| 1. At what age did you start playing guitar and when did you start playing jazz?
I started playing guitar when I was 13 (1966). I played rock'n roll until 1971 when I started taking lesson, which turned out to be jazz guitar lessons. I studied three years with Dan Lagarino in Scarsdale, NY and then another eight months with Chuck Wayne.
2. Which people influenced you as an improvising musician?
Joe Pass was my biggest influence in jazz guitar. I never really listened to other types of musicians; only guitar players. Tony Mottola, Johnny Smith and Chuck Wayne were big influences.
3. What gear do you use and what was your first guitar?
I am an endorser of Buscarino guitars; I own three. My main guitar is a 7 string 16" Buscarino Artisan with built in Kent Armstrong pickup. My first guitar in 1966 was $25 no name made in Czechoslovakia.
4. Do you get frustrated about your guitar playing sometimes? What aspects of guitar playing do you feel you need to improve on?
Yes, I don't know any guitar player who hasn't felt frustration over his playing; for that matter, any musician either! I am working on connecting my musical ideas so that they flow a little better.
5. What is your practice routine like? How much time do you devote to studying music and guitar?
Practice lately has become gigs. When I actually sit and "practice" I work on sight reading and tunes. I devote about three hours a week to practice and the rest of playing time is spent on gigs; usually 1-2 a week.
6. Do you teach music?
Currently, I don't teach. I hope to develop a student base and begin teaching a bit in the next couple of years. Having a day job makes it a bit difficult right now.
7. What are your favorite standards to play?
Gershwin tunes are my favorite. They are very lyrical and I enjoy the chord changes. I play very few bop tunes; a few Miles Davis and Monk.
8. Do you make a living as a professional musician?
I am not making a living as a professional musician yet. Hopefully, when I retire I can.
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