Former Guitar Student in Richmond Reconnects to Take it to the Next Level

Last week I gave a one hour free introductory guitar lesson to Brian in Richmond near Hill Top Mall. My car is wrapped with info advertising “guitar lessons.“.  When I parked in front of the student’s house, a neighbor ask for my card for guitar lessons for her husband. He has had a guitar for several years and gave up trying to learn on the Internet. I said that’s what I do – Help build guitar students’ confidence.

So, my Richmond guitar student, Brian had taken lessons from me from 1987 to 2003, 16 years.  Then he took a break to work on private vocal lessons and now, 8 years later. we hooked back up. 

I was playing a Godin Synth guitar with nylon strings through a Roland Jazz Chorus amp and Brian had a Ibanez semi hollow jazz guitar a la  Larry Carlton’s Gibson 335. We went over “After Hours” by jazz guitarist Ronnie Jordan on YouTube.

Within 15 minutes Brian could play both the melody and chords watching me. Brian was encouraged because had not picked up guitar in 10 years. Then we went t over songs he could sing like “ Just The Two Of Us” and “Morning” by Al Jareau. Brian has an incredible voice.

Brian  emailed me next morning saying how much he was inspired and looking forward to joining my (RGS Guitar Ensemble) and wants to work on singing and playing guitar at same time. I let Brian know how fun it is for me to work with a student that has amazing talent and just needs a pro to take him to the next level.

Brian’s goal is to start doing solo gigs where he can sing and play or just play solo or do guitar duets with me. It’s always great as a guitar or bass student to set short term goals of picking the correct repertoire that you can have fun with jamming, but at same time forces you to take your bass and or guitar chops to the next level.

Guitar & Banjo Lessons
Richmond CA & East Bay Area
(925) 695-7060