Guitar with Frank V.

ABOUT MYSELF I started late on the guitar in a family of musicians. I picked up the guitar when I was 18 years old when I found an old acoustic at my grandfather’s house. From then I was self taught listening to Punk Rock, New Wave, and learning from friends. My love for the instrument and music drove me to really apply myself to really learning how to play. I would sit and just be creative, writing my own songs and putting little back yard bands together with my cousin and friends. Then, it was time for college and had to make a decision on what to study. Music was my passion and I never really taken a lesson before. I prepared myself by studying with Stephan Ferrara-Grand in San Clemente,CA for a short time to audition into the music program. I passed! I graduated with a Bachelor's degree from the San Diego State University School of Music and Dance in 1999, and I studied jazz guitar with international guitarist/violinist Art Johnson and theory with David Ward-Steinman. From the time I graduated, I have been playing professionally and recorded five releases of my own as well as made appearances on others and have toured the country several times playing my own original music. My bands have opened and/or toured with the likes of Dee Dee Ramone, Blink 182, Green Day, Voodoo Glow Skulls, Jimmy Eat World, Ten Foot Pole, Big Drill Car, and Leeland. I also play for Day 7 and Revival Christian Fellowship where I shared a stage with Greg Laurie, Franklin Graham, Raul Reis, and Jon Courson. *** Lesson Details *** I have been teaching music for over 10 years. I love my lessons to be laid back, light, yet focused. The lessons are tailored for the students needs/levels. For the beginning student we start from the basics. for example, tuning, vocabulary on the parts of the guitar, to basic chord shapes and strum patterns. Almost from the beginning, I introduce music theory to the student. I believe it is important to the musician, because music is a language that is spoken through the instrument and also read by the musician. Not just piano or band instruments, but guitar too! Guitarist always seem to get left behind in this. I teach it hand in hand with the guitar and it comes naturally while learning. Some students want to learn songs and/or to write songs. This is what I have been doing for many years and enjoy it! As the student progresses, I love to pull the creativity out of the students. Music is also art and a passage for the individual to express him/herself. It is a joy to see and help a musician to mature on the instrument! *** Studio Equipment *** amps, cables, tuner. *** Specialties *** Songwriting, Music Theory, Performance, Technique, Learning Songs