Read what some of Tim's students have to say
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...
I started playing guitar at age 13 (am now 59) and received a bachelor of arts degree in music in 1980. I was a classical guitar major. I then decided to attend law school and now have a successful business and entertainment law practice. I still find time to play one to 2 hours a day and closer to 4 hours a day on weekends. I also can read standard music notation and am a proficient fingerstyle guitarist, primarily in the country blues genre.
I took lessons from Tim about ten years ago. I fully enjoyed working with him, but had to quit due to time constraints. Kids will do that. I liked Tim so much though, that now that same daughter is taking lessons from him. This review will cover the second generation to take lessons from him.
Based on Yelp reviews, I contacted Tim. I've been playing for 3 months at age 41 after a brief stint in high school. In only two lessons, Tim has helped me progress quickly. His teaching skills are as good as it gets.
"I would never have believed the speed at which I am learning. Tim is enthusiastic at each and every lesson and shows interest in how I am progressing. He will put more on your plate than any other guitar instructor, and you will learn it faster than with any other guitar instructor. I am always looking forward to my next lesson."
Matt Ward
"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.
Although I have always had a passion for guitar, I never really had the time to start learning seriously until relatively late in life at the age of 43. I was referred to Tim by a co-worker who had previously studied with him. I have been studying with him for about 2.5 years. At my first lesson I already came to realize that Tim is something special as far as guitar instruction goes. He has all the qualities I wanted in a guitar instructor:
"Tim Quinn is the best guitar teacher that I have studied with. I have taken lessons from a few others, but Tim is by far the most knowledgeable, the most organized, and the best teacher. He can teach any style of music with expertise. I think that his best attributes are that he is really caring and has a very systematic approach to teaching. Based on my experience when looking for a guitar teacher, it is important to not only learn from a master player such as Tim, but also to learn from someone who knows how to transmit that knowledge to you. Tim has advanced my playing in many, many ways. He is worth every penny."
Mike Marabeas
"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.
"Tim Quinn, of Quinn Guitar Instruction, is a very competent and patient guitar instructor. While Tim teaches just about every style of guitar playing, my requirement was nylon string guitar with an emphasis on classical pieces. Not only is Tim very accomplished at this style, he also had a wealth of written music and instruction for me. Regardless of your skill level or musical taste, Tim can provide you with quality, customized instruction. Plus, Tim’s a really nice guy."
Paul Catano
"I was referred to Tim by a reliable source, and Tim has more than met my expectations for guitar instruction. It's one thing to be capable of playing most any style of guitar, and it's another to be a good teacher and mentor; the two are just not one and the same. Fortunately, Tim is both. Tim breaks things down for you into parts and pieces that are easy to digest and then helps you to see how that is going to fit into the bigger picture later. Whatever your interests are, (shredding, finger-picking, jazz, etc.) Tim is going to get you going in the direction that you need to achieve those ends.
Tim is the real deal.
He can play and teach any genre.
I have not found a question he could not answer about playing guitar.
I've been taking lessons now for a year with Tim.
Excellent teacher. Very methodical, and has developed his own method with really efficient shortcuts that make you click and understand very clearly. He has a step-by-step plan where you build a really strong foundation. I had many teachers in my life, and this was definitely the more organized, and clear. I'm very happy with his course.
-- Robby B.