I have an Associate of Arts degree in Music Composition and Theory and have supported and led talented musicians in classical, jazz, rock and fusion:  In the '90s, I led a fusion band called "Thunder, Perfect Mind".  Since then I've played lead guitar in "The Soundhead" and bass guitar in "The Image Bulletin" while working on my own compositions (soon to be recorded and released).

I've been developing and applying guitar methods in Standard and Uniform Tunings since the early '90s (with the aid of my own software), and have been teaching students of varied age and experience full-time since 2003 (both one-on-one and in groups as large as 20).  I've studied under students of the legendary and pioneering jazz virtuoso Lenny Breau, and am experienced in aspects of the Lenny Breau Style such as harp harmonics and chord-melody playing.

I've systematized guitar pedagogy according to a learning principle of "landmarks", resulting in what I call "The Landmark Guitar Method" (which I'm currently writing a series of books on).  I'm an exponent of a logical approach to practice patterns which expands on the adaptations of Indian scale exercises used by John McLaughlin (Jimmy Page's guitar teacher and leader of the Mahavishnu Orchestra).  I'm also the pioneer of a music theory structuralism that relates harmonic structures directly to subjective ones in the mind of the composer or listener (another subject of a book in progress).

 
On is one of the best guitar teachers I've ever known!  We tried others, but they were dry and boring.  They taught straight from a book with little enthusiasm for what they were doing.  My boys became disinterested fast, but not with On.  We found him online, browsed his site, and found him to be everything he said he was.  He is fun, exuberant, passionate about his work and knows how to reach my kids.  He did so well with my oldest son, teaching him guitar, that I hired him to teach my youngest son piano!

What a difference guitar lessons made for my 16-year-old.  Before lessons began, my oldest son was a "D" student; after six months of lessons, he's an "A/B" student across the board in all his classes!  His focus is a lot sharper now.  I guess the research is right:  When a child learns to play an instrument, it reaches a part of the brain that helps him in language and math studies.  At least it has certainly been the case for my son.

Thank you, On, for all you have done for my kids!

--SANDRA MCGINTY,
Mother of three, Lake Forest