Renaissance Man Music

It is so easy to look at teaching as a doorway for the student. My teaching philosophy is aimed at teaching my students using the music they like and enjoy.  I have found that most often this gives better results … Continue reading →

In the past days I have been approached for guitar lessons by people  that have time on their hands during the summer holidays and want to learn some more guitar or that would normally not be able to fit in … Continue reading →

What a glorious day today and listening to a cool session at Smalls in New York at night while enjoying the sunshiny day here in Christchurch.  Smalls was created in 1993 by jazz impresario Mitch Borden, a former nurse and … Continue reading →

With some students having composition assignments at school this seems like a good set of tips from someone that knows what he’s talking about.  The songwriter behind hits by Fergie, Beyoncé, Colbie Caillat, and more, opens up his box of … Continue reading →

George Benson is still one of the guitarists I look up to a lot. His fluid style, fat tone and incredible rhythm are what make me tick. I was pleased to read the following announcement through the Jazz Network Worldwide.  … Continue reading →

Guitar legend Steve Vai has opened up an online 24/7 streaming video channel called GuitarTV.com, featuring non-stop programming of guitar performances, guitar lessons, live broadcasts and more like links to online stores like amazon. It is linked too facebook, twitter, … Continue reading →

Recently I have been following several discussions on what is commonly referred to as shredding, not in the least because one of my good friends called me a shredder even though we were playing jazz. The questions central in several … Continue reading →

The month of June is, if only because of the colder weather and so on the month of the blues at Renaissance Man Music School. This month students that are interested are putting extra time in the appreciation and playing of … Continue reading →

The following patterns and licks are aimed at building speed and strengthening the left hand and use groups of notes /motives in the key of G. Exercise one is a legato way of playing the G major scale using three … Continue reading →