The Music Teacher That Inspired Dave Stryker
ArtistWorks instructors are world-renowned performers and teachers; each of them has a special mentor (or several) to thank. Renowned Jazz Guitarist, Dave Stryker, is no exception.
ArtistWorks instructors are passionate. They’re passionate about their music (regularly releasing albums and touring the world). They’re passionate about their craft (always staying on top of trends and changes in their genre). Most of all though, they’re passionate about their ArtistWorks students.
It’s not long into a conversation with one of these master instructors that this truth becomes apparent. Conversation will quickly stear to their long-term students; they each know ArtistWorks players by name, vividly remembering the first Video Exchange they submitted, and pridefully illustrating how far they’ve come. In many ways, ArtistWorks instructors see the success of their students as their own.
ArtistWorks teachers weren’t born with their musical chops, they practiced for years to achieve their standing and to pass their knowledge onto you. It was during those formative years that they, too, benefited from mentors who invested in them.
Dave Stryker, ArtistWorks Jazz Guitar Instructor, shared this excerpt from his own experience with Billy Rogers:
“Teachers and mentors can be such a positive influence on a young musician. For me guitarist Billy Rogers was one such person. Billy was a phenomenal player from my hometown of Omaha who had scored the gig with the Crusaders. I met him when he passed back through Omaha.
He was so inspiring to hear, as he was one of the best ever. Hearing him made me realize greatness. ‘Lessons’ with Billy were often more of us playing together and me wondering ‘how does he do that??’.
Later I received an NEA grant to study with Billy and he sent me cassette tapes lessons (I had moved to NYC) and I was able to learn a lot that way. Sadly Billy passed away too soon. at only 37.
Now at my online school at Artistworks I try to remember what it was like when I was getting started and I try and break it down into simpler short lessons to learn the language of jazz. Thanks Billy!”
So what is the legacy of a music teacher? Simple: it’s their students. Join an ArtistWorks school and become a part of a Master’s legacy today.
Not ready to take the leap? Explore free sample jazz guitar lessons with Dave here.
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