Banjo with Ray M.

Born in Arlington, Texas, I began playing guitar and bass guitar in high school. After studying for several years under Joey Faust, I studied Jazz, Classical Guitar, and Music Theory at TCC in Fort Worth. I began teaching in my free time to friends and family in 2003; by 2008 I was teaching full time, my students ranging in age from 3 to over 70. I also play piano, mandolin, banjo, ukulele, and auto harp. *** Lesson Details *** I believe lessons should be fun, so all lessons are tailored to the individual student, based on the student's interests and goals. Students are free to progress at their own pace, and to choose their own learning material. Styles and techniques include Rock, Country, Blues, Bluegrass, Jazz, Shred, Slide Guitar, Classical Guitar, and Slap Bass, to name a few. *** Studio Equipment *** Lessons in my home studio are definitely more beneficial to the student, because I have all my toys here! Besides having all of my other instruments here for demonstrations, or being able to freely change between electric or acoustic guitar for example. I also find that students who are at home (especially the children) tend to be more distracted, whether it's from lack of privacy due to the area chosen for the lessons, or often (again, this goes especially for the kids) there are pets that they like to play with while I'm trying to talk to them. When they're guests in my home, however, I find I have their strict attention. *** Specialties *** I am primarily a guitar player specializing in electric lead guitar and solo acoustic guitar/vocal performance. I also teach beginner to advanced bass guitar, primarily finger-style.