Okanagan School of Guitar
Learn Guitar in Vernon, BC
Okanagan School of