I started playing guitar in high school for the sole reason of getting girls. Hey, at least I'm being honest.....

Since then, the guitar has become an important part of my life. In the beginning, I was mostly concerned with developing my ability to play solos.

The solos are were what impressed people but I quickly found out that most guitarists are playing rhythm most of the time. I was fortunate to play in a jazz ensemble for a few years and that helped me tremendously. Private instruction and graduating from Musicians Institute have helped me play less technically and more emotionally.

Today, I focus on writing songs. I find it very challenging to try and convey emotions within the context of chord changes. I still practice scales and rudiments for solos, but my emphasis has switched to writing.

When it comes to teaching, I focus my students on playing with emotion as opposed to technical skill. Music is the expression of feeling, not a display of ability. Most of the best music ever written is when the writer is able to convey what he is feeling through the notes. With enough practice, anyone can play fast. But speed is only one color on a musician's pallet, and those who play fast all the time, every time, find themselves having only one thing to say.

Music, like any other art form, is emotional expression. While there are "rules" that define western music and music that is popular in our culture, to me if it sounds good, it is good. I try to focus my students to express their feelings through the guitar as opposed to copying another person's style.