As a teacher, I have guided many students to successfully advance their skills on the guitar. I love the way teaching was described by master trumpeter and longtime teacher William Vacchiano (teacher to Miles Davis and Wynton Marsalis, among many others). He said... "To me, teaching is like what a painter does. As a teacher, I see each student as a great piece of art. Each student comes in, more or less raw or green. In each student I can reproduce myself, you might say, and create great artists." That is what a master teacher does. Here are what some of my students have to say to you...
"The world of music is filled with hype HOWEVER Tim is the real deal. He markets his guitar instruction as the best in San Diego. I believe he is the very best teacher in Southern California...and probably one of the best musicians as well. He likes to teach and he has the patience and knowledge to do so with great expertise.
"Before writing this testimonial about Tim Quinn, I decided to read others already posted on Tim’s website. If you are not already a student of Tim’s, the superlatives might sound like exaggerated comments from enthusiastic students. They are not. I have played guitar on-and-off for a number of years. Focus on family and work had kept me from seriously pursuing this passion of mine. I now have the best of all worlds, free time and the finest guitar teacher in San Diego or perhaps southern California.
"I feel privileged to have studied with a teacher that has the breadth and depth of musicianship to fully embrace a wide variety of styles, including Rock, Blues, Slide, Jazz, Country, Finger-style, and Classical genres. Tim uses published and original materials, personal transcriptions, and customized studies to convey ideas; his lessons aren't just something "off the shelf" from a music store. He continually worked to find what motivated me, helped shape musical goals, re-awakened an interest in Jazz, and inspired me to dig deeper into all aspects of music. Those studies directly helped with advanced placement at LA Music Academy."
Kevin Sven Berg
"Tim is by far the very best guitar instructor I have ever encountered. His knowledge and technical skills are amazing, and he puts in many extra hours (at no charge) preparing for his lessons. As an example, Tim has transcribed numerous songs upon request for me. His transcriptions are accurate and easy to read. Thanks to Tim, I can now play several songs that I never thought I would be able to play. Tim can teach any style of guitar playing, and has an excellent understanding of music theory. Tim is also a very nice guy."
Guy McRoskey
"I have played guitar for over 20 years, and I have been a student of Tim's (on and off) for the last 10 years. Tim was recommended to me by a friend and fellow guitar enthusiast, about 10 years ago when my previous instructor left San Diego.
"I have benefited greatly from lessons with Tim. I have been playing for many years and his ability to break down techniques and theory into easily understandable basics has made learning much easier. His patience and ability to help me improve have been great and the rest is up to me. There is always much to learn on the guitar. I highly recommend Tim for students at any level."
Ron Horvitz
"I have been taking guitar lessons from Tim for over a year now. My previous teacher was also an excellent teacher, but his first priority was performing. With Tim, I feel that he loves to teach, is dedicated to teaching guitar, and that I’m more than just a financial necessity for his “night” job. Two things that I really like about working with Tim are: 1) His use of technology to enhance my learning and practice; and 2) His flexibility to “change gears”, as I learn more about what I like in music.
"I had been playing guitar for 9 years before I met Tim and I was in a blues rut. Being mostly self-taught, I only excelled at blues. The idea of learning how to play fluid jazz like my heroes Wes Montgomery, Pat Martino and Kenny Burrell was just a distant dream. That is, until I found Tim.
"Tim, What a fantastic lesson this week. I'm always amazed at how you are so prepared to react when I come to a lesson and change directions on you. I don't know if its because you are so experienced or because you're thinking a few steps ahead of me. Either way, that's what makes your instruction so great. You can gently ( or firmly, if required) correct my errors, lead me where I need to go and adapt so quickly when I make a no-notice turn on you, like this past lesson. What a feast of techniques and possibilities you laid out before me, and with absolutely no advance warning. I am still extracting all the gems from the recorded lesson and probably will be doing so for months. These recorded lessons are a reference I will be referring back to for years. I leave every lesson with a new set of tools and a new dose of enthusiasm. You're simply terrific. Thanks again."
Ron Harris
"My son, Max, and I have had the privilege of studying guitar under Tim Quinn for the past 14 months, having previously taken lessons together for five years. Following a rigorous and thorough approach to identifying the ideal guitar teacher, I consulted Fred at the Repair Zone as I valued his professional opinion based on his experience interacting with countless guitarists. Fred unequivocally recommended Tim and, after interviewing Tim and carefully scrutinizing his comprehensive website, I made the right choice.
"Tim, you are hands-down the best guitar teacher in San Diego. After studying with you for over a year, I can honestly tell you that last month I tried a few other teachers. I did this strictly because of money, as my disposable income is tight right now. After trying 4-5 other teachers there is just no comparison. It wasn’t even close!
"My son has taken a mere 6 lessons with Tim and undoubtedly learned more during those lessons than in his previous three years of guitar lessons. As an award-winning, veteran teacher (myself), I recognize good teaching. Tim is a professional and encouraging teacher. He is extremely organized, and the lessons are structured to fit the needs and desires of the student.
Oh heck YES.
