John P. Martinez

Serves Albuquerque, NM

35244

Hired 50 times

1 employee

37 years in business

$200/hour

4.9

This pro accepts payments via Cash, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.

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Credentials

Background Check

John Martinez
Completed on 4/2/2022

Introduction

I graduated from the UNM Classical Guitar Program in 1986 & I also graduated from GIT ( Guitar Institute of Technology ) in Hollywood in 1987 and I have been gigging and teaching ever since. Your guitar lessons could include single string technique, note reading, tablature, guitar licks or guitar solos, songs, finger style playing including Classical Guitar or just about what ever you want. Don't worry, it won't hurt and you will become a good to great guitarist. Besides being a competitively priced performer your music booking will include your planning session to establish the music for your wedding ceremony ($450.00) and oftentimes includes a cocktail set, dinner, rehearsal dinner or wedding reception at an hourly rate. Cocktails sets are $200 & every additional set is $150 as a ceremony is included. Your planning session is usually an in-person meeting at my home or, if long distance, we can address the music over my speaker phone , Skype or Zoom. I also play Private Parties, Corporate Functions, Fundraisers, etc. I do have standard pricing but I very seldom lose a gig over money. Please let me know your budget and I am sure we can always work things out. I first picked up a guitar when I was 9 years old and it has been a life long love affair ever since. Performing music for special events is an honor and a privilege and getting paid is nice, too. I am always excited to perform a guitar and/or vocal show for you and I look forward to providing a top quality and professional experience. From "Bach to Rock" John P. Martinez will always provide a high quality performance to include, Core Classical Guitar, Jazz, Blues, Classic Rock, Flamenco Style, Contemporary Country, Romantic Spanish Ballads and MORE!

Q&A

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

Current promo: Take guitar lessons for 3 months and get 1 free lesson. Usually students take a 1/2 hour lesson per week but some want a 1 hour lesson. Not a problem we just need to find a slot that will work. 1 hr. lessons are $60 and 1/2hrs. are $30. Your 1st lesson needs to be 1 hour then we will find a convenient time for your weekly schedule. Generally lessons are paid for monthly but sometimes students prefer to pay per lesson. Not a problem let's just make sure to get you started. NOTE: I will do a maximum of 4 beginner students in a group lesson for $25 per each group session per Skype which is an online lesson. You will need a beginner book called " How to Play Guitar Phase 1" by Ernie Ball and an in tune guitar. I usually supplement the book lessons with additional material by email or text depending on your progress.

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

Guitar lessons are always private one on one lessons. I can teach you remotely by Skype if need be. Lessons are at my home near Tramway and Comanche on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. If you must have a different day then just let me know and maybe we can work it out but I prefer to have students back to back. If you are a beginner you will need to purchase at Baum's Music an instruction book called "How to Play Guitar Phase 1" by Ernie Ball. More advanced students will work from chord charts and/or tablature, transcriptions, scale grid sheets, etc. and many students video their lessons.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

I was always one of the best players in high school but I didn't take my 1st lesson till I was 19. I always just jammed with friends and various bands. Eventually I graduated from University of New Mexico Fine Arts Department with a Classical Performance degree in 1986. I promptly moved to Hollywood to attend Musician"s Institute and graduated from Guitar Institute of Technology in 1987. I have been a guitarist/vocalist performer for most my life and currently I have 2 acts. John Martinez solo guitarist/vocalist, Chile Pi Acoustic Duo.

How did you get started doing this type of work?

I have loved music since I was very young (8yrs. old) and I started very young. I was always one of the best guitar players throughout my school years and as I grew up I suddenly realized that playing guitar was the one sure thing I was exceptional at. I have played in many bands and as a solo for decades especially after I graduated from Classical & Contemporary Guitar Schools. Playing music has kept me young, disciplined and grounded, many traits I have had students' parents ask me about over the years.

What types of customers have you worked with?

I have had many students over the years young and old, male and female, beginner to advanced and all have been fun to work with. Young children are a real pleasure if they are disciplined. Usually I want the parents to participate in the lessons until the child gets used to practicing on their own. More advanced players are fun, too because we can work on more difficult and more creative music. I really like teaching music theory and single string technique be I always remember how much better of a player I became after learning the fret board better. You can advance so much faster with even just a bit of additional knowledge.

Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?

September 2019 I did a wonderful and challenging wedding cocktail set and dinner set at Los Poblanos in the North Valley of Albuquerque. The father, who hired me long distance for the New York area did not know me and chose the music for the event from my Gigmasters.com website. It was a great success and the following review was posted the day after: Review received on 9/1/2019 Excellent vocals and guitar work. I received several comments from attendees that they were very pleased with John's playing - the most important positive feedback came from the groom. In my recording studio, I have had many guitarists come through and John ranks in the top tier. Thank you, John for helping to make my only child/daughter's wedding an over-the-top success. The four Berklee School of Music grads (Damn Tall Buildings) I brought in from NYC were also impressed with John's work. • Reviewer: Thomas Holmes • Event Date: August 31st, 2019 • Services Provided: Classical Guitarist • View messages • Rating: 5 out of 5

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

First make sure the instructor is competent, honest, experienced and professional. I have been teaching since 1988 when I returned from Los Angeles and I have had no less than 20 and as high as 45 students at various points in time. I am usually happiest when I have about 30 guitar students and I am always looking for a good student. Flexibility and patience are also important traits and a good sense of humidity is always good I meant a good sense of humor---- Ha Ha! I can teach just about anybody how to play guitar even very untalented people. Don't worry you will be in good hands!!!!

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

If you enjoy a certain style of music that you like or you sort of know what you want to learn ---- songs, guitars licks, guitar solos, Classical Guitar, finger style, music theory, etc. this will help me to better understand what may need as a student. As a guitar teacher I will insist that you actually learn something but even if you are strapped for time I am not opposed to you coming and using your guitar lesson as a jam session. Beginners can't quite do this but more a advanced player can. Sometimes sitting around and actually playing music with me throwing out ideas can be very helpful to the student; however, it's more common to have a bit more structure. .