Marco B.

What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe in personal instruction, which means taking into account the needs of each student. Some people learn quickly, while others need more time. I adjust to each individual’s pace and personality. Learning songs has always been part of my teaching process. This allows the student to learn and practice music from his favorite songs and musical interests.

In your opinion, what is the right way to teach and what do you do in your lessons that makes you a good teacher?

I like to teach by asking questions rather than giving all the answers. This way, I guide the student and give him or her the chance to really understand the instrument, rather than overwhelm them with a lot of information. Depending on the student’s interests, I share my experience with classical guitar technique and repertoire, blues and jazz improvisation, ear training and composition.

How many years have you been teaching music lessons?

Six years. I started teaching while getting my Bachelor Degrees in Professional Music and in Jazz Guitar.

What are you most proud of in your musical career?

Recording my first album with my teacher and mentor was one of the highlights of my life so far.

What’s the best compliment you have ever gotten as a music teacher?

One student wrote this about me: “I have had 12 lessons with Marco on jazz guitar. He is a great teacher, who really inspired me to keep rehearsing. Both on a theoretical level as well as through playing together he challenged me to improve my comping and improvisations. The lessons were tailored to my level and interests. During the three months with Marco, I progressed more than in the previous three years with other teachers.”

What country have you travelled to that you like the most and why?

I really enjoyed exploring the rain forest in Panama, partying in Spain, and appreciating history and art in Italy. You might say I have an affinity for Latin culture!

What languages do you speak?

English, Italian, a little Spanish and a little French. I could travel around the world and be able to communicate almost everywhere!

If you could perform with any musician (alive or dead), who would it be and why?

I’d love to play with Ben Harper because of his amazing songwriting. He is also a talented multi-instrumentalist who plays an eclectic mix of genres. I admire people who are as versatile as he is.

Do you have any interesting or unusual hobbies? If so, tell us about it.

I like traveling, cooking and learning new instruments.

What are you currently listening to on the radio, iPod, iTunes, Spotify, etc.?

I listen to a lot of jazz, especially Thelonious Monk. He is a classic!