About Guitar Sparks
The idea for "Guitar Sparks" had its origin in my love for the instrument and quest to share with you what I've learned over the years.
Have you ever tried to learn something on the guitar but get frustrated because you're not getting the results you wanted?
I have been there and you might have as well. We get frustrated when we don't see the results after hours and hours of practice. Is it perhaps because things are not being taught in the right way? Perhaps we're not given the proper tools to learn and apply to our instrument. Perhaps if we are taught the right way, to see things differently, or given the proper tools, then we could achieve the results rather easily (or in a shorter amount of time) instead of having to struggle for hours upon hours of practice with nothing to show for.
When (not if) the planets aligned (or rather, when it finally clicks), we're struck by such a sense of euphoria unlike anything we've ever experienced. So much so that we long to share this joy with others. We are finally able to play something that we'd been trying for so long because we've now learned and been taught the right way. This breakthrough is a defining moment in our journey, after which things will never be the same.
Throughout my years of learning, I've had my share of "AHA moments," the sense of euphoria mentioned, the "SPARKS," if you will. Along the way, I've gathered the knowledge, learned the techniques, and in particular the tools and ways to impart the information to help you get the results you seek. My goal is to take the mystery out of your learning the instrument, to help you look at the concepts differently, and to break things down in a meaningful, bite-sized, easy to understand manner.
We've all struggled in our endeavor to overcome an obstacle as it relates to guitar playing. Our struggle may be different in nature, but a struggle all the same. As a guitar player and instructor, as well as having been a public school teacher, I've had the benefit of seeing things from both sides of the learning experience. As a student of the instrument, I learned basic chords, popular classic rock and pop songs, and dove head-first into learning guitar solos born from the ever-popular pentatonic scale. While I love listening to and playing these timeless tunes, it was also within the confines of the pentatonic realm that I felt I had plateaued, stuck in a place where my fingers were producing what I felt were the same tired notes. I felt trapped, and (pun intended) CAGED in these boxes that, while having served me well, were not advancing me to the next level nor were they helping to provide me any new tools of expression.
It was at this point that I dedicated my time to learning more about other scales such as the heptatonic scales, the church modes, "exotic" scales, breaking out of the boxes and defined patterns in my improvisation, and music theory and its application in playing and composition.
In my educational journey, I noted a vast amount of learning materials in books, on the world wide web, on YouTube, and social media platforms; however, most of these materials are either difficult for the average guitar player to understand or they are not shown in the right way. The challenge is to find the materials that are most helpful and infuse this useful information with my own ideas and teaching style to produce meaningful lessons that will hopefully inspire newcomers to the guitar to continue on in their musical journey and provide that spark, the "AHA moments," to "old timers" who feel as though they are stuck, or had plateaued, as I had once felt. That spark hopefully will prevent other players from giving up on the instrument or be excited about the guitar again, now that they are looking at things with a new pair of lens or approach the instrument differently.
As an instructor, my aim is to present the materials in a way that is meaningful to the student. I look forward to seeing the excitement in their eyes. This gives me great joy! To provide that spark, to be able to reach my students in a way that excites them is what it's all about. This keeps me going! Playing the guitar well is one thing, but teaching it well is another. After all, one may be a great player but not necessarily a great teacher, and vice versa.
We all learn from something, somewhere, or somebody, and my goal is to share what I've learned with you with the aim of teaching it the right way, the way that is meaningful and easy to understand.
"GUITAR SPARKS" refer to the forces that had a profound effect on my learning the instrument. These "forces" are the "AHA moments," the creative ideas, the inspirations, and the new ways and tools of learning and teaching. I hope to share with you what I've learned and provide the SPARKS and inspirations to your playing.
Play on and no turning back.
Ken
SPARK - n. Something that sets of a sudden force. A trace of a specified quality or intense feeling.
v. to kindle, animate, or stimulate (interest, activity, spirit, etc.).
My Core Principles
I believe that learning the guitar should be fueled by passion, coupled with the willingness to consistently put in the work in order to reap the rewards. We strive to ignite our love for music and inspire each other to reach new heights in our guitar journey.
Community Connection
Comprehensive Lessons
Passion-driven Learning
My lessons cover everything from basic chords to advanced techniques. I provide a comprehensive learning experience that caters to guitar players of all levels. Most importantly, I tailor the lessons to suit your interest.
My mission is to cultivate a vibrant community of guitar players from around the world. Here is the home for the sharing of ideas, collaboration, and connection with fellow musicians who share our passion for the guitar.