Javier P. TakeLessons Instructor Music Theory, Guitar Minneapolis, MN

I was born in Miami, Florida to Cuban parents. My grandfather was a touring musician in Cuba during his younger years. He played the trés and sang traditional Cuban music. The trés is an instrument quite similar to an acoustic guitar but with three pairs of two strings instead of six individual strings. My grandfather had taught me how to play the trés as a young boy and that helped propel the start of my musical journey. Eventually, I got around to playing the ukulele and singing. For Christmas, on my twelfth year, my family got me my first electric guitar. By the time I was a sophomore in high school, I had acquired my first acoustic guitar and because I went to a school for the visual arts, there were no music courses, so I taught myself music theory and in the process became very aware of the sophistication of the guitar. I began to delve into classical and jazz music as well as open tunings and slide style. After graduating from high school, I went to Miami Dade College to study music. There, I took three semesters of Jazz under world-renown instructor Sandy Poltarack and Classical Guitar lessons with the technically proficient Juan Carlos Vera, I was ready to take part in musical groups such as the Falcon Jazz Band in which I was rhythm guitarist and soloist. Also, playing lead guitar outside of college in the band Whatever Happened to the Dinosaurs while fronting and playing guitar in a separate band called Lovey Dovey Bird Stuff. After two years, I received my Associate in Music Education and moved to Omaha, Nebraska with the Dinos. There I took a job giving guitar lessons at Garage Guitar LLC. Later, I left the Dinos to start my own band with friends from Minneapolis. I currently sing and play guitar in Claw Like Things.

Each student regime is completely unique and it's geared towards whatever the student is most passionate about learning, whether it be rock, soloing, rhythm, reggae, flamenco, slide guitar or jazz improvisation. I'll also go over basic theory, note-reading, posture, and intonation. I encourage efficient and relaxed practice, especially with a metronome, and offer tips to get the most out of playing. Students are welcome to contact me with questions or comments pertaining to material being taught. I also offer essential listening.

Classical, Blues, Rock, Flamenco, Jazz Theory, Proper Practice and Posture

Miami Dade College - Music Performance - 2004-2006
Design & Architecture Senior High - Film, 2D & 3D Art - 1999-2003

Music Theory, Guitar