John, the Teacher

I’ve been teaching students to play guitar successfully for over 25 years.

The key to my success has been to adapt my approach to each individual student’s needs and musical preferences.  Some of my students read music and play Bach and Beethoven, some don’t read music but play pop and rock. Some do all of the above!

I allow students, along with their parents, (if applicable) to set the direction of the lessons and then I do all I can to help students reach their goals.  This keeps students motivated and makes their guitar playing a unique, personal expression of their creativity.

Above all, I treat each student with kindness, patience and respect. I remember how intimidating it can be to take lessons, so I use humor and positive feedback to ease tension and build confidence. I love watching students learn to express themselves through music and make their dreams of becoming a guitar player come true.

I believe that my dedication to my students along with my education, experience and genuine desire to see them succeed make me an outstanding guitar instructor in the Long Beach area.

Learn More About Private Guitar Lessons with John

John, the Rock Guitarist

At age 13, I began playing electric guitar. After recovering from a serious car accident, I picked up the guitar in my wheelchair and began doing my best to emulate my guitar heroes from the 70’s and 80’s.

Later on I discovered and became passionate about neo-classical rock soloing through great players like Randy Rhoads and Yngwie Malmsteen.

“The Oath”

I am still devoted to music, practicing 10 or more hours per week to continue to refine and expand my electric playing.

I am not currently actively involved in a band but am available for recording in many styles, including hard rock, metal, classic rock, ballads, alternative and blues.

I am also open to collaborating with other artists in any live band context where good solos are appreciated. Paying gigs are preferred, but if there’s a strong musical connection, I’m in, paid or not.

John, the Classical Guitarist

At age 13, I fell in love with the classical guitar, being inspired by masters like Andres Segovia, Christopher Parkening and John Williams.

I have played classical guitar professionally for weddings, funerals, restaurants, art shows, etc. for the last 20 years in and around Southern California. I regularly receive compliments for playing with passion, sensitivity and musicality.

“Lagrima”

Call or email me to book me and have beautiful classical guitar music to enhance your special event.

John, the Singer-Songwriter

As far back as I can remember I have always loved great songs. I love the way they can get stuck our heads and we’ll be humming them all day long. I can’t remember a day that I haven’t had one or more songs on my mind. Even when I was in a coma, my mom played Queen’s, “A Night At the Opera” for me!

I didn’t like to sing that much when I was young, but found my voice in college. Having become proficient on the guitar earlier gave me a great foundation for writing songs once I started singing.

Since then, I’ve written approximately 150 songs.  Some of which have been on the radio locally (KLOS & KROQ) and nationally and others have been published in print publications.  One of my songs was voted “Song of the Year” in 1995 at the L.A. Music Awards.

My favorite songs are those that are encouraging, simply because there have been so many times when a song that lifted my spirits when I was feeling down or discouraged. So I am passionate about writing songs that have hopeful messages about love, healing, transformation, spirituality and God (not the God of outdated religions, but a God that loves and includes all of us).  These themes have all been part of my life’s journey so writing songs has been and continues to be a wonderful way for me to express myself.

A Video of One of John’s Songs