Experience
I have been a full-time professional guitarist and private teacher for over 34 years, assisting literally thousands of students to become the best guitarists they can be. I have played over 3,000 professional gigs in all styles of music...thousands (yes, thousands) of gigs, in nightclubs, casinos, touring bands, studio recording gigs, restaurants, concerts, festivals, resort hotels, weddings, corporate functions and more.
The majority of my gigs have been played in bars, throwing down rock 'n' roll shows, night after night, year after year. I once had a gig at a bar in Escondido six nights a week, for six months straight, as the house band. Every Friday was whipped cream wrestling night (ask me sometime and I'll tell you about it). My favorite gig was when I opened for Albert King, on the second to last gig he played before he died. The show was written up in the San Diego Reader, by writer John Brizzolara. I was playing with the Rick Gazlay Group at the time. Just another night in a career of being a rock 'n' roll warrior. But, I have also performed a lot of gigs in jazz, blues, country, pop, and other styles, as well. And, I have toured with national acts as a sideman guitarist for hire. You name it, I have played it on a stage many times.
And, I have trained a LOT of guitarists who have studied with me. Many of my students have gone on to become professional guitarists, performers, guitar teachers, and even music professors at universities!
My greatest calling is teaching. I am particularly well suited for teaching. This is because I have a high capacity for guitar knowledge, and I know how to explain it. I know how to teach. My teaching is my greatest achievement, and there is no person on this planet who can teach guitar better than me. In addition to my extensive performing career, I have also studied music at four universities, which is a big part of my background. I attended music school at University of Denver, the Berklee College of Music in Boston, then finally graduated with a degree in Jazz Guitar from University of North Texas. I also attended post graduate studies in the masters Jazz program at San Diego State University. Yes, I really understand music and the guitar.
And I can teach you. No matter what level you are at, or what style, I provide the highest level of guitar training that you can get on planet Earth. Yup...that is what I do.
After performing so many gigs over the past 30+ years (I began working the Colorado nightclub circuit as a professional when I was 16), I am now focused on teaching guitar. I am dedicated to your success, and I strive to provide a guitar-learning experience that is superior in every way. That ability comes only from an extensive performance history, years of personal study and achievement on the guitar (my fundamental pursuit in life which continues each day), and years of highly focused teaching experience.
When looking for a teacher, shop around. Credentials really do matter.
Insight
When we first meet, we will discuss your goals. Then, I will carefully lay out a methodical, multi-faceted, step-by-step, customized program of guitar instruction designed to assist you in accomplishing those goals. I can help you advance your skills quickly with state-of-the-art guitar lessons tailored specifically to your needs and desires.
Many of my former students have happily achieved their own personal level of success on the guitar, as a result of my guidance combined with their own dedication and practice. Many of my former students have gone on to become professional guitarists and guitar teachers (many other currently active guitar teachers here in San Diego are my former students; I last counted nine of them teaching in town).
Why not go right to the source? Success is always a result of a mutual commitment between the student and the teacher. Together, we can achieve your goals. Absolutely.
What to Look For in a Guitar Teacher
- Extensive professional teaching experience (34 years for me)
- Extensive professional performance experience (see Bio)
- College degree in music performance (see Bio). This means that your teacher has earned a degree in being able to play the guitar well.
- Accomplishments that back up their credentials (see Bio)
- Full utilization of digital technology for the most effective learning and the most effective guitar lessons. Let me show you what state-of-the-art guitar lessons ARE!
- Ability to clearly describe in detail their teaching methods and materials
- Be selective. The cheapest teacher is usually not the most successful or skilled teacher. Study with a true professional. Yes, I cost more.
- Has strong communication skills
- Appeals to you both as a person as well as mentor
- Works independently of an umbrella internet-based "music school" (which is usually just a commission-based student recruiting service, not a school! Most established teachers avoid these!). Teachers who go through a commission based service are there for a reason...they probably are not very good.
- Operates out of their own studio. A guitar teacher who only offers guitar lessons out of YOUR home cannot provide the rich library of teaching materials, reference recordings, and digital/electronic resources that are part of a professional studio, such as mine.
- Air-conditioned studio, equipped with guitars, amps, recording gear
Expertise geared for your success!
Allow me to be the guide for the next leg of your guitar journey. Professional, organized, highly experienced as a guitar teacher and as a performer, author of guitar books, insightful, knowledgeable, well educated, state-of-the-art, comfortable, and fun; that's the Quinn Guitar experience!
I offer a very comfortable learning environment in my professional home studio, where you get the highest level of guitar instruction available in town.
Email me on the contact page for more information. Let's talk about how I can really help you improve your guitar playing!