Introduction: Edwin Itoh - Student Favorite!
"Learn Guitar, Piano, Ukulele & more from an Industry Professional - All Levels, All Styles, All Ages Welcome!"
*Now also available to teach online video-chat lessons through Skype.
Every one of you is unique and there are many possible paths to reach your goals in music.
With my background and music industry experience, I am able to customize my lessons for you so that you can reach your desired goals. We will take some time to find out where your passion lies in music and I will use my experience and knowledge to create a customized lesson-plan that will allow us to focus on reaching your desired goals and at the same time maintain a well rounded music education.
I find this to be key in making the lessons and your practice sessions very enjoyable, fun and laid back - knowing that everything we practice, play and talk about is in line with your goals as a student.
I will also be playing along with you and demonstrating everything that we're working on - music is meant to be shared and played with others and it is important to have that experience of interaction from early on in your lessons.
So whether it's learning to accompany yourself or others, write songs, read music, understand harmony, solo, or just jam out to your favorite songs, you will be well on your way to reaching your goals within 6 months of lessons.
I look forward to making music with you!
About
Hello! Thank you for your interest in taking guitar/piano/music lessons.
I am a professional teacher / studio musician / performer / producer with over 17 years of private teaching experience and a graduate of the University of Miami Studio Music and Jazz program in 2002 specializing in the guitar.
I am available to teach guitar(acoustic, electric, classical) for all levels, ages, and styles(pop to folk, rock to soul, world to classical) in English, Spanish and Japanese.
Other subjects taught include bass guitar, keyboard, harmonium, classical percussion, music theory, composition(all styles from pop to classical), ear training, and studio production / engineering / mixing.
Born in Cali, Colombia on April 1979, I began my musical endeavors studying the piano at the age of 6. Early on I had the opportunity to play percussion in the school symphony while at the same time developed an intense interest in the instrument that would become my true love, the guitar.
During 1996-98 I studied jazz guitar at the New World School of the Arts music program under the direction of J.B. Dyas and Dr. Roby George. Upon graduation, I was immediately accepted to the University of Miami jazz guitar program under the direction of Randall Dollahan. It was during this time that I also refined my skills as a classical guitarist and as a composer / arranger / producer. In addition, I began passing my knowledge onto friends and eventually began working as a teacher.
My ability to play almost any genre of music is the fruit of past experience playing with an impressive variety of music groups, including jazz combos, symphony orchestras, Andean world music ensembles, and several rock and pop groups as well. As a studio guitarist I have recorded for various artists including Jaci Velasquez, Carlos Ponce, Alexandre Pires, and Noelia.
Recognition/Awards
DownBeat Music Award 1998
Top jazz magazine DownBeat award for best instrumental soloist
Florida All-State Jazz Ensemble 1997
Chosen for the only guitarist chair on the Florida All-State Jazz Band
IAJE (International Association of Jazz Educators) 1997
Performance at IAJE in New York with NWSA Jazz Small Group Ensemble
Banff Music Festival 1997
Performance in Canada's Banff Music Festival with NWSA Wind Ensemble
Mid-West Clinic Band and Orchestra Conference 1997
Performance in Chicago with the NWSA Wind Ensemble
ABC’s Good Morning America 2009
Performance with Here II Here on National TV show Good Morning America with over 4 million viewers
Miami Dolphin Stadium 2009
Performance with Here II Here alongside Babyface and Kenny G
Education:
2002 - University of Miami - Studio Music and Jazz Guitar - B.M.
