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Bachelor Degree: University of Toledo, Master Degree: University of Toledo
Dean’s List, 2012 - 2020
Art Tatum Scholarship, 2017-2018
Charles Z. Moore Memorial Scholarship,
I am a passionate and motivated musician and teacher. I started playing guitar back in 1996. Over the years, my passion for music and love for guitar allowed me to play in numerous bands, covering all forms of music. I later decided to study music under the finest musicians this region has to offer. This is where I honed my skills in Jazz Guitar, Classical Guitar, Jazz Bass, Jazz Piano, Jazz and Classical Composition, Jazz Arranging, Jazz and Classical Pedagogy, Jazz and Classical Conducting, Latin Jazz, Gypsy Jazz, Modern Jazz, Large Jazz Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, Live Sound and Audio Recording.
I have been teaching guitar professionally for over 25 years. Aside for teaching guitar on the college level at Lourdes University, I have taught for BeInstrumental, Non-Majors at the University of Toledo, along with my own private studio. My professional performance experience along with my education has lead me to the point where I have found no student that I can not teach. It brought me great pleasure when I would teach my teachers something new. I also find great pleasure when a student has a break through on their instrument.
For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. I am able to teach any genre at any level. That does not mean I do not enjoy teaching beginners.
First and foremost, music is supposed to be fun. So I make sure we have fun during my lessons. Laughter is key. I also make sure that there is no pressure, but inspiration and motivation for the student to continue to practice and grow. I customize my lessons for individual students. Customized PDFs and lessons for each individual. No two students are alike. I have been told that my passion for music and the guitar are contagious and inspiring. My hard work and dedication also tend to rub off on students.