Rich Tanzilli
Popular author Carlos Castaneda, describes the intense relationship with his spiritual teacher Don Juan (a Yaqui Indian Shaman) in one sentence, “Don Juan taught me how to see”. For me, a musician who had been through many teachers and had a head full of disconnected musical information and facts, “Steve Giordano taught me how to listen.”.
Steve emphasizes NOT to be concerned about memorizing all 20 Chord positions, all the scale positions, etc, and instead FIND the Chords and Notes that work by LISTENING. He showed me how to FEEL the music, instead of KNOWING what it is called. This is the stuff you take with you for the long haul. This is how you can be a unique musician. Any musical monkey can memorize and regurgitate information, but a real musician listens, and integrates intimately with his band mates.
As a teacher, Steve has the patience and care of a father showing his child how to do something new. He always gives 110% of his energy to the student. At first, I was amazed that he would give so much of himself. to me and the lesson. I never experienced this with previous teachers. But then I realized that this is exactly what you do when you are PASSIONATE about something. There is no "half way". The lessons can be very intense, but always fun. And that is something that Steve always emphasizes, “Playing is Fun!!”.
Steve is the best teacher I ever had, and probably will ever have. It is rare to find an individual who will give you so much, if you just ask. If you are a true musical seeker who wants to get inside and ponder the music, and haven’t found the “right” teacher, you must try Steve. He will give you new insight into what a passionate teacher / musician can and should be. If you want to know all 20 C7th positions, play all the scales, play faster than anyone else, and show off…..find another teacher.
Rich Tanzilli
