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Bulerias2005 -> RE: Mentors & Teachers (Mar. 17 2012 23:27:00)
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I started studying classical guitar almost 13 years ago with the great Russian guitarist Anatoly Shapiro (who is actually my grandfather twice removed). His incredibly unique style and approach to playing, arranging, articulation, and technique were invaluable in getting me on the path I'm on today. His words of wisdom and practically sagely advice make him more of a mentor than a teacher -- I still see him weekly to this day, although our lessons now are more like consultations than anything else.
I studied with classical, flamenco, and Brazilian guitarist Tony Hauser for around 6 years, starting when I was 11. He exposed me to a lot of flamenco and Brazilian music, and he encouraged me to start composing. I improved my technique the most during this period, when I was studying with both Tony and Anatoly -- their advice would line up 99% of the time (if not 100%), sometimes making for some eerie coincidences. For example, both would refer to gaps in playing as "holes". In terms of technique, expression, articulation, etc, I honestly don't remember when their suggestions did not line up.
For the past 5-6 months, I have also been studying with "El Payo" Humberto Wilkes. We're delving deep into the roots of flamenco -- Pericho de Lunar, Nino Ricardo, a plethora of cante flamenco, etc etc... Humberto is a walking encyclopedia and simply a great guy. He's definitely another "mentor" -- our lessons tend to segue into existential/philosophical topics more often than not, and they have not only greatly aided my playing but also benefited me on a personal level.
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