Hey guys, Adam Levine here. I thought it might be a good idea to give you a little bit of my background, where I’ve been and what I’ve done, and how I teach.
Growing up in Baltimore, Maryland, I was exposed to a diverse range of music styles, from R&B to gospel and blues. These genres deeply influenced my musical journey, helping me develop my rhythm and strumming techniques. Motown and artists like James Brown played a significant role in shaping my musical taste and style.
Eventually, my path led me to Los Angeles, where my love for studio guitar playing grew. I realized that to excel in the industry, I needed to be versatile and skilled in various styles, from country to jazz, and even rock. Embracing this challenge, I became a proficient guitar player capable of adapting to any musical situation.
Parallel to my own career, I dedicated myself to teaching and refining my methods. My teaching experience includes stints at different colleges and institutes. It was during my time at Valley Arts Guitar in Los Angeles that I had the opportunity to interact and learn from esteemed studio musicians such as Tommy Tedesco, Steve Lukather, and Lee Ritenour. This environment was a constant source of inspiration and learning for me.
An exciting turning point came when I was approached by Alan Yoshida to interview for the guitar director position at the prestigious Dick Grove School of Music. Thrilled at the prospect, I was honored to be selected for the role. Under the guidance of Dick Grove, I was entrusted with designing a revolutionary guitar program. Drawing from my experiences and influences, I crafted a one-year program that attracted renowned guitarists like Steve Lukather, Larry Carlton, Lee Rittenour, and Scott Henderson as guest clinicians.
The Grove School of Music was an extraordinary place that encompassed a diverse range of musical disciplines. In addition to the guitar program, aspiring musicians could explore composing and arranging, film, bass, keyboards, vocals, and studio engineering. This thriving hub mirrored the vibrant L.A. studio scene and provided an invaluable experience for students.
For approximately 13 years, I dedicated myself to teaching at the Grove School of Music while simultaneously engaging in session work and occasional touring. My teaching methods matured during this time, and I found it especially rewarding to break down complex subjects into clear, digestible pieces. Witnessing my students’ growth and success, some of whom went on to collaborate with industry giants like Michael Jackson, Celine Dion, Nora Jones, George Benson, and more, has been incredibly gratifying.
Having accumulated years of teaching experience, I am thrilled to embark on this new venture – my own website and YouTube channel. While I will continue to teach extensively, I am also excited to collaborate with exceptional individuals who will join me on this journey. Together, we will create a unique community where learning and connection thrive.
I invite you to be a part of this exciting chapter. If you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I look forward to connecting with you and sharing our passion for music.
See you soon!
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tim says:
Great work Adam!