I have two main teaching methods for guitar. In teaching beginning classical guitar, I use a combination of method books which include Shearer, Duncan, and Noad. I also include methods by Carcassi and Sor, as well as Brouwer and Aguado, depending on the needs of the student. In combination with etudes (musical studies), the student will learn other short pieces emphasizing certain musical ideas or techniques. Students which are more advanced, will work on longer works (sonatas, fugues etc.).

I also teach electric guitar. Electric guitar students will still be taught basic classical guitar techniques (ie. reststrokes, freestrokes, slurs etc.). However, the emphasis will be placed more on chordal and scale playing using jazz and rock lead sheets. Ear training is also involved. Melodies will also be learned, in particular, with the use of jazz lead sheets (use of the Real book). Intermediate and advanced players will learn more advanced playing techniques such as extended solos, improvisation, chord-melody arrangements and finger-picking arrangements. Students have some input for what stylistic direction they want to pursue as long as the essential basics have been addressed.

My personality is not overbearing and I am somewhat laid-back, but I want my students to be determined and to work hard.

Master of Arts in Music - emphasis in classical guitar performance (graduated from Colorado State University in 1999). Berklee College of Music in Boston - attended a summer music workshop in 1990 (jazz, theory, composition etc.). Studied with classical guitar virtuoso Masakazu Ito in Denver for the past 10 years. Also have studied with Alex Komodore of Denver for about a year while attending graduate school.