Just as music captured my soul, teaching others the craft fulfills my spirit in a way that nothing else can. For over 20 years, I have established a deeply meaningful career that allows me to perform with top musicians on the stage and in the studio. As I dove deep into my professional music studies, I discovered my passion for teaching student musicians at every level, especially in the higher learning environment, I love practicing my art as a guitarist, performer, session/recording artist, and composer, but there’s nothing like watching a student connect the dots and light up as they grasp a concept or master a skill.While completing coursework toward my doctoral degree at USC, I had the opportunity to teach a beginning guitar class for undergraduates. I focused on fundamentals, providing students with foundational knowledge in music and guitar. I incorporated as much actual playing as possible. When my students found themselves actually producing music, they became highly invested. My students vary in their abilities. Some have never read a note of music or picked up a guitar while others play different instruments and have a strong foundation in music. To navigate this challenge, I listen to students individually and evaluate each person’s growth rather than comparing them to their peers. I can focus on my private students individually, paying attention to their skills and interests. Students want to learn pop, jazz, funk, blues, and more. I focus on contemporary styles, but excel at customizing my teaching approach and lesson content to each person. My strengths and skills include:★ Performance: On guitar and bass guitar, I played with original, cover, and tribute bands in the US and abroad. My performances include large-scale festivals and well-known venues. Thanks to my extensive experience, I possess the tools to help students learn how to perform.★ Learning: I completed my bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral coursework in rapid succession. All that remains of my DMA are my capstone projects. I try to instill my love of learning in my students.★ Technology: Along with my proficiency in music notation software, recording technology, and editing software, I have extensive experience teaching online. I transitioned students online as early as 2008, so when the pandemic hit, my lessons continued seamlessly.I thrive on helping my students learn to produce music, love music, and apply what they learn in real-world situations. Just as I enjoy making music, I want to help my students love it, too.