Guitar Lessons
About
I am the former head of guitar studies at UT El Paso and a recently retired UTEP professor. I have 4 decades of teaching experience at all levels. I learned classical guitar from Pepe Romero and hold a B.A. and M.A. in guitar performance from the University of California, San Diego. .
Specialties:
6 week money-back guaranteed BEGINNER COURSE.
Classical guitar: beginner to virtuoso
Fingerboard theory and harmony
Path to technical virtuosity (classical or electric)
Any age
College-level music department audition preparation
I am a very effective teacher and guarantee results.
I love helping students progress and watching them improve over time. I have former students who started with me and now they teach guitar to their children. I especially enjoy teaching beginners and non-professionals, but I can help professionals at all levels regardless of style.
Highlights
Photos and videos
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I teach the student to accomplish small goals one at a time over a period of time -- exactly as I was taught and how I practice every day. I try to challenge the student and support it with patience and thorough instruction. I teach students that they can achieve anything by establishing and achieving realistic goals one step at a time over a lifetime.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I hold a B.A and M.A. in guitar performance from the University of California, San Diego under the tutelage of Pepe Romero.
My teaching experience spans 4 decades. I recently retired as Associate Professor of Practice from the University of Texas at El Paso.
I play all styles of classical guitar, but at this point in time, I specialize in Latin American guitar music. My repertoire includes J.S. Bach, Agustine Barrios, Fernando Sor, Joaquin Rodrigo, Issac Albeniz, Erique Granados, Antonio Lauro, John Dowland, Francesco da Milano, and others.
I have taught beginners and professionals for over 40 years.
I put the FUN in fundamentals.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge $30 for a 40-minute lesson. Group lessons are $10 an hour with a minimum of 4 students.
How did you get started teaching?
I began teaching at a local music store when I was in high school. In high school, I played electric guitar in my own band and bass guitar in a country-western band on Saturdays! I began teaching at the university level when I was 25 years old. I started piano at the age of 5; and then, switched to guitar when I saw the Beatles perform live on TV on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964. I was 11 years old. I switched to classical when I entered college. I liked being a one-man band.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have taught beginners and professionals. At UT El Paso I graduated dozens of undergraduates and about a dozen graduate students. I especially enjoy teaching beginners and non-professionals, but I also enjoy serious professionals who are willing to work hard.
For 15 years I also taught university-level music history classes in rock music and Black music and music fundamentals.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I have enjoyed the recent pandemic online collaborations with professional and school-age musicians.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for sincerity in choosing a teacher. Make sure that the teacher is focused on the student and not on themselves and their ego. Also. professional qualifications are important, but if you are learning for fun, choose a teacher that will be focused on you.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Be fully mindful of what you are trying to achieve. Try to imagine yourself doing whatever you are trying to achieve -- be it just playing for your own pleasure, forming a band, or wanting to spend your life making music.
Be realistic about how much you are willing to invest and have an honest conversation with the teacher about how long it will take you to achieve your goal.
I can teach a student a lifetime of materials in just 6 weeks; or, I can take a student through years of instruction one week at a time.