Testimonials

“I feel that music is one of the highest forms of humanity. My son Donnie was struggling. He was being bullied at school. He has gained so much studying with you. He’s found himself…found an identity. The bullying has stopped…Your authenticity, experience and positivity have created a bond of mentorship that he might have never found otherwise.”

— Dustin O., Father

“Gary showed me how to connect the dots. He opened up the fret board with the CAGED System, so that I now know exactly what note I’m playing, and the patterns that sound best with the key I’m in. I’ve learned more from him in a year than I have in my past 30 years of playing.”

— Michael D.

“Thank you for helping me raise my son…”

— Michael M., Father

“Gary is a fantastic guitar teacher whose resume stands on its own and from whom my son learned a ton. But Gary is far more than a guitar teacher. He took my son under his wing and for 4 years was a mentor, confidant, encourager and friend. He knows how to connect with young kids in a way that is positive, supportive and encouraging and that had a profound impact on my son's development. We are as grateful for the emotional support as we are for the riffs.” 

— Erik O.

“Gary presents the foundation of technical guitar mechanics in a zen-like, matter-of-fact manner: This is the road to enlightenment. No shortcuts, no excuses.”

— Steven W, Sebastopol, CA

“I have been taking guitar lessons from Gary for almost a year now. My playing has improved immensely as a result of his well organized teaching methods. Gary introduced me to the “CAGED” system which finally brought into focus for me the relationship between the various chord shapes, chord voicings and scales. The fretboard finally makes sense to me and I can find my way around it. Gary’s strong foundation in music theory combined with his excellent technical skills created just the right balance for me. Best of all, Gary not only plays well and understands the guitar, but he can teach it. I never felt as if he was talking down to me. He is able to communicate and teach complicated concepts in a very understandable way.”

— David L.

“I thought I went to (Gary) to learn to play better guitar (and I am) but I’m also learning much about music theory. I call Gary a music teacher who uses a guitar to teach.”

— Pat M.

“Dear Mr. Vogensen,

Thank you for all the help…Working with you has been exceptionally fun and easy.  When we played that almost perfect jam of “Hideway” by the great Freddie King, my blues liking sparked up a milestone. During that jam, I felt the Blues grooving through my fingers. Thanks for helping me get an “A” my senior project on Blues Guitar.”

— Aaron P., Graduate of Casa Grande High School

“I’ve progressed so much as a guitarist since I started with Gary, and I always have a pretty rad time during the lessons. Gary rocks.”

— Samantha K., High School Student

“Gary,

My wife and I are soooo grateful to you for the role you played in Lucas's development and specifically during a time that was a clearly a seminal moment in his life. The fact that he has his head screwed on right and has perspective and maturity has your fingerprints all over it...you will always be a part of our family lore and the love and support you provided to Lucas are forever appreciated.”

— Erik O.

“Gary’s energy while teaching is encouraging and positive. We noticed that his style and delivery was sightly different with the teenage boy before her and quite appropriate for Gabriella’s age and her interests.”

— Monique M., Mom