Student Performance
Mateo Bravo has taken lessons with me for about 8 years. Many of the most joyous moments of my life have come from sharing the musical journey with him. Stories for another day.
Recently, Mateo wanted to learn this particular arrangement of the Narcos Theme song (Tuyo by Rodrigo Amarante), which he found on YouTube.
At this point in Mateo’s journey, he can easily learn whatever he wants by reading guitar tabs. So I acted as a guide and mentor, not so much “teaching” him, but instead giving feedback and reflection on certain passages. I was thrilled to hear him express himself so beautifully through this piece of music! Listen to how he feels time, there’s a consistency and thickness to the feeling of the rhythm, something I call “the glue”, which Mateo has taken to like a fish takes to water.
Full Length Testimonials
Terry has been teaching my son the guitar for a long time and he is an excellent teacher. His communication skills are well over the top because he has taught him many techniques. My son only wanted to learn from him and no other substitute teacher because of how great and efficient his teaching skills are. I think he would be a great teacher to teach in any situation because he’s overall nice and very patient. My son has said that no matter what song they’re working on, hard or easy, they would always finish it. I think it would be a great opportunity for him to teach because his characteristics just 100% fit in with the criteria.
– Debbie Lin (mother of a student)
Terry taught my son, who just turned 14 years old, once a week for approximately three years. He taught him how to play acoustic guitar, ukulele, bass guitar and drums. One Spring Break, my son also joined Terry’s five day ‘Band Camp’ and performed several songs in a band with others his age.
It is obvious that Terry likes working with children, he’s a natural teacher and children adore him right back. He is very responsible and fun to be around. When my son first started his lessons with Terry I was invited to sit in and watch. He was very comfortable having an adult participate in the small music room. Terry is not only extremely talented (plays more instruments than I even know) but carries out tasks professionally, enthusiastically, and politely. He is very patient and friendly with both the adults and children. Terry was also very responsible. If he needed to change a lesson, we were always contacted in advance.
My son says that he explains new things very well and step by step so that he understands clearly. He is always prepared for his lessons and is not rattled by any new surprises. Terry is thoughtful and is passionate about everything he sets his mind to. His ‘love for music’ is contagious.
– Marnie Gordon (mother of a student)
Terry was my son’s bass guitar instructor, and has been for three years. If you are looking for a smart, talented, and diligent candidate, Terry is the perfect match.
As an instructor, Terry was able to connect easily with my son. He was always in contact with me as a parent with all issues or homework he gave my son. He made my son’s lesson enjoyable and my son would come home to boast of the songs he was learning to play. Terry easily related to my son and they would spend their hour long weekly session progressing my son’s abilities. I watched my son go from having never touched a bass guitar to being able to play multiple new rock, old rock and alternative songs. Terry also gave his time to organize and teach a summer rock camp which was well received.
These relationship-building and strength identification abilities that Terry has are in my personal opinion a great asset. Tempered with a strong determination, Terry is an excellent instructor. He will have no problem teaching anything he is determined to teach.
– Kimberly Feeney (mother of a student)