I took guitar lessons from John Pierre Cousineau. He taught me for about six months and then we formed a band called the Triads. We were good enough to be tape-recorded by Jimmy Doolin (sp?). I've since lost the acetate. Frankly, we were terrible, but all I recall from it was the excitement of being a musician. That was 50 years ago.

I just finished doing my fourth album. I will never be famous, but I am a musician, and that's what I wanted.

You cannot decide on the teacher until YOU decide on the student.


What would help is to say from near where you're from, what you want lessons for, and how much you want them. The rest will take care of itself. JPC's regular students were charged $2.00 an hour. I have no idea what that would translate to today. He charged me over the half year about three dollars. I did the rest myself, but went to John for his approval, and his advice. I should mention that when he taught me basics--and that meant Buddy Holly and The Ventures--I was pushed because of what he taught to listen closely to Brubeck, Mingus and Davis. I was never nor am a fan of jazz, but I am a fan of excellence, and that they were.

Most guitar can be learned from books--today, internet. If you need advice, ask on Mudcat. Most have been there and done that. Being short of cash is no reason to NOT learn music, however you perceive that.

Mark Ross who posted is a song writer and musician, and he's really good. Arrange to talk with him and he'll tell you straight. That's the way he is and always was.

Bobert is a damned good blues musician, and Al who has the strange sense of humour is a wonderful singer and guitar player. Their thoughts are well-meant and honest, except Al is stranger than most. Listen sometime to "Drowned Her in the Bath." Funny as all get out. They are musicians, writers and singers. They too went into and out of the process. Each of them left to make their respective ways when they needed to, just as will you when the time comes.

That doesn't help other than to inform you that the easiest way to become a millionaire in music is to start with two million (thanks Utah).

I'll shut up now.