Guitar Lessons in Tucson, AZ

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
Music absolutely runs in my family. My maternal grandfather played piano, drums, trumpet, ukulele, and banjo. My father played guitar, piano, some drums, bass, and sang in a gospel band alongside his father, his sister, and a family friend.

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
My very first instrument was drums. A close family friend was a drummer and we spent a lot of time at his house. My second instrument, now my main instrument, was guitar. It was handed to me by my father. I learned piano because we had one at our house and I had a summer of time to kill. Next, I learned banjo and mandolin because I thought it would be helpful for the southern gospel group I was traveling with at the time. Ukulele was an instrument we also just had lying around the house; hence picking it up and learning it. Bass guitar came fairly natural.

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
I believe I would be in sales. I think I would still have an entrepreneurial mindset.

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
I love playing epic rock. It's a huge, expressive sound and I find it really gives me the chance to play exactly what is in my heart.

What is your dream piece to perform and why?
I would love to be a part of a backing band for a performance such as Cirque du Soleil. There is so much orchestration and exciting movement involved. I love putting on a good performance!

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
Setting a direction or goal, dissecting that goal and setting steps to get there. I work slowly with a metronome, incrementally getting faster as I become more comfortable with the exercise.

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I was self taught and continue to learn by example. I believe there are plenty of credible outlets for learning, however, because I believe music is so personal to each individual, I think that individual's learning experience should replicate that.

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
Patience. I believe anyone can learn any instrument at any age provided they are patient enough to get through the tough spots.

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
I can play in almost any genre of music I am needed for. I have pushed (and am continuing to push) myself to study the sounds and techniques of as many styles of music as I can get my ears on!

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
I did not. My family all played music, so therefore I followed suit. However, I did take lessons from a guitarist that inspired me to further my understanding of music. Musicians seem to have so much fun and fulfillment from playing; I wanted that for myself!

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
The honest answer, I believe, is because it was the one pushed towards me the heaviest. I was a drummer for 3 years until a guitar was put in my hands. I honestly believe I would've taken up any instrument and committed to it!

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
If your child can read/write, effectively hold/access his or her instrument, focus on one activity for 30 minutes, and has a notebook and pencil, your child is ready!

When will I start to see results?
You should see some results after the first or second week depending on your child's dedication.

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Practice when you have time. Practice slowly and thoughtfully. If you find yourself getting frustrated, by all means take a break! Music is fun, don't let it stress you out!

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
I wanted to be a professional musician ever since I first picked up a set of drumsticks. I played all through high school as well as college. Finally, 5 years after graduating college, I went full time into music.

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