In my last "L.A. Scene" article, written for the August issue of Guitar Sessions®, I talked about touring in support of other artists. In addition to working as a sideman with many artists, I have had the good fortune to work as a session guitarist, composer, producer, recording artist, and educator. This time, I will discuss my involvement in education and some of the possibilities that I see for young guitarists.

I currently hold a full-time teaching position in the Studio/Jazz Guitar Department at the University of Southern California's prestigious Thornton School of Music. It has been a privilege and a pleasure to teach alongside a stellar guitar faculty that includes Richard Smith, Frank Potenza, Steve Trovato, Joe Diorio, Nick Stoubis, David Oakes, and Adam Del Monte. The Thornton School of Music also has absolutely first-rate classical guitar, jazz studies, music composition, vocal music, and music industry programs that sometimes interact with one another.

As I begin this writing this piece I find myself hurling through the air at five hundred miles per hour in a giant tube known as a Boeing 777, en route to Chicago from Denver where I will be performing with Natalie Cole in a few hours. USC has a special kind of faculty that includes many experienced and working professional musicians. Because it is desirable for the University and beneficial to the students to have teachers with experience as professional working musicians, some flexibility is allowed for other work and research. I'll be back in Los Angeles tomorrow by 2:30 in the afternoon. I'll then drive straight to USC to teach three private lessons before going home for a relaxing evening with my wife and daughter. On the occasion that I have to employ a substitute for a class, Los Angeles is home to many top professional guitarists who can fill in and add valuable new insights in my absence.

My duties at USC include teaching private lessons and classes, directing ensembles, and attending recitals, juries, and faculty meetings. I teach a sophomore level class known as Functional skills for Studio Guitarists and a graduate level master class in which each student writes and produces a CD of varied writing and guitar styles that can be used to procure work in the future. I have had complete freedom to design these classes. I also direct an upper level student guitar ensemble that will record a CD this year.

The Thornton School of Music has accepted many brilliant students the past few years and the level is very high at the moment. We have students that I believe will soon be on the scene as successful professional musicians. The guitar ensemble that I currently direct has four very gifted guitarists and composers. One member, Brian Green, took a yearlong hiatus to tour with Michael Bauble after being hired by David Foster. He is back with us now to complete his degree, a decision that I think will serve him well in the future even though he is already a fine player. For guys like Brian, the subtle guidance of more experienced players and some occasional words of wisdom about the business of music can make all the difference in making key decisions later on.

In my previous two years at USC, I directed The New West Guitar Quartet, comprised of John Stories, Brady Cohan, Matt Roberts, and Perry Smith. After competing and being awarded the top honor for a combo performance two years ago at the North Texas State University competition, this outstanding group was awarded a grant through the USC Protégé Program which has the goal of advancing promising students by providing grant money, moral support, and contacts for concert performance, CD recording, etc. In addition to directing the ensemble, I was able to produce the CD and be a part of something that is much larger than just normal class time experience.

Introducing The New West Guitar Quartet was released last year to rave reviews and was followed by a tour of Japan and the US over the summer. The intention of the Protégé Program and our guitar department was to launch these guys as a concert and recording group that could go on to bigger and better things. That is just what they are doing as they continue to play concerts even though two members have now graduated. I expect to see them making a lot more noise in the future with The New West Guitar Quartet as well as individually.

Many serious musicians will spend part of their time teaching either privately or in a College or University setting. It's impossible to know exactly what will be happening ten years from now so being prepared to meet many challenges is smart planning. Getting a degree in music will help prepare you for opportunities that may come your way.

Teaching in addition to performing is very rewarding for me. What could be better than teaching, performing live, recording, and writing music for a living? On top of that I manage to balance my work with a fulfilling family situation. I credit a well-rounded music background with helping me make this happen. It has given me opportunities and options for planning a happy life.

Love what you do and do it well!

Pat Kelley