Ramon’s teaching resume is linked
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PRIVATE GUITAR LESSONS with RAMON
Ramon Teaches
ALL STYLES
ALL AGES
ALL LEVELS
Blues (acoustic & electric)
Latin Jazz
Classical
Flamenco
Rock
Metal
Slide
Folk
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Years Experienced
About Us
Ramon Teaches
Ramon is a very experienced teacher who taught and performed in New York City for 18 years. Since he moved back to the Toronto area in June 2012, he has built a thriving private music teaching studio
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Composing Experience and Discography
Ramon has produced 3 albums* of his original music which showcase his versatility in many musical genres: Cuban Blues Man (2019), The Adventures of Bo Segovia (2007) and Music From the Bermuda Triangle (1992). [ *see CD Reviews page ]
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Performing Experience
As a performer, of classical, blues, jazz, and worldbeat music in the NYC music scene (1994-2012), Ramon played solo, in duos and bands, appeared on live radio and performed in a multitude of concerts including the Guggenheim Worldbeat Jazz Series, Harborside Jazz Festival, Monroe College, New York University @ Stonybrook, Queens Museums of Fine Art and in clubs like The Groove, Cornelia St. Café and La Belle Époque.
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Toronto music scene
Prior to moving to New York, Ramon played live on CBC radio shows including Morningside and Musical Friends; in concerts at Hart House Theatre, Water's Edge Cafe, St. Lawrence Centre, Laurentian University, and in clubs such as The Riverboat, Top O the Senator and C'est What.
Feedback from Fans
Here are Teaching Testimonials written by guitar students & fellow music teachers plus Letters of Reference from concert promoters, journalists & members of the public who have become avid fans of Ramon's amazing guitar playing & his unique world beat blues & Afro-Cuban jazz compositions:
I have known Ramon Taranco for 6 years and have worked with him at Astoria Music during that time. It is there where I witnessed Ramon's passion for teaching as well as the inspiration he provides to his students. Ramon is dedicated to his profession. His teaching skills are refreshing and he connects with his students, regardless of their age or ability. He has taught both beginner and advanced students, but his goal is a common one, success for his students.
Ramon is an experienced guitar player and has been playing professionally for many years. He has composed and recorded countless songs, and has toured in both America and Canada. Ramon is a hard working musician, and his experience and knowledge is an asset to those he teaches, as well as, the musicians who benefit from his knowledge and musicianship.
[Nick co-composed (with Don McLean composer of the hit song "American Pie") a musical called "The Day The Music Died" which won USA Today's New York Best Original Musical Award in 2008] David Parsons, Head of Music Dept, Burnhamthorpe Collegiate, Etobicoke ON
Ramon Taranco has performed for my high school classes three times during recent years, both as guitar soloist and most recently with an African drummer. His musicianship is of the highest caliber; he comes well-prepared and he relates well to the students. He is capable of performing a variety of musical styles and his knowledge of guitar playing and guitar literature is exceptional. I have no reservations about recommending Ramon as a guitarist for high school audiences.
Ramon is an experienced guitar player and has been playing professionally for many years. He has composed and recorded countless songs, and has toured in both America and Canada. Ramon is a hard working musician, and his experience and knowledge is an asset to those he teaches, as well as, the musicians who benefit from his knowledge and musicianship.
[Nick co-composed (with Don McLean composer of the hit song "American Pie") a musical called "The Day The Music Died" which won USA Today's New York Best Original Musical Award in 2008] David Parsons, Head of Music Dept, Burnhamthorpe Collegiate, Etobicoke ON
Ramon Taranco has performed for my high school classes three times during recent years, both as guitar soloist and most recently with an African drummer. His musicianship is of the highest caliber; he comes well-prepared and he relates well to the students. He is capable of performing a variety of musical styles and his knowledge of guitar playing and guitar literature is exceptional. I have no reservations about recommending Ramon as a guitarist for high school audiences.
Picture Don McLean & Nick Troiani
Chair of the Music Dept, Our Lady of Mercy Academy, Long Island NY
I started taking lessons from Ramon when I was about 12 years old. I had been playing for a couple years on my own yet I seriously lacked any form of discipline or guidance on the instrument. I barely knew the difference between a major and minor chord, had no clue how to play a major scale and yet I thought of myself as one of the best guitar players around; if not the best.
