When your five year old asks for a guitar, where can you take the budding Segovia for lessons? Mike Slayen, a native San Diegan and long time guitarist/teacher, has been trained and certified with the Childbloom Guitar Program in Austin, Texas, and has brought the program home to San Diego. Although the program has been known nationally for twenty years, from Hawaii to Massachusetts, Mike's program is the first in California.

The Childbloom Program introduces children from the ages of 5 to 12 to the world of music through the guitar. "The guitar is everywhere," says Kevin Taylor, founder of the Program and an instructor of guitar for 17 years at the university level. "But young people at an elementary level have had nowhere to go to learn the instrument. Many guitar instructors do not have the will, patience or know-how to instruct children. The Childbloom Guitar Program has changed all of that."

Depending on the age of the child, the student can begin playing a familiar tune within four or five minutes. "I am constantly amazed by the skill level of Childbloom students," says Mr. Slayen, " The interaction of the parents and all the students in the small classes visibly adds to the enthusiasm of the children. Students get excited, volunteer to play and high energy levels are displayed among the kids. When people ask me about the program, I simply say, 'Happier students, happier parents, and happier teacher.'"

The Childbloom Guitar Program is unique in several ways:

• -Small Classes. With no more than four children per class the students learn ensemble skills as well as gain natural experience playing solo in front of a "safe" group.
• -Parental Involvement. Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend the lesson with the child.
• -Parent Support. Parents receive a monthly newsletter that gives them no-nonsense tips for home practice and how to sustain the child's interest and motivation.
• -Small Guitars. The children learn to play on smaller sized guitars more suitable for their arms and hands.
• -Limited Rote/Literacy Method. The young students are taught to play on a limited rote basis in the beginning. Once basic motor skills are developed on the instrument, a music literacy program is introduced to ready students.
• -Voluntary Recitals and Contests. Childbloom students are never forced to play in recitals or in class by the teacher. Students are also eligible to participate in performances and creative contests and challenges open only to them.
• -Student Performing Groups. Advanced students form ensembles or "guitar orchestras" for public performances.

  Mike Slayen, a native of San Diego, is a performer and teacher. Currently, he is teaching his Childbloom Program in Poway and El Cajon. Other possible areas under consideration include: Kearny Mesa and a coastal site from La Jolla to Ecinitas, please contact Mike with your preferences. Kevin Taylor, the founder of the Childbloom Program, says, " Mike's ten-year plus experience as a teacher and performer coupled with his positive attitude make for a perfect combination: someone who knows what he is doing and can communicate it to students. I am thrilled that he is the first California Childbloom instructor."

  Students may enroll in the Childbloom Program at any time of year. Parents often ask when is the best time to start. Mike tells them, " As soon as the child shows an interest in the instrument. Motivation is key in a youngsters musical development."

  For more information call:

• Mike Slayen 619-249-6429
• Kevin Taylor (Founder of The Childbloom Program) - 1-800-950-8502 Feel free to leave a message if no one can take your call. All messages will be returned as soon as possible. Also see The Childbloom Websiteor send e-mail.