Professional guitarist and singer teaches you how to play the guitar confidently!

Find out more about Ivan

• When did you first develop a passion for music and your favorite instrument?

  I started playing guitar when I was 12 years old with my best friend. I just wanted to spend more time with my friend, doing something fun. My friend showed me two songs: Ode to Joy and Spanish Romance. I remember the day he told me, "let me show you what I learned". He played Spanish Romance on his guitar and I was mesmerized. I decided to go on and get a guitar for Christmas. I continued playing and the journey has taken me to record 3 albums with grammy winning producers and play on big stages in Miami, radio interviews, and of course, teaching.

• Is there a particular type of music or artist that you listen to on a loop without it driving you crazy?

  I love funk music, rock, latin music, bossa nova. I like a lot of different genres, but I can listen to Wes Montgomery without hesitation any time.

• Explain to us the most difficult or riveting course you could personally give to a student of music.

  I can teach guitar to anyone from absolute zero experience with guitar up to shredding. I've done it multiple times with kids from 6 years old and onwards. I think the most difficult course is such a subjective question, because each student is different. My most prodigious soloist student has historically struggled with rhythm patterns, whilst my newest six year old student is a natural at strumming. For each of them "the most riveting course" is unique. My goal as a teacher is not to give any student a secret formula, but to find out what is unique to them and exploit their talent to their highest potential. Everyone has a gift to give, my goal is to uncover that gift and help you make it flourish.

• What do you think is the most complicated instrument to master and why?

  The most complicated instrument to master is the one that is not practiced. Every instrument has its unique level of difficulty but the less you practice, the harder. To me, horns are difficult, saxophone, trumpet, flute, etc.

• What are your keys to success?

  A genuine desire to improve your playing, innocence and curiosity paired with discipline and consistency.

• Name three musicians you dream of meeting in your favourite bar in the early hours of the morning. Explain why.

  I would love to hang with Tom Misch, he seems to be super laid back and so talented. I would ask him about his favorite musicians and his practice routine. Would also love to meet Tash Sultana, amazing guitarist and cool human being. Then Catriel and Paco Amoroso, I would love to spend a day with them on the beach and learn about their lives.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to music or your days at music school

  I think the most valuable anecdote I can share is related to the time I finally met a supportive group of artists that helped my growth and embodiment as an artist. It was after the pandemic I met with an amazing painter and drummer, Julian Castro, he showed me the book The Artist Way by Julia Cameron. He invited me to join his reading group. This book transformed my life and led me to start my current musical project Lotus Collective. Julian became the first drummer of the band and a life-long friend. The anecdote is that, when he invited me, I just wanted to make a friend and hang out with other artistic people. This decision led me to expand in ways I did not think possible. I learned that when I am surrounded by supportive, like-minded individuals, the unimaginable can happen.

• What are the little touches that make you a Superprof in music?

  My first student was my sister. She taught me that patience, kindness and listening are crucial to teach a new student. I specialize in teaching children from 6 years old and onwards, but I also teach students of any age. Teens, adults and even seniors. What my students love about me is my ability to connect with them on a personal level, understand where they are at and what the best next step is in their learning process. Most of my students work with me for many years, and I cultivate my relationships with them because I genuinely enjoy witnessing their growth.