Performance Coaching for Instrumentalists and Singers Dealing with Music Performance Anxiety (Stage Fright)

Find out more about Daniel

• 1. When and why did you develop an interest in your chosen field?

  I began studying the guitar when I was 10 years old when I first listened to the recordings of John Williams and heard my teacher play "Asturias- Leyenda". By the time I was 12, I made a steadfast decision to pursue guitar as a career.

• 2. What makes you passionate about your subject?

  I love teaching because I believe that if you strongly believe in the growth of your discipline, you should contribute to its growth. Teaching is a way of giving back by sharing by 18 years of experience playing the guitar with others.

• 3. What do you like about tutoring? What makes you a "Superprof"?

  I love teaching because I love watching people achieve their goals, and I especially love to see how it develops their character as people. I notice over time that many of my students have become more patient, goal-oriented, and positive in their life as a result of growing with the guitar. And, of course, I am especially proud when my students win awards or continue on with guitar or composing, such as one of my students who is currently enrolled in the University of Toronto's Bachelor of Music Performance Program.

• 4. Do you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you? *

  All of my teachers have inspired me immensely. My first teacher was Dave Santandrea, and he made me fall in love with the classical guitar and its unique ability to be an acoustic, portable instrument that functions as a full orchestra. Wilma Van Berkel taught me how to become more thoughtful, ergonomic, and precise. Patrick Roux taught me to play like a musician, and not just a guitarist, Bruce Holzman taught me to always listen carefully to the sound I produce, and Jeffrey McFadden helped me refine and polish my technique to a professional level. On the way, I also studied with other teachers for months at a time, like Lorenzo Micheli and Denis Azabagic, two of my favourite guitarists in the world.

• 5. What are your keys to success?

  Practicing, maintaining a positive and healthy lifestyle, and most importantly, having a clear goal and long-term plan in mind. Even if things don't go exactly as intended, following a clear path helps you immensely on the confusing road to musicianship.