I vividly remember my first lesson with Ramon. My father was bragging to him about how I could play all the AC/DC and Led Zeppelin songs perfectly. Ramon asked me to demonstrate my abilities so I played "Thunderstruck" by AC/DC using only my left hand to hammer on/ pull off the notes. Ramon was impressed that I had learned that on my own. However, I quickly realized how naive I had been. Ramon was warming up, tuning his guitar and in the process played about 3 or 4 notes doing a little warm-up lick.
That little warm-up lick changed my view of the guitar for the rest of my life. In 60 seconds Ramon had shown me what it meant to be an absolute master of the guitar. It was in that moment that I realized I was going to be a professional musician for the rest of my life. Ramon saw the desire I had for knowledge and saw the hours I spent practicing pay off.
Ramon transformed me from a pretentious, stereotypical 12-year-old guitar player into a musician. Ramon taught me many things, but arguably the most important was the concept of Discipline.
Ramon believed in "tough love" as he called it. I would have to play something absolutely perfectly 10 times in a row without stopping in order to prove to him that I had it down. Ramon trained me to be a diligent, disciplined, and well-rounded player. If not for Ramon, I would have never made it as far as I have in music. He introduced the blues, jazz, funk, folk, latin music, and classic rock to me. He taught me to appreciate ALL music and understand the subtleties and the beauty of the nuances of every genre; in particular with regards to the guitar playing of course. Ramon is one of the last true guitar gurus. He is one-of-a-kind and should never be overlooked. Seriously Ramon has changed my life forever and I owe everything to him.
Here Nick play...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zU_NOwoQza8 http://www.youtube.com/user/jenkinsguitar http://www.youtube.com/user/TheSalmonKing43 http://www.youtube.com/user/neutranyc http://soundcloud.com/jenkinsguitar http://www.myspace.com/neutranewyork http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/groundwork-ep/id479619404
I vividly remember my first lesson with Ramon. My father was bragging to him about how I could play all the AC/DC and Led Zeppelin songs perfectly. Ramon asked me to demonstrate my abilities so I played "Thunderstruck" by AC/DC using only my left hand to hammer on/ pull off the notes. Ramon was impressed that I had learned that on my own. However, I quickly realized how naive I had been. Ramon was warming up, tuning his guitar and in the process played about 3 or 4 notes doing a little warm-up lick.
That little warm-up lick changed my view of the guitar for the rest of my life. In 60 seconds Ramon had shown me what it meant to be an absolute master of the guitar. It was in that moment that I realized I was going to be a professional musician for the rest of my life. Ramon saw the desire I had for knowledge and saw the hours I spent practicing pay off.
Ramon transformed me from a pretentious, stereotypical 12-year-old guitar player into a musician. Ramon taught me many things, but arguably the most important was the concept of Discipline.
Ramon believed in "tough love" as he called it. I would have to play something absolutely perfectly 10 times in a row without stopping in order to prove to him that I had it down. Ramon trained me to be a diligent, disciplined, and well-rounded player. If not for Ramon, I would have never made it as far as I have in music. He introduced the blues, jazz, funk, folk, latin music, and classic rock to me. He taught me to appreciate ALL music and understand the subtleties and the beauty of the nuances of every genre; in particular with regards to the guitar playing of course. Ramon is one of the last true guitar gurus. He is one-of-a-kind and should never be overlooked. Seriously Ramon has changed my life forever and I owe everything to him.
Here Nick play...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zU_NOwoQza8 http://www.youtube.com/user/jenkinsguitar http://www.youtube.com/user/TheSalmonKing43 http://www.youtube.com/user/neutranyc http://soundcloud.com/jenkinsguitar http://www.myspace.com/neutranewyork http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/groundwork-ep/id479619404
Nick Jenkins
age 19, NYC
Taking guitar lessons with Ramon Taranco was a great experience for me. I watched myself become a stronger performer and was able to sing and play with more confidence because of his methods. I still practice the techniques he taught me to this day as I perform at various venues and wineries in New York.
