“My son struggled academically for years. We had tutors and he worked very hard to make up for his shortfalls. The school district could never identify any learning disability so, even going into high school, it was an ongoing struggle. Then, two years ago, he got into this ‘guitar thing’ — and found you. The change has been — what can I say? — just remarkable. In his junior year, he went from being a low-C student to a high-B average. We truly believe that his passion for the guitar — and his instruction — in some way rewired his brain. The focus and passion he now puts into learning how to play, read music, and be creative has also focused him in mathematics and critical thinking. He recently wrote his college essay about this and, as a result, won a scholarship!”
— Student's Mother
"Ratso is the one guitar instructor who made all the difference for our son Jonathan. Why? First, he teaches music, and so Jon benefitted from the great tradition of Ratso's own teacher, the legendary jazzman Sal Salvador, who passed onto Ratso a wealth of universal musical knowledge that is independent of any style. Second, Jon learned that the guitar is a highly technical instrument and, after unlearning all of the bad habits he’d previously picked up, his playing became fluid and effortless. Ratso's ability to share knowledge, teach technique, and inject fun–combined with a student’s desire to learn–will lead to success in playing."
— David Joelson
Senior Vice President
Harris Freeman & Co.
“Ratso has become a friend to the entire Anderson family and over the past five years he has made an indelible impression on my two sons, Michael and Matt. Now in college, both boys are still very active guitar players and their college instructors have been most impressed with their prior training. They both communicate with ‘Rat’ regularly and they schedule lessons in advance of returning home. Ratso’s passion, enthusiasm and skill as a musician combine to create the ideal platform for committed, young musicians.”
— Steve Anderson
Managing Director
LoanCore Capital, LLC
“The Greenwich High School Talent Show was last night and even though Nick didn’t win it, he kicked butt. The crowd went wild, and it was incredible to see him up on the stage. He did a great job. He couldn’t have done it without your help. You’ve really helped transform this kid into a guitar-lovin’ maniac. Thank You for EVERYTHING. You’ve been a huge influence in Nick’s life!”
— Larry Zeug
Founder & President
Pinnacle Construction Group, LLC
“Our son JJ has been a guitar student of John’s for four years now. JJ has learned to read music, scales, arpeggios, music theory, and the application of such with a desire, determination and discipline not only to play all the music taught, but also with creative improvisation as well. He loves studying with John. There is always time for some great conversation as well as all the great music. We could not have found a more talented professor of music who happens to have played with some of the greats. John is one of the greats! John also happens to be one of the nicest people we know. JJ’s experience as a music student at Lenox has broadened his entire high school experience and a great balance between academics, sports and music. We all feel very fortunate to have met John. Ratso Rocks!!”
— Meg Holmgren
“Our son, an enthusiastic guitar player, started taking lessons with Ratso when he was 16. Within one year, he was performing solos in his high school jazz band normally reserved for older students, became an integral member of the jazz band and reason why it won competitions, and was awarded the ‘outstanding solo performance’ at a high school competition at the Berklee School of Music in Boston. His band teacher commented on how much improved his note reading, fingering, and understanding of music theory was — all because of Ratso's instruction. Ratso is a taskmaster who asks that students practice drills and other fundamentals before moving on to playing the music they desire. Ratso encouraged our son to perform in a band he would've never had access to without Ratso's support, attended many of Ratso's own performances, and was even introduced to Ratso's legendary colleagues. He is now majoring in the music industry at a prestigious university.
“I firmly believe that it was Ratso's encouragement and influence that grew our son's interest in music from a hobby into a life-long passion. I have recommended Ratso to several friends, and regardless of the depth of their child's commitment to music, they all remark about what a positive experience taking lessons from Ratso is. He finds the best in every student. Our son is home only a few times each year, but always finds time to see Ratso. Our family considers Ratso to be a life-long friend, and his kindness and willingness to share his world with our son has been a tremendous gift.”
— Steve and Laura Palmer
“Ratso has an amazing ability to connect with a new or potential student and to adapt his approach to the student’s goals for the music. He has ignited a great passion in my son for the music he plays and has given him what will be a lifelong gift — a way to communicate himself musically. I am particularly impressed with how important and responsible Ratso makes the student feel for the progress of his own music education.”
— Kathleen K. Lundquist, Ph.D.
President & CEO
APTMetrics
“My son Dan has been studying with Ratso for six years and is now a sophomore in high school. Through the years Ratso has taught him the fundamentals of music, theory, scales ... and then the fun stuff, rock ‘n’ roll and the blues. He continues to develop and to teach the essentials, which have become the foundation for Dan to grow into a very solid guitar player. Ratso has not only taught him to play, but also, most importantly, to listen. They work out the subtleties of songs, licks, and solos together. That requires patience and listening skills that carry over into all areas of learning. The academic benefits are without a doubt attributed to his musical studies. Dan has been exposed to the music of so many great guitarists who have influenced music history as well. How many 15-year-olds run home after a lesson to download Les Paul, Eric Johnson, Mark Knopfler, and Buckethead? Ratso is a teacher, friend, mentor, and a role model who is such a positive force in our son's world.”
— Carrie Getz
“I want to thank you for what I would consider to be some invaluable and priceless help and guidance on the guitar. You are an extremely gifted guitarist and also very personable and pleasant as a teacher. I've had a few stuck-up and pain-in-the-ass teachers for piano, clarinet and trumpet, but you, Ratso, are a joy to learn from.”
— Steffen Hagberg, guitar student