Piano Lessons in Honolulu, HI

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
Well, I chose guitar because it was the primary instrument for the music I listened to. I tried playing clarinet in school band, but it was not an instrument that could hold my interest at all. Also, my mother loved listening to guitar and in particular flamenco music. This and the music I listened to guided me to no other instrument. I also tried playing drums, mandolin, and flute. These were very interesting to me because I have always enjoyed all types of music. However, I will always be drawn to string instruments.

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
The accomplishments I am most proud of is my teaching and performing. My time on the stage when I was young gave me a chance to perform and actually make money as a musician. At the time I joined bands, there were a lot of places to play that were just to be seen -not many actually paid. A brand new student, a child with autism, and my own children are truly my greatest accomplishments.. My youngest son learned guitar from me and went on to be in a well-known local band. He did some recording. I have learned something as simple as teaching can inspire a student to go as far as they want to. In the end, seeing the joy in the face of my students will always be my greatest accomplishment.

Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
As I said in the last question, my son, for one, went on to have a number of awards locally and record. Also, some of my students in Colorado, have actually become studio musicians. Even though my daughter does not play guitar, she has a great love for music and through her piano and singing has made a CD that is available online. My daughter was accepted into a music program called The Contemporary Music Center which is now in Nashville, Tn. At the time, it was located on the East Coast. This was a semester long program where talented college students learned the music business.

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
The hardest thing to master is free-style improvisation. This I believe, can only be taught to a certain point. After that, an incredible amount of practice and God given talents has to come through. Through my years of experience with bands and teaching, I feel that I am very capable of seeing this ability in students. So, at this point, there are certain exercises that can be taught to further the gifted musician with these abilities. It is a great feeling to teach students the basics and watch them evolve. I always want my students to be better than what I am and never quit learning and never quit playing.

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