Jeannine is a performing guitarist and composer
www.jcullenmusic.com
http://www.jambase.com/Artists/37558/Jeannine-Cullen-Band/Bio http://media.speakeasyvintagemusic.com/2007/04/im-feeling-the-sound http://www.myspace..com/jeanninecullenband also check out Jeannine's live performance videos on you tube
Jeannine is a performing guitarist and composer
www.jcullenmusic.com
http://www.jambase.com/Artists/37558/Jeannine-Cullen-Band/Bio http://media.speakeasyvintagemusic.com/2007/04/im-feeling-the-sound http://www.myspace..com/jeanninecullenband also check out Jeannine's live performance videos on you tube
Jeannine Cullen
New York
Ramón Taranco is a tribal leader. He was my teacher for about seven years. He made me realize my calling in life, and let me just say, perhaps one of the hardest things in life is finding the true intuitive passion for something one wouldn’t mind doing until the end of time.
Later after years of development of good friendship, he became a father figure. With a warm heart he has helped me progress not only musically, but mentally and spiritually. This is where Ramón becomes a Shaman. He teaches you that music is like a religion, and needs to be practiced and loved daily. From the age of 13 to now (age 20) I have grown to love my maestro, and someday I hope to be taught once again lessons that weigh like gold.
Ramon has spawned some of the most genuine amazing guitar players I have seen in the New York area. I hope the people he teaches back in Canada don’t take this man for granted. Here is a man who comes maybe every 100 years to pass on the message of music. A message so sublime and reasoned that can perhaps change your life, like he has done to me.
Alex plays in the NYC-based progressive rock/funk/latin fusion band, Nova
http://rockingfem.blogspot.ca/2011/06/band-alert-band-alert.html
http://thecomedypoint.com/2012/02/14/nova/
http://www.facebook.com/NovaNewYork?sk=info
Later after years of development of good friendship, he became a father figure. With a warm heart he has helped me progress not only musically, but mentally and spiritually. This is where Ramón becomes a Shaman. He teaches you that music is like a religion, and needs to be practiced and loved daily. From the age of 13 to now (age 20) I have grown to love my maestro, and someday I hope to be taught once again lessons that weigh like gold.
Ramon has spawned some of the most genuine amazing guitar players I have seen in the New York area. I hope the people he teaches back in Canada don’t take this man for granted. Here is a man who comes maybe every 100 years to pass on the message of music. A message so sublime and reasoned that can perhaps change your life, like he has done to me.
Alex plays in the NYC-based progressive rock/funk/latin fusion band, Nova
http://rockingfem.blogspot.ca/2011/06/band-alert-band-alert.html
http://thecomedypoint.com/2012/02/14/nova/
http://www.facebook.com/NovaNewYork?sk=info
Alexander Apollo Salazar
age 20, New York City
The past 3 years I have been Ramon's students at Astoria Music Center and over the years I realize how lucky I am to have him as a teacher. He is a well-rounded teacher who taught me electric, acoustic, and Spanish guitar. He took an interest in the songs I showed him to teach me and also introduced to me new songs that interested me. He's strict when it comes to perfection, but the results are amazing. By learning under him I gained a sense of my own rhythm into songs I learned. I had other teachers in the past for music and they didn't feel like the right one, but under Ramon I learn new things in every lesson.
Ricky Calderon
age 16, Astoria NY
Hi. My name is Angel Bayron. I am 11 years old. I am Ramon Taranco's student for guitar class. My teacher, Ramon Taranco, is a wonderful guitar teacher. He makes you practice for 30 minutes but it's worth it. He will teach you anything you like; for example, I enjoy blues and Ramon taught me a blues scale. For each lesson, it's a private lesson; meaning that he is not in a group. If you don't have a guitar, Ramon will let you borrow his. He knows what he is doing and he will be happy if you join his guitar class.
He plays so good that you won't believe on what you are seeing. I say Ramon Taranco is the best teacher you can find. I recommend that you go to Ramon Taranco's guitar class. He's friendly and fun to be with. He never screams and helps you on the guitar if you are having trouble. Like I said before, I recommend that you go to Ramon Taranco's class.
He plays so good that you won't believe on what you are seeing. I say Ramon Taranco is the best teacher you can find. I recommend that you go to Ramon Taranco's guitar class. He's friendly and fun to be with. He never screams and helps you on the guitar if you are having trouble. Like I said before, I recommend that you go to Ramon Taranco's class.
