Biographical Info
Initially selftaught as a teen. Studied with several private teachers in my twenty’s for folk, classical & jazz. Attended music college earning a Bachelor of Music, Berklee College of Music. Having come of age in Boston in the 1960’s I had the opportunity to attend clubs and concerts to hear and study the guitar playing of folk, blues and classical artistes. I was influenced by the singer-songwriter era initially using guitar as a vehicle for songwriting and singing. My fingerstyle guitar started with country blues, ragtime and travis picking styles. When I turned to classical study my technique was profoundly influenced by the method and discipline that classical guitar demands. I owe much to my private teacher Peter Lorenco of Boston. As my curiosity and music theory knowledge evolved, I sought to blend my love for colloq1uial music styles and the traditions of classical music and jazz. I depend on my theoretical knowledge to broaden my guitar styles. I have been influenced and intrigued by many players: Tom Rush, James Taylor, Paul Simon, Jim Kweskin, Julian Bream, John Williams, Doc Watson, Chet Atkins, Eldon Shamblin, and so many more from a variety of styles and genres. Every student has his/her own approach to learning and I do my best to meet the student at their respective level and needs to further their guitar playing. I rely on my own years of learning and troubleshooting to help a student avoid some common obstacles I have encountered and offer a supportive path to realizing new goals. CD of original songs, Cafe Des Arts, Song for Hire; Chasing the Wind included in the video Tornado Classics Storm Chaser. Decades of club and concert performing as well as private lessons in art organizations, private school and private studio. I believe that good technique is the foundation for good guitar playing. I watch for bad habits and encourage a student to re-think their approach if I think it will benefit the individual. I strive to create a balance between playing with “knowledge” and playing by “inspiration”. I also work to understand how the student learns and tailor exercises and drills that the individual will relate to. And, I encourage my students to choose music that they want to emulate. One of the perks for me as a teacher is being intrroduced to new music and artists.