About
I have Ph. D in Classical Guitar and bring 25 years of performance experience to my students. I currently teach on the college level, and have grade school level students as well. I perform over 100 performances a year at guitar festivals, colleges, live music venues and even the public library system.
My students have won multiple awards on the state and regional levels.
I am the Southern Division Representative and was a National Finalist in Guitar for the Music Teacher's National Association Artist Competition.
I am currently on the faculty at St. Petersburg College. I have taught guitar at Florida State University, Middle Tennessee State University, Florida Keys Community College, Tallahassee Community College, Marathon High School, Manatee School for the Arts, Marathon Middle School, the Webb School in Bell Buckle, TN.
I am passionate about communicating the language of music with my students and colleagues.
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Rod K.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Getting to know the goals of the student, which will help determine the method used and the process implemented. An example can be to learn to read music, improvise, or prepare for and audition.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
PhD Classical Guitar Performance
Master of Art in Music - Classical Guitar
Bachelor of Music - Guitar Performance
How did you get started teaching?
I've been teaching since the age of 15. I have spent the last 25 years studying in both college programs and abroad and have one distinctive awards and guitar performance. I have taught at several college and university programs, as well as middle school and high school. Please see my bio for further information.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with children as young as four years old to senior citizens in their 80s. My students have range for the absolute beginner to the concert professional. I teach classical, acoustic fingerstyle, electric styles, improvisation, jazz, blues, bluegrass, and ukulele.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
This season, I am doing multiple performances of a program of great works for Spanish guitar. I have an upcoming recital for the HCC SGA guitar recital series December 2 at 7:30 PM.
I also perform in an acoustic duo with my wife. We play and sing old jazz, old blues, and folk songs. We have opened up for the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and are doing multiple recitals throughout the Southeast region.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I advise the student searching for a teacher to look for that teacher's credentials. Experience has the greatest impact on the quality of lessons.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Have an idea of what you would like to learn. It can be as broad as learning to read music or can be as specific as Bluegrass flatpicking for example.