Music Theory 101

Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Larry studied music with a number of teachers

including Eldon Shamblin, legendary swing guitarist and arranger for Bob

Wills. Deciding on freelance teaching as a music career, Larry received his

degree in education from the University of Arizona in 1979.

Since graduating from college, Larry has taught over 30,000 private music lessons.

He has also taught music history with a focus on American popular music

and jazz. An experienced blues guitarist, he played in the Gulf Coast Blues

Band, wrote a Living Blues magazine column called Blues Box, and is currently

on the nominating committee for the annual W.C. Handy awards. He also

enjoys playing Irish fiddle music.

Larry’s vast experience in private lessons has given him a unique understanding

of the educational needs of the typical music student. Beginning with

Blues, Boogie and Rock Guitar in 1984, he has written a number of Mel Bay

books on various subjects including guitar, bass, and song writing techniques.