About Me

I’m a California native and have lived mostly in the central area of the state—coast and Sierra foothills.  I grew up listening to everything … classical, blues, Dixieland, musicals, world music (dad was a teacher) … almost everything except opera, unless you count Gilbert and Sullivan.  I had piano lessons as a kid and young adult, but quit lessons about the time I could sight-read (to a point).  What got me started on guitar was a fascination with the great solo guitar accompaniment in so many ’60s songs …

Me and several high school friends decided to take lessons together, so we went twice a week to night school for a few terms and often met to practice and encourage on the other days. A couple of those friends got really good and went on to play in bands (it’s great seeing a friend get their first gig!)  The teacher made guitar fun and easy to understand.  He showed us fingerpicking basics which has served me well for campfire singalongs.  I found I love fingerstyle, and it was a nice surprise to find that something that sounded so complex at first was actually pretty easy once I got over the hump.

I’ve played guitar, piano and most recently, hammered dulcimer, in non-professional settings: church youth group, campfire singalongs and community jams. I’ve been badly out of practice on guitar, but started regaining ability after only a week or two with TAC … not to mention the fun of learning new things, like flatpicking.  I’m loving the TAC lessons, even the hard ones.  I’m already doing things I never thought I could (like flatpicking!)

My purpose in being here is mainly for personal enjoyment, but also to regain confidence in playing for and with others.   I’ll probably never make a solo video, though—a camera pointed in my direction makes me queasy!

My first guitar was a steel string beginners’ Harmony from Sears—I developed some serious calluses playing that thing and knew nothing about action and the pleasure of playing a well-setup steel string guitar.  My second guitar was a cheap but perfectly playable nylon string Ventura.  I love my third guitar, a Dauphin classical (model 23)  that I bought from a classical guitar teacher—it was the make he bought for his students. Quality of materials and construction are excellent, it has a resonant, full-bodied sound and is easy to play (they’re no longer made—if you’re looking for a classical and can find a good Dauphin, snag it!)  I recently got a Martin 000-15SM, based partly on Tony’s recommendation.  I ordered it without trying it out and couldn’t be more pleased—the action, sound and sustain are outstanding and it continues to amaze me every time I play it.

I’m so glad I decided to join TAC—the lessons and structure are just what I needed.

Thank you for reading and feel free to introduce yourself!