STUDENT EXPERIENCES
AND TESTIMONIALS
Michael Lisante's Story
My history with Vince stared back in 1990, at the age of 15, when I began taking weekly lessons in High School. Vince was the first teacher I had who not only understood my interest in hard rock music, but also shared the same passion for artists that drew me to the instrument, like Satriani, Vai, EVH, etc.
After going off to college, getting a full time job, getting married and having a child, etc, I found myself 20 yrs later in a guitar rut, so to speak. I took a chance and googled the one teacher from my past who actually made a difference in my playing - VINCE! Ironically, I found him again and have been taking lessons for the past year. The beauty of Vince as a teacher is his ability to tailor his lesson plan to your specific musical goals. I've accomplished more in the past year than I had in the previous 20, and that is not an exaggerated compliment, it's the truth!
Vince is not only a monster player and performer, but he's got chops, technique and theory with the amazing ability to make you understand it all. There are lots of good players out there, but very few teachers can do that. I drive 45 mins each way for my lessons and could probably find a teacher right around the corner from my house, but I know they will never compare to the one I have now.
I'm so happy with what I've accomplished this year and every week is a fun challenge for me to see what he throws at me next. To sum all this up: If you're considering learning to play the guitar, or you're already an accomplished musician looking to re-spark your creativity, check this guy out. You won't be disappointed!!
Michael Mansoor's Story
I have been taking lessons with Vince for almost 7 years now. I started with him in 2013 and took lessons with him for years. I then had gone through moves to different areas of the country but I continued to take lessons with him via Skype. Studying music with him has been the best experience of my life.
I started with Vince when I was a little kid. I remember when he first taught me the pentatonic scale and I could use that to improvise. I thought it was the coolest thing. He really brought my skill level up drastically in both playing and theory. I then had to move a couple times. First to Colorado, then to Virginia. Vince and I talked about doing Skype lessons. We kept on doing that and I continued to learn a lot.
Vince has also given me so many opportunities to play at different venues and perform live. Vince would have his gigs and invite me to play with him. He also had his Young Talent Showcase which gave many musicians the opportunity to get up and play on stage in front of an audience.
Recently, I had a lesson with him and I asked him if he can help me with a bunch of theory for my college application. He sat down with me for 4 hours on a Sunday on Skype and went through the application with me. He explained everything in full detail to make sure that I understood it. Vince’s instructing has resulted in me getting accepted into one of the top music schools in the country. I couldn’t have done that without Vince and I would like to thank him for all he’s done to teach me and thank him for the amazing experience I have had so far.
Jake Thistle's Story
"Not only is Vince Genella a talented and successful guitarist in his own right, but he has the patience, perspective and understanding that allows him to uniquely impart those sizable skills to students of all ages and abilities. Vince truly cares about developing musical talent and offering opportunities to the next generations of musicians. Just as importantly, Vince works tirelessly to make sure that those he influences, student or not, succeed not just as performers, but as people. He has made a tangible, positive impact on my son's musical journey, and I recommend him highly.”
Greg Thistle - Parent
Vince Genella has changed my son's life. As a result of Vince's instruction and influence, Michael has become musically proficient and thoroughly knowledgeable about musical equipment. Michael has also become far superior than his peers in musical theory and performance styles. He is extremely focused and passionate about his music and career possibilities. We are deeply grateful that Vince is a part of his life and I recommend him most highly.
In appreciation,
Mark S. F - Parent
Dear Vince, I never had a doubt about your ability to teach however, at first I was skeptical about guitar lessons online but after seeing how much my son learned from you and how quickly he improved after taking lessons with you I would absolutely recommend you and Guitar Lessons From Anywhere to everyone. You are a masterful guitarist a fantastic teacher with an uncanny ability to keep your students interested and coming back for more. My son can't wait for his next guitar lesson.
Thank you!
Al Raiani - Parent
Vince,
We are more than happy with the progress that you have made with Christopher. He plays every day now, something that he didn’t do in the beginning. PS. My 10 year old is looking to start soon too. We think Santa has an Ibanez on the sleigh!
