BIOGRAPHY
I specialize in Jazz Guitar and Improvisation.
We will cover all levels of Music Theory & Harmony (in a Jazz and/or Blues context) and apply that knowledge directly to the guitar fingerboard. This includes various scales, patterns, chords, arpeggios and lines. The idea is that we want to improve our instrumental technique (pick control, relaxation of both hands, etc...) but still express ourselves musically.
We will study (and play!!!) standard tunes and common chord progressions, and I will guide you through Improvisation exercises and techniques that will eventually help you develop your own voice/style.
I have a lot of hand-outs, including chord solos (harmonized melody of standard tunes) and comping studies (fingered chord progressions).
I can also specifically help you with ear-training and reading.
I have played with Buddy Collette, Sonny Simmons, Norah Jones, Bruce Dunlap, Adam Levy (Tracy Chapman, Joey Baron, Norah Jones), Reid Anderson (The Bad Plus), Kenny Wollesen (Bill Frisell), percussionist Mingo Lewis (from Santana), African World Beat group Zekele Sounds, and the Broun Fellinis...
I'm a very patient and caring teacher who has been playing and performing for over 25 years: I currently teach Music Theory/ Harmony at the SF Academy of Art University, and have taught Guitar Classes, Music Theory, Jazz Composition and Improvisation Workshops at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, WI, at the Conservatory of Music of Cannes, France, and at the SF Musicians' Union.
Private lessons are at Russo Music in Noe Valley (24th St & Noe), at the Guitar Novatory/Sunset Academy of Music (Irving & 15th Avenue) and at Elizabeth's Music School (38th Ave & Judah)
EDUCATION
University of Miami School of Music
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