Ryan D.

As far as the genres of guitar are concerned, I try to keep myself open to everything. I practice at least two hours every day, doing things like playing through Bach piano pieces, learning jazz standards and new chord voicings, and making up scale, arpeggio, and picking patterns to facilitate quicker learning in all styles and more fluid improvisation. Students can expect a generalized approach to guitar-playing, focused not so much on emulation of existing guitar styles, but on exploring modes of honest, open, authentic musical self-expression.

Students can expect an emphasis on rhythmic, supportive playing, and on the bass's role in adding potency and color to harmonic progressions. I have been performing as a bassist for rock and pop bands for eight years, and I also have 4 years of experience as a double bassist in an orchestra, and in jazz bands, and I would encourage my students to be open to experiencing music of all genres, both as a listener and a participant.