Angel Bayron
age 11, Queens NY
Ramon Taranco is more than just a guitar teacher; he's a mentor in life. Rather than show you his way to play, he helps you develop your own - in order to grow more musically, and individually.
Through strict repetition, I gained perfection in any piece I choose, and through caring guidance I learned to challenge myself and to never stop growing. Ramon will open your eyes to the true music and beauty you can find in any genre. He puts you on the path to grow in every direction rather than focus on one.
I thank Ramon from the bottom of my heart for helping me open my eyes and ears to true beauty found all throughout the universe. You'd be making a mistake missing an opportunity to learn from a true master of his art.
Through strict repetition, I gained perfection in any piece I choose, and through caring guidance I learned to challenge myself and to never stop growing. Ramon will open your eyes to the true music and beauty you can find in any genre. He puts you on the path to grow in every direction rather than focus on one.
I thank Ramon from the bottom of my heart for helping me open my eyes and ears to true beauty found all throughout the universe. You'd be making a mistake missing an opportunity to learn from a true master of his art.
Nick Zide, age 19,
New York City
Ramon Taranco is undoubtedly one of the finest guitar teachers, guitarists and musically-knowledgeable people to ever be on the Astoria Music teaching staff.
As owner of the school, I have received a lot of positive feedback about the quality of Ramon's music lessons from students of all ages and parents of children who have taken lessons with Ramon during the past 10 years.
He treats each student as an individual - customizing their course of study and is sensitive to the musical interests, goals, learning style, aptitude level and life concerns of each student. Ramon has taught some high-achieving young people who have become professional guitarists but he also teaches children and adults who want to advance at a more leisurely pace.
As a professional musician, he is right on top of his game as a guitarist and as a songwriter himself, Ramon has effectively helped student composers to refine their craft. Ramon can teach almost any style of guitar to a very high level and I highly recommend him to any student or institution as a complete and dedicated guitar instructor.
As owner of the school, I have received a lot of positive feedback about the quality of Ramon's music lessons from students of all ages and parents of children who have taken lessons with Ramon during the past 10 years.
He treats each student as an individual - customizing their course of study and is sensitive to the musical interests, goals, learning style, aptitude level and life concerns of each student. Ramon has taught some high-achieving young people who have become professional guitarists but he also teaches children and adults who want to advance at a more leisurely pace.
As a professional musician, he is right on top of his game as a guitarist and as a songwriter himself, Ramon has effectively helped student composers to refine their craft. Ramon can teach almost any style of guitar to a very high level and I highly recommend him to any student or institution as a complete and dedicated guitar instructor.
George Philips
owner of Astoria Music, Queens NY & musician
I studied many different kinds of music with Ramon for about 5 years. In that time, I didn't only learn what it meant to read notes and execute passages with good technique. I learned how to practice, how to act around other musicians, and how to express myself on my instrument. He also taught me how to humbly survive in a difficult profession. Ramon has a plethora of experience to draw from as a performer and a person who lives a music lifestyle, and lessons like that aren't easy to come by.
Mike is graduate of the Conservatory of Music at SUNY (State University of New York), Purchase - Bachelor's in Jazz Performance
http://www.myspace.com/mikeforzano http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrYbaf8hfC8 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCxZC5S4m60
Mike is graduate of the Conservatory of Music at SUNY (State University of New York), Purchase - Bachelor's in Jazz Performance
http://www.myspace.com/mikeforzano http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrYbaf8hfC8 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCxZC5S4m60
Mike Forzano, age 24, Astoria,
Queens NY
March 8 1995
Mr. Ramon Taranco
156 West 92nd Street, Apt 4
New York, NY 10025-7580
Dear Ramon
On behalf of the Bronx Museum of the Arts, I would like to thank you for the terrific presentation of “Strumming the Americas” at our African American Heritage Month Celebration on February 18, 1995.
The feedback I received was full of praise, and it was a beautiful sight to see a room full of people of different ages and backgrounds enjoying your playing and explanations of our vast musical heritage! Yours was a most appropriate and successful addition to our celebration.
Thank you again for making our celebration an entertaining, educational one, and best of luck in all your future endeavors here in New York.
Sincerely,
Rozella Floranz
Director of Public Affairs
Bronx Museum of the Arts, Bronx NY
Mr. Ramon Taranco
156 West 92nd Street, Apt 4
New York, NY 10025-7580
Dear Ramon
On behalf of the Bronx Museum of the Arts, I would like to thank you for the terrific presentation of “Strumming the Americas” at our African American Heritage Month Celebration on February 18, 1995.
