Guitar with David R.

David discovered his love for music early on at the age of seven with the musical/movie: The Sound of Music. He and his siblings would entertain their babysitter by acting out the entire musical - singing and dancing along with the soundtrack. To make it even more fun, they would sometimes speed up the vinyl record and perform in extra-fast mode! He vividly remembers his first real musical instruction back in elementary school: “Everyone in 4th Grade was given a Recorder to learn how to play 'Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star'. When the music teacher had the class play together, she noticed that I wasn't looking down at my music booklet as I played, since I was 'playing by ear'. Not only was my booklet turned to the wrong page, it was upside down as well! To admonish me, she had me stand up in front of the whole class and play solo - as she held the booklet in front of me. Enthusiastically, I rendered the complete song correctly, only pretending to read from the page as she held it, but actually 'playing by ear'. Upon getting to the end of the tune, I suddenly broke out in a jazzed-up, improvised version of 'Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star', arousing the whole class to spontaneously tap their feet in rhythm and clap with delight . . . my first solo performance!” David eventually took up guitar in his teens, becoming involved with playing for musicals such as "Godspell" and "Jesus Christ Superstar". During high school, he also played in the Bluegrass band 'Odell & Zeke', and in the Rock band 'Ring Wraith', performing for local dances and proms. Extremely versatile within classical and popular guitar styles, David played in the Top-40-Hit music video, Shine Shine, by The Bee Gees' Barry Gibb – alongside pop-star legend - Michael Jackson. David is also mentioned in Just Jazz Guitar Magazine for his jazz endeavors; and he has years of experience as a church music director. As a Classical concert guitarist, David has performed throughout the USA and Europe. His live performances have been broadcast on television and radio: NPR’s Performance Today (USA); CBC’s Arts National (Canada); RAI Television’s In Concerto (Italy), and the Hungarian National Television. Successful in competitions, David won First Prize in the 20th International Guitar Competition in Milan, Italy and First Prize in the National Wurlitzer Artist Competition, USA. He has received other awards and grants as well, including a Solo Recitalist Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Governor's Award from Department of State, Florida. Moreover, he was chosen for the rosters of both the California State Touring Program and the North Carolina Visiting Artists Program. David’s 35 years of teaching and performing experience, coupled with intensive years of formal studies with many of the world's greatest guitarists, including Andres Segovia, Eliot Fisk, David Russell, Christopher Parkening, Holzman, Ghiglia, Morgen, Tomas, Isbin - have afforded him a rich and in-depth understanding of music and the guitar. He shares all of this with his students in an insightful and uniquely original manner. Education: Florida State University - Master of Music - Guitar Performance Florida State University - Bachelor of Music - Guitar Performance Certificates of Professional Study: - L'Accademia Musicale Chigiana in Italy - Aspen Music Festival *** Lesson Details *** Wouldn't you love to play the music that you enjoy listening to the most? Ever listen to your very favorite songs on your iPod or on the radio and really wish you could just play along? Well, here's your opportunity! Even if you are just beginning, I can help get you up and strumming in no time! You can choose your favorite songs to play - and I will show you how! Imagine playing along with Taylor Swift, Maroon 5, Fun, Ke$Ha, Demi Lovato, Flo Rida, Alex Clare, Ne-Yo, and more! And for you adults: imagine playing your favorite songs from the 60's, 70's, and 80's. What a wonderful way to re-kindle all the fun, memories and meaningful songs of your youth! I am committed to helping you really enjoy and excel in playing the music you love! You will find our lessons fun, interesting, and always inspiring. What better way to be motivated to learn and play, than having fun . . . and enjoying it along the way?! *** Studio Equipment *** Separate, professional studio in a nice setting. Lots of windows, art, books make it inviting and cozy. Special separate adjacent room for parents and siblings, allowing parents to watch lessons through glass doors without "intruding". *** Travel Equipment *** I carry my own iPad, computer, cd player. Students should have instrument, capo, music. Ability for student to take video recording/audio recording is helpful. Often, we will use parent's iPhone at end of lesson to record important concepts/techniques/etc. *** Specialties *** I am versatile within classical and popular guitar styles: folk, country, rock, new age, praise, bluegrass. My in-depth understanding of music theory, guitar technique, and performance affords me a wealth of practical and artistic experience from which I lead students on their musical journey. * Note: my teaching process works best with a minimum of several months to achieve quality results.