Thanks, Chris Aveta - Parent
Vince!!!!
I just wanted to let you know that I’ve learned more with you in just 3 lessons then I did with “the other guy” over almost a year!!! You cleared up so much already and I can’t wait to see where I’m at in a year. Very cool!!
Thanks
Chris Scholts
Hey Vince,
I played in a band for the first time on Sat! You would have been very proud of me! We rearranged Smooth Rider by Dave Matthews and played Mustang Sally. I took you advice because 2 hours into playing, my hand was getting tired of bar chords and switched to playing open chords & notes mid song for Mustang Sally. The guys were very impressed. I noticed that there is an unspoken communication among us as far as chord, verses and bridges. Like you said, playing in a band really does force you to become better. I would like to learn how to play solos more now.
Steve B.
Vince is an awesome guitar teacher. It was really cool that after just a few months of lessons I was playing a Jimi Hendrix solo on stage!
Jack P.
I had been playing rhythm in bands for years and was looking to learn to play lead... within the first lesson Vince was able to give me advice and exercises to help take my guitar playing to the next level.
Jeremy R.
Joe Clynes
Vince Genella is a great guitarist and a great teacher, more importantly, Vince is a great MUSICIAN and he has the unique ability to teach his students how to think like musicians, not just guitar players. There is a big difference in that and it is not always the case with other guitar teachers. He teaches you how to LEARN.
He avoids filling your lesson time with exercises or information that won't help you grow as a musician, but rather focuses on aspects of music that help YOU become unique and find your 'voice' as a guitarist and musician. He is also just a very cool dude, has incredible chops, a great ear, and keeps you motivated to play and improve.
It's really great to have a guitar teacher that is just as knowledgeable about the newest gear as he is about music theory, technique, discipline and the learning process... now let's ROCK!
Thanks again for another awesome band camp! David had a blast and these kids were great together. It is amazing to see them all get better and better as the months and now years go by! The street festival was a lot of fun today and they sounded great. I even had some strangers come up to me afterward complimenting them! It is one thing as a parent being proud but it is pretty cool to hear random people giving them praise. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to all these kids. You never cease to amaze us with how well you lead them!
Amanda DaSilva - Parent
After seeing numerous performances Vince hosts at two different local venues, it was clear to me that he is not only a great musician but acts as an inspirational figure for many children that he mentors. One of the events Vince sponsors is The Young Talent Showcase that my son, Nicholas , and his band have been invited to perform at on several occasions. Vince has great passion and enthusiasm towards his music and students in general. Keep on rocking Vince!
Regards,
Ron Planer - Parent
I recently attended the Vince Genella Young Talent Showcase and was quite impressed with the amount of people at the venue-especially on a Sunday afternoon. All the kids and parents were there in a stellar show of support. The talent was evident in all the acts that followed. There were full bands and also Solo performers who played with the Vince Genella Power Trio (Vince, Sean Hendricks, and Mike Dawson) All of the acts played 2 or 3 songs and the show went along very smoothly. I was especially impressed with the way Vince ran the program. Besides being the M.C. and back up band for all of the performers, he ran the sound, made sure the performers were comfortable, and organized the event. All this while answering questions from the parents and kids and getting the crowd involved. When a vocalist was needed, Wendy Pasechnick (Vince's wife and event photographer), was called up to do the honors-all bases were covered. Vince provided the Amps and effects for the performers and everything was set up and ready to rock before they went onstage. Just an inspiring event that was the result of his passion and drive. He has a strong desire to promote “Live” music to young kids and provide a place where family and friends can support the gift of music and share in a community atmosphere. Yes, live music is alive and well thanks to musician’s like Vince Genella who make it possible. It’s great to see the interaction between Vince and his students. They really have a good time onstage and play a multitude of songs from vocal arrangements to instrumentals. Vince’s power trio usually kicks things off with some cover songs mixed with originals that Vince has recorded and written. The music sounds great and sets the tone for an evening of some electric madness and rock and roll fun!
Anthony Rufo
