Countless bands and musicians have inspired my guitar playing over the last 15 years. When I had just turned 17 years old in February 2004, I discovered some videos of Jason Becker. His music was so moving to me that, just a couple of weeks later, I bought a guitar and started taking lessons at a local music store.
My playing and teaching is influenced by a variety of artists, such as The Beatles, Elvis, Buddy Holly, John Denver, Jackson Browne, Allman Brothers, Steve Miller Band, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, Hüsker Dü, Paul Weller, The Clash, The Kinks, Black Flag, NOFX, Thin Lizzy, Steely Dan, Third Eye Blind, Hootie & The Blowfish, Alanis Morisette, Nirvana, Django Reinhardt, Duke Ellington, John Coltrane, Albert King, Eric Clapton, Pat Metheny, Joe Pass, Greg Howe, Marty Friedman, Guthrie Govan, Allan Holdsworth, Steve Vai, and Frank Gambale.
Many of my students ask me who my personal favorite guitarist is. This can change based on the hour, but overall, Shawn Lane is the guitarist who I believe has personally inspired me the most. Pound for pound, I would probably say that he is my all-time “favorite” guitarist.
I once saw an American painter named Chuck Close give a speech during a National Art Education Association (NAEA) convention. I’ve never forgotten something he said during that speech: “How creative an artist is depends solely on how obscure their sources are.” I’ve always loved that. Whenever somebody hears me play something unique on the guitar, it’s safe to say that I probably “borrowed” it from Shawn Lane. Many of my favorite chords, progressions, licks, and techniques were inspired from his music.
While I take pride in being a very diverse musician, I take even more pride in being an open-minded musician and educator. As your guitar teacher, I have the ability to wear a variety of hats. Depending on the style of music and educational focus that you’re looking for, I will do my best to facilitate our learning geared toward your personal preferences.