The feedback I received was full of praise, and it was a beautiful sight to see a room full of people of different ages and backgrounds enjoying your playing and explanations of our vast musical heritage! Yours was a most appropriate and successful addition to our celebration.
Thank you again for making our celebration an entertaining, educational one, and best of luck in all your future endeavors here in New York.
Sincerely,
Rozella Floranz
Director of Public Affairs
Bronx Museum of the Arts, Bronx NY
BRONX MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS
I've taken lessons from about a half-dozen different teachers over the years and Ramon Taranco was hands down the best of the bunch! He is, first and foremost, an excellent player and can teach any style including classical and flamenco. Ramon is good at explaining things in terms that make sense to novice players, and he's careful to make sure his students are learning proper technique; which other instructors are not always so careful to do. He's also very encouraging and, I believe, helps to bring out the best in his students.
In my case, Ramon encouraged me to go out and perform at some open mic nights after I had been taking lessons for a few months. He even went so far as to locate some places that had regular open mics and passed the information along to me. It was this encouragement that helped me to get out and perform in front of others, which is, of course, the reason most of us pick up instruments in the first place. I enjoyed talking with him about bands and music in general. This was one of the things I always looked forward to when I went to my lessons. I'd definitely recommend Ramon to anyone interested in learning guitar.
Steve Schnepf is a Buffalo NY newscaster (WBEN) who was recognized for excellence by the New York State Associated Press Broadcasters Association. Steve is also a performing and recording guitarist http://soundcloud.com/crush-logic
In my case, Ramon encouraged me to go out and perform at some open mic nights after I had been taking lessons for a few months. He even went so far as to locate some places that had regular open mics and passed the information along to me. It was this encouragement that helped me to get out and perform in front of others, which is, of course, the reason most of us pick up instruments in the first place. I enjoyed talking with him about bands and music in general. This was one of the things I always looked forward to when I went to my lessons. I'd definitely recommend Ramon to anyone interested in learning guitar.
Steve Schnepf is a Buffalo NY newscaster (WBEN) who was recognized for excellence by the New York State Associated Press Broadcasters Association. Steve is also a performing and recording guitarist http://soundcloud.com/crush-logic
Steve Schnepf
Buffalo NY
My name is Ameer Kazmi and I’m a 16 year old from Queens, NY. I have been taking guitar lessons at Astoria Music with Ramon Taranco for 6 years. Ramon is friendly and fun to work with as well as stern, to make sure that you progress consistently. Since I began playing guitar, he has guided and pushed me to strive for excellence; not only in music, but in other aspects of my life. The dedication and practice it takes to learn an instrument taught me to practice and work harder in school and sports.
Ramon also connected the importance of my musical background with my passion for filmmaking. He showed me how I could set the mood with the type of music I use in a soundtrack and what the right times are to add music. Ramon also encouraged me to explore other aspects of music so I joined my school band as a percussionist. Over the years, I’ve learned that Ramon is a knowledgeable person. Taking guitar lessons with Ramon helped make me a well-rounded person.
[Ameer produced Ramon's concert videos for the Ramon Taranco You Tube Channel]
Ramon also connected the importance of my musical background with my passion for filmmaking. He showed me how I could set the mood with the type of music I use in a soundtrack and what the right times are to add music. Ramon also encouraged me to explore other aspects of music so I joined my school band as a percussionist. Over the years, I’ve learned that Ramon is a knowledgeable person. Taking guitar lessons with Ramon helped make me a well-rounded person.
[Ameer produced Ramon's concert videos for the Ramon Taranco You Tube Channel]
Ameer Kazmi
age 16, Queens NY
I took music lessons with Ramon Taranco for 3 years. He taught me the things I know today and he is an excellent teacher. I learned chords, scales, lead and even some blues since I started lessons when I was 10 years old. I am now 15 years old. I have played in my school and now I'm trying to start a band. I gotta say, I have learned a lot.
Kimo Hernandez
age 15, Queens NY
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Ramon Taranco master in classical, blues, jazz, and worldbeat music, Ramon Taranco is an accomplished composer, performer, and teacher.