at the instrument and could physically execute any passage. He was an immaculate technician and most of all, he was kind and gentle and a great person to be with.

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Learn to recognize problematic areas and focus on those problems. Also be able to slow the practice tempo as much as needed for perfect execution. Learn to understand the relationship between mind, body and breath.

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