About
Background
I grew up around music. My father enjoyed success as an acapella singer in The Mystics. During my formative years I sang in choir and school musicals and also volunteered teaching other kids in youth centers. My love of rock started when I heard Led Zeppellin on the radio and subsequently saw "The Song Remains the Same", at a midnight movie. I was mesmerized by the sound of the electric guitar and got my first Gibson and took lessons. Later in college and after graduating ASU, I played in many local bands, and began teaching guitar in various music stores and MCC. I started my first studio Gold Dust in 1996 and have been teaching privately ever since.
Insights
In all my years of teaching I have learned that the psychological aspects of teaching different people are so much more important than the physical. Some students are just starting on their journey and they require confidence. This is done by defining who they are as musicians, and acquiring the skill set that fuels their passion. Some students are continuing and need guidance to keep growing. This is done by showing them how to surpass their limitations, set meaningful goals, and utilize mindfulness to access deeper levels of creative engagement.
Inspiration
What constitutes a meaningful connection? To answer that question you must look inside each student to find what ignites their passion. To see inside, you have to be present for each moment, and notice the things that are working, and work on things that aren't.
Our moments together as humans are finite. Each moment is unique. The moments where students play well and feel happy are sweet indeed. But the moments when students finally gain mastery of a difficult style, passage, or piece, are the sweetest of all. I’m inspired by the idea that I have the good fortune to share with each student their love of, and desire for, music in their lives.