Is David Chavez the Right Guitar Teacher for You?
Get to know David better with this in-depth, informative interview.
Q: Hi David! Can you start by telling me for how long have you been
playing and teaching guitar?
A: I have been playing guitar since I was 4 years old, and have been teaching since 1980.
Q: For any student looking to find a music instructor, what do you feel
you bring to the table that distinguishes you from other guitarteachers?
A: What I feel I bring to the table is experience. What took me 30 years to master will only take my student a fraction of that time, so long as they're willing to put forth the effort.
Q: Tell us the 3 main reasons you hear students stating for wanting to
take guitarlessons.
A:
1. They have always wanted to learn
2. Need help
3. To become a stronger musician
Q: What are the most common challenges you've observed beginners facing
in learning to play guitar?
The most common single challenge all students face is that they're not fair to themselves. They should allow themselves ample time to learn and give themselves realistic goals. I always tell my students that I don't expect them to master everything in a week, it takes time, and that the more they apply the information the stronger they will become.
Q: What is your approach to helping students overcome these challenges?
How can you help them?
A:
My approach to helping any student is to evaluate the current situation, then from there offer up the best possible solution using many examples through demonstration.
Q: How much time should a beginning student be ready to devote to
practicing on a weekly basis, if they want to make good progress?
A: My beginners should be prepared to spend a minimum of 4 out of 7 days with a minimum of at least 30 min per practice session.
Q: What is your favorite thing about teaching guitar to adults?
A: My favorite thing about teaching guitar to adults is that, at one point in their life, they had a dream of learning to play guitar. I feel privileged that they have given me an opportunity to make that dream a reality.
Q: What is your favorite thing about teaching guitar to children?
A: My favorite thing about teaching kids is that they have totally clear minds. And if you ask them to try, they try without question; their minds are like sponges absorbing everything at such a quick rate.
Q: For parents, how long, on average, should they expect their child to
need to take music lessons before they can play their first simple tune?
A: To be realistic, it depends on the student but on average it can take 4 to 12 weeks.
Q: How will intermediate or advanced students benefit from coming to you
for further instruction? How can you improve their musical abilities and
satisfaction in playing the music they love?
A: My advance level student are constantly challenging me, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Quite frankly, this allows me to 'stay on my fingertips', so to speak, and it gives them an opportunity to learn more advanced concepts and explore other musical possibilities they probably wouldn't have thought of on their own.
Q: What local opportunities are there for your students to play their
instruments in a performance setting?
A: I am currently preparing some students for the Berkley school of Music and Musician Institute. The city of Alhambra pays people to perform at small outdoor stages around town. In addition, there are many local nightclubs that feature live performances. Who knows, you might see me there!!!
Q: To take our last question a step further, are there any local musical
venues where you have performed, or any local orchestras/groups with whom you
have played?
A: Yes, I've either performed, worked, or played with many high profile clients such as Eddie Albert, mayor Tom Bradley, House of Blues, The Whiskey, The Roxy, Bonnie Rait, Sheena Easton, Joe Cocker, Prince, and the list goes on and on.
Q: Tell us about a music student you've taught who has made you really
proud.
A: I have a student who is the father of the former Tower of Power drummer, and he now sits in with his son playing local gigs in their neighborhood. To me, that in itself is a great accomplishment.
Q: When do you know that you've succeeded with a student?
A: I know I've succeeded with a student when they realize that all their hard work has finally paid off. And that they're actually making music on their own, with or without a little help.
Q: When did your interest in music begin?
A: My interest in music began very early in life. I remember my father played guitar, and from that point I was fascinated with its very distinctive voice. I knew I wanted to learn from that point on.
Q: Please tell us about your formal music education and credentials.
A: I have a Vocational degree in recording arts and sciences with specialization in Recorded Music production and audio Engineering Technology. I'm currently pursing a Master's Degree in Guitar at Berkley School of Music.
Q: What is the style of music you love playing best, on your own time?
A: You know, being a musician allows me to teach it all, and I love it all. There is always something to learn, be it jazz, classical, Latin rock, gypsy jazz etc., so I love to play based on whatever environment I'm currently in.
Q: Please share the highlights of your performance/working experience.
A: I have many compositions and many recording, and in addition to that, I'm currently planning to release a guitar method book and a guitar instrumental CD in late 2009. I feel that this will be the right time.
Q: How has music enriched your life?
A: Music allows me to connect with an audience or an individual on so many levels; it also allows me to look inside myself and pull out those emotions that I probably wouldn't share through words alone.
Q: What do you want students to get out of getting to work with you?
A: I want my students to be thinking musicians. I don't just want them to memorize a million scales and play aimlessly at blistering speeds. I want each of my students to leave knowing they have an ability to communicate through music and to actually say something meaningful.
Q: Can you share a free tip that prospective students can benefit from
right now?
A: The greatest tip I can give you is probably to play slowly and accurately. This, in turn, will help you to eliminate or minimize bad technique and allow you to develop speed.
Contact David Chavez To Set Up Your First Guitar Lesson:
Phone: (626) 278-1497
|