1998 - New World School of the Arts - Guitar/Percussion
REVIEWS:
"I couldn't have been more stoked on my first lesson with Edwin! I've never done a live online lesson of any kind before, so I wasn't really sure what to expect, but to be perfectly honest I was kinda blown away at how easy it all was and how much I was able to get out of a single 30 minute lesson. I've been playing the guitar for years and have always been able to hear what works with different chords, but with no formal music theory education I could never really put my finger on why certain chords sound better together. I also had no idea how to pick chords that work well so I can form my own chord progressions as the basis for my own songs. Edwin asked for my background and then with only 30 minutes to spare got right down to business and helped provide me with a simple, yet powerful framework to build chord progressions that I can literally put to use today! He even had me grab my guitar and I started playing through chord progressions that I came up with in literally under a minute. To be honest one of my main concerns was that as a self taught guitarist I'd have to go through the process of learning some dry theory before I'd get anything out of a songwriting lesson... but I was totally wrong. I left with actionable learnings that I'm excited to start using. I was also surprised by how quickly my lesson went and how naturally it flowed. 30 minutes went by in a flash, but it was a great way to feel things out and see if I liked it, which I did! I know I could easily fill a 60 minute lesson with Edwin as I could just feel new and exciting questions pop up in my mind as we continued through the lesson. Thanks Edwin!! I'd give you 10 stars but looks like they limit it to 5 ;)"
-Guitar/Songwriting Student
"My husband and I took joint guitar lessons with Edwin for several months. He was outstanding! He is extremely musically literate, he can hear chords of songs you want to learn just by ear and teach them to you, he is patient and calm, he is smart and savvy, and list goes on. Our playing ability improved tremendously and Edwin always wrote out charts for us at the end of the lesson to practice in between sessions. I would highly recommend Edwin for any level of skill and any age of student. He even came to our home so we could study in the comfort of our own living room. Loved it! Thanks Edwin!!!" -Guitar Students
"Great teacher! An impressive combination of patience, experience and knowledge!. Our son Ukki, age 7 years has been learning both piano (almost 6 months) and guitar (about a month) from Edwin. We couldnt be happier. Not only does Edwin have great technical knowledge about the music he teaches, he also has the skills to keep a 7 year old interested and involved in the music he is learning for two hours at a stretch. He is very patient and aware of how to maximise a child's learning without creating any stress at all. Ukki looks forward to his back to back piano and guitar classes every week! We highly recommend Edwin for both piano and guitar. Hard to find a teacher like him." -Student's Parents
"I continue to progress above even my own expectations. No more brick walls. I now enjoy to practice and look forward to every hour-long lesson. He is teaching me to play my favorite songs." -Guitar Student
"Edwin is really great and nice as a teacher. He has great skills in understanding what we know and what we want, and he teaches to the potential with much patience. His music ability is excellent and motivates us to learn more. He is pleasant and makes us feel much comfortable while learning. I started of to learn guitar with zero music knowledge and in no time Edwin made me feel confident about what I learn and what I could." -Guitar Student
"Edwin is a great teacher. He was very patient and encouraging from the start. He has a great knowledge of different styles of music and from day one i was already learning some of my favorite songs that before i could only dream of playing. He breaks down the structure of the song very well so that i can understand what im playing which made the learning stress-free. Would highly recommend to all ages and experience!" -Piano Student
"Edwin is a great teacher. He focuses on what you want to learn as opposed to drilling music theory and scales. While these are very important, primarily focusing on them could make it easy to lose interest in playing the instrument. What I Love About This Teacher - Patient" -Guitar Student
"Edwin took his time and talent and taught this senior to play the harmonium first and is now teaching me the correct and creative way to play the piano. This teacher is a 10 plus in his ability to teach. So grateful for all the time I have been able to devote to learning. Look forward to many more lessons." -Piano Student
“Words can't describe how much I appreciate Edwins music! It's just amazing. He is ET-skilled, high talented, good socialized with other Music-Pros and has some secret channels to his heart, where all the perfect music comes to him. ;-) If you give Edwin your music, a Hit-Song comes inevitably back to you. Edwin, best for you! ” -Music Production Client
“Edwin was an exceptional person to work with. He delivered precisely what was requested of him, both quickly and efficiently, with superb communication and a precise understanding of exactly what was required for this project. A true professional in every respect. I'll be sure to work with him again at some point in the near future. 100%, A++, most highly recommended! ” -Music Production Client
"WOW! The pleasure was all mine, truly amazing to work with, Edwin did everything I asked and really goes the extra mile. A true professional and knows his craft! Fantastic!" -Music Production Client
