Nicolas L. — Guitar Teacher — Verdun, Montreal

I've been a professional guitarist and musician for the last 18 years. I was born in Yellowknife, grew up in Ottawa and then studied classical and jazz music in Toronto. After that, I entered the gigging and touring world and am lucky to say that I've had the chance to play various original music across North America and Europe for many years. I first got interested in music hearing Led Zeppelin while in high school, and that sent me on a path of learning that I'm still forging! I have a pretty wide range of experience playing both original music, as well as cover band situations like cruise ships, wedding bands, and performing arts theatres - it's a great way to keep up to date on the endless pop songs that are constantly emerging! I have also created and distribute my own guitar pedal The Leech Pedal, as I'm really into the circuitry and technical side of music gear. My other hobbies are motorcycles, synthesizers, rock climbing and most recently - chess! (I'm a proud 1400 ELO but in my dreams I can reach as high as 2500...).

I tend to treat my student's paths of learning individually. I get an idea of the level, goals, interests and learning styles of any given student, and create an plan that is approachable yet challenging. It's important to me that the lessons stay fun and approachable, and that there is no pretensesabout someone's ability to advance their musical ability. I'm a big believer in developing student's ears as it is one of the ultimate abilities that unlock one's inner musicality. I develop clear goals and instructions on how to advance and break through your barriers, and I'm reactive to my students' practice time available to them and build the lessons accordingly.