Guitar Lessons in Raleigh, NC

Instruments: Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Always practice in the same spirit as you would perform. Clearing and arranging the space in which you play both internally and externally is important because as you practice, so will you play. If you noodle in front of the tv. for example, distracted noodling is what you will train your body and mind to create. If you focus your mind, relax your body, and listen deeply then your sensitivity, awareness, and ability to hear will all increase exponentially. It is most fundamental that one practice as though you love what you are doing. If you do this then you will love what you are doing. If you find yourself practicing scales and you don't want to stop, then you are in the creative space and growing your musicianship.

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
I am proud to have toured nationally and played professionally on my own initiative and efforts as a performing songwriter. I am proud to have studied guitar under someone whose teacher studied under Andre Segovia who singlehandedly made guitar an acceptable classical instrument whereas before it had only been a folk instrument. I am proud to have written and record and play my songs for thousands of people over the course of my music making path so far. I am proud to have been persistent in my pursuit of music and to have gained so many benefits from my efforts.

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
I grew up listening to a great deal of classical orchestral music performing arrangements of deceased composers Brahms, Bach, Vivaldi, Tchaikovsky, Beethoven etc. The instrumentation in these pieces for the greater part were woven in tandem with the other instrumentation. I also relished the local rock stations and the"Oldies" station which played Motown hits and sixties and seventies popular R&B, and the local Pop station which was playing. My favorite pieces were the ballads for a long time. The first collections of music ( tapes ) that I purchased and listened to hundreds of times were popular rock bands Metallica, Great White, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Def Leppard etc. I was also introduced to Pink Floyd early on. The instrumentation in these bands exploded with otherworldly power and emotion to me with the blistering proficiency of masters at electric guitar. The singularity of the melody lines screaming out with distortion and sustain that wouldn't stop really hooked me on the electric guitar. The first live bands I ever saw were a country band and a bluegrass band. The cascading waterfalls of notes that flew from the guitarists in those bands embedded in me the still living desire to make music with guitar.

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
My elementary school chorus teacher validated my belief in my ability and encouraged my determination to create and perform music. She arranged an audition for me to the North Carolina Boys Choir and placed her professional opinion in view of those whose influence and financial capacity would determine that I indeed had the chance to be in the choir. To have this person I looked up to show me such kindness and validation at an early age really inspired me to continue in music and gave me a boost of courage, belief in myself, and a channel forwards.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
I always look first to whether a child shows that they really enjoy music. Do they go to music and/or an instrument by themselves? Do they love to sing without prompting? When a child doesn't want to put an instrument down and keeps going back to it that is a sign that they are ready to start lessons. One of the best ways for any age person to learn is to be in a group setting where they are allowed and encouraged to make music with others. If a child has the fortunate advantage of being able to participate in a group that makes music whether a group class, drum circle, or child friendly music gathering that is one of the best introductions to music a person can have.

When will I start to see results?
You will see effect. Focusing on results is a great way to sabotage a persons interest and enjoyment in music. If one comes into lessons with preconceived projections about what they want to sound like and who they want to imitate or emulate they have already built barriers to discovering what they actually sound like. Each person learns uniquely and at their own pace. If one comes to lessons and receives the lesson and doesn't follow thru or go over the lesson on their own then their progress may be very slow. Come into the process with an open mind clear of expectation and one will be able to learn more effectively.

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