| J.P. makes playing the guitar easy (well, at least possible) and fun even for old guys with stiff fingers. He is kind and patient and equipped with a vast store of musical knowledge, which he shares freely. I enjoy my lessons with him. |
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Sterling Vinson, Ph.D. |
| I have studied clawhammer banjo with J.P. for a ... year, and can unreservedly recommend him as a teacher... I had never played a fretted instrument, and now can knock out several tunes ( and even sing along with one or two). On my own, I would still be struggling with ... making sounds on the banjo; J.P.'s deep knowledge and understanding of the banjo and the overall pedagogy of teaching ... has greatly accelerated my playing.
My ... lessons [have] not focused entirely on the banjo, however. J.P. and I have talked at legth about the history of American "roots" music and folk songs, vocal technique, steel and classical guitar methods, and music theory. I have played other instruments in the past ... and finally my previous musical training is coming together to form a musical whole. J.P. has provided insights into music theory and its real-world application that I did not receive at the undergraduate level - insights that are not meant to be merely memorized, but applied to the creation of music to be performed for friends, family... whoever will listen. I have thoroughtly enjoyed my lessons, ... and look forward to working with J.P. to further refine my playing. |
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Steve J. |
| J.P.'s down-to-earth but systematic lessons have helped me, within a few months, to play my heart out on the accordion. He has not only shown me the basic technical skills, but also taught me about music theory and accompanying in a way that I can apply on my other instruments.
... J.P. is a wonderful, versatile teacher who can teach almost any instrument and almost any style. He truly is a "Musician Maker" - watch out, it's addictive! |
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Sabine W. |
| I wanted to send you special thanks for the music lessons. You [are] a teacher I would recommend to anyone - any age or temperament... always prepared with good advice, adjusted with sensitivity to me as an individual... had a firm command of the structure of your lesson, but I always felt you understood where I was struggling, and framed your lesson accordingly. You were flexible... I'm grateful for the confidence you helped me to build with the banjo.
Many thanks, |
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Lois H. |
