Music Lessons in Minneapolis, MN

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Harmonica Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
Becoming a professional musician was a gradual decision for me. I already knew how to play the piano and electric guitar in my teenage years. In high school I joined a band of friends who liked playing music as well. We played at places like the Gulfport Casino, a legendary place that had all sorts of music and plays, including saturday night teen dances. We were hired after an audition, and played there frequently. As we got better as musicians, we branched out to include teen dances all over Florida. After that, I met some other guys who were serious about music and joined their band. We played locally and occasionally traveled to booked events. As I became more proficient in my instrument, I toured and traveled with a band in New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Florida. We played in large venues, opening for national acts and recording stars.

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
I began piano at the age of five, and that is because my mother played the piano well. She really loved playing. My brother started learning to play the piano as well with me. One of my greatest memories is how happy my mother seemed when she played. She could read music well and my father bought this beautiful baby grand piano which he refinished. I also remember the piano tuner who would come to the house and tune each note to perfect pitch. It was a sight to see and hear. I am sure the was a foundation for me to like music and playing. I hope you do too.

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
I have found the more music styles I listen to, the more I enjoy music as a whole. My favorite music style is good old rock and roll. Within, that genre are many variations based on types of percussion, singing ability, additional instrumentation, and style of the musician. That being said, I like a single musician playing and singing alone, like sing/songwriters Neil Young , and countless others. As for myself, when I learned the basics of playing, I played what others had recorded. Now, I am able to play other instruments, sing, write songs , play with others and it is all fun to me. I hope I can pass that on to you or your child.

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I learned to play the piano first. Then, my mothers organ. When I was a teenager, I started to learn guitar,which was mostly comprised of chords and simple lead guitar licks. Then, as friends in school, we formed a band and played at local area venues. After a few years, i joined a professional group where I took up the bass guitar. I have been on the bass for over 30 years. In the last seven or eight years, I learned to play the harmonica, which was surprisingly easy for me. Now, I move back and forth between these instruments depending on the song we are playing, sometimes handing off the bass to another band member to play so I can play the harmonica. To me, it was a natural and easy transition from one instrument to another. I hope it will be for you too.

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