Testimonials

I began to write songs recently, but lacked the skill to play them well or develop them musically. Vreny opened new doors for me musically while helping me develop my playing skill-- now my songs sound fantastic, and I owe it all to Vreny. His enthusiasm for music is infectious, and he is able to teach and expand on virtually any interest or style I have expressed interest in, from rock to folk to reggae to gypsy swing. He even made the previously daunting area of music theory accessible and exciting. He is a very professional, caring, and thoughtful teacher, as well as an exceptional human being. I count myself lucky to be among his students.
(Susan Miller, Speech and Language Expert)

I found Vreny through Craigslist of all places, around 2 years ago. Since then, I've discovered that he's one of LA's most valuable "secrets". His approach to teaching is like nothing I've seen before (we're awaiting the book he's writing!). Being a very right-brained person, I was never able to understand music theory, because I found it mathematical and intimidating. But Vreny incorporates the theory into the practice in a really seamless way that is practical, interesting and inspiring. His lessons move at a rapid pace to give you the most value for your dollar, but he's extremely patient and has no problem going back over the same information until you're confident that you get it. Now he's teaching me guitar in general, and also helping me find more ease and musicality with my own songs that I'm playing with my band. Besides being a great teacher, he's really an outstanding person who I highly recommend having in your creative life!
(Cela Scott, Guitarist/Vocalist in Icky's Ego)

I have been taking lessons from Vreny for more than 7 years and he has been a wonderful teacher. When my schedule gets too demanding to practice he wont get on my back and stress me out as much as other teachers, but more importantly each lesson is well thought-out and I feel as though I learn something new every time. What helps me the most is his welcoming attitude during each lesson. I am not afraid to challenge myself and make mistakes as I used to be with other teachers. I highly recommend Vreny!
(David Cohen, Engineering Student)

I was a complete beginner when I started with Vreny-- couldn't read music, had pretty much never picked up a guitar before. When I asked him for advice on which guitar to buy, he actually went shopping with me. He is infinitely patient, very encouraging, and really knows how to help you make progress quickly. A great teacher and a great guy!
(Leigh Benson, Vocalist in Captain Automatic)

I'm glad I chose Monday as the day I have my weekly guitar lesson with Vreny as the anticipation of it completely dispels the Monday morning blues. I found Vreny pretty much by random chance and am very glad I did. I wanted to write something here to make it less random for others. First, he's a superb guitar player and 100% positive and enthusiastic. While I'm there his full concentration is on me and helping me improve. It's as if that's his only mission in life. He keeps you at your edge so you're always learning and developing. He strikes a great balance between what you want to do and what he thinks would help you become a better player. Vreny comes across not as a guitar player that teaches in his spare time, but as a professional teacher. He plainly cares about how he teaches and has put a lot of thought and effort in how to get the best results for his students. I wholeheartedly recommend you give Vreny a try. You won't be disappointed.
(Malcolm Axon, Accountant and Financial Advisor)

I've been searching for a guitar instructor that has their system that will make me improve as fast as I put in my effort and Vreny's system is perfect for me! He doesnt waste time and he challenges you and will help you grow as fast as you want to. Try him out for one lesson and youll see very recommended
(David Waddleton, Professional Actor and Busker)

I've been studying with Vreny for more than 5 yrs. His credentials are second to none. He emphasizes feel in music and awareness in players. He will add spice to your playing with exotic chords and scales, and help you build a foundation of phrasing and expression. He's taught me Bach, ragtime and Chuck Berry, and introduced me (figuratively) to Ted Greene.
(Alex Smith, Scientist/Chemist with a fondness of intricate harmony)

I've had the privilege of learning from vreny for close to 6 months. 2 words- fan-tastic! allright it's only 1 word but still. the thing with vreny is that he is immensely patient and an incredibly talented guitar player. i've learnt some pretty complicated stuff from him and even some bollywood stuff, which he had no problem with. oh did i mention that he has a terrific ear. he knows instantly what's going on. he also gives out great tip sheets, things i can work on and much more. if you're a beginner, been playing for a few years (like me) or even longer, you're bound to learn something from him. good luck in your search."
(Madhu Kalyanaraman, Copywriter)

Like the others have said, Vreny is the best guitar instructor that I have had. His knowledge is remarkable, and most importantly he knows how to convey it. I've had teachers who were incredible players, but they didn't know how to teach. That is what sets Vreny apart from the others. No matter what your style or skill level, Vreny is totally capable of personalizing a lesson that is just right for you. Whether you have time to practice for hours a day, or just minutes a day, Vreny is able to target your goals and make sure you advance as a player, and always keep it a positive experience.
(Daniel Cleland, Guitarist/Composer in The Soundabout)

On another note, I wanted to tell you what an incredible person you are.  Your patience and enthusiasm shine through in everything you touch and have made you the guitar/music god that you are.  I'm certain that all of your other students feel the same.  Thanks so much for putting up with my stubborn self and for your gentle guiding and nudging, it means a lot to me.
(Stuart Allen, plays Guitar as a hobby and to release Work Stress)

There are a couple reasons why I would recommend Vreny as an instructor (to both amateur or advanced+ guitarists). To begin with, he is very open to what your interested in studying, giving you a mix of material that helps you remain interested as well as technical tools that help you advance your ability to execute those interests. He is also very skilled in his ability to describe concepts (as he should be with over a decade of education) and is capable of approaching the same thing from different angles if you're confused. For me, I was very intent on becoming more familiar with my fretboard....Vreny has an excess of various exercises that will help achieve this so that you can "play anything anywhere," so to speak. I wouldn't miss an opportunity to study with him, if not for his wealth of information at least for his enthusiasm of music....it's very motivating. (he's also sensitive to the value of lessons if you buy in bulk...big plus)
(Alex Cannon, Music Student in Texas University)

This guy Vreny is amazing. Whether you want to learn guitar or need help with songwriting or production, Vreny is one of the most skilled musicians out there and also very fun and easy to work with. Vreny did an incredible job with helping me with songwriting as well as studio guitars. He can sound like Brian May, Jimi Hendrix, or David Gillmour - whatever you are looking for. He is technically a genius and a nice person to work with. I highly recommend Vreny to anyone.
(Cliff Tang, Marketing Guru, Keyboardist The Knockarounds)

Vreny is more than a kick-ass guitar teacher-- he's a freakin' saint for putting up with my sorry ass. I've been wanting to get really good at the guitar for a long time. It's one of the few instruments that has always eluded me (I guess because it requires actual practice for mastery), and that I've never been able to get past plunking a few chords out on (because I have no time-- and, ok, I'll admit it-- not much of a desire-- to practice). I found Vreny through some quirk of fate, and even though he's alllll the way out in Hollywood, I decided to write to him and see if he could take another student. Fortunately for me, he could. I worked out a trade with him-- I did training and massage on him, and he gave me guitar lessons. He was patient with me (and trust me, teaching me guitar requires A LOT OF PATIENCE), customized the lessons based on how I learn, and gave me stuff I enjoyed playing. Despite my lack of practicing, I was actually progressing. Shocker!! After a while, I started taking 2 lessons a week because I wanted to progress faster (and because Vreny is just that cool). I have to say, I did pretty well. It almost made me want to practice more. Unfortunately, my schedule doesn't allow me to take guitar lessons any more at the moment. But if I ever get the time again, Vreny is my man. If anyone can get me to be the next female Yngvie Malmstein, it's Vreny. He's the bomb-diggity.
(Melody Schoenfeld, Private trainer and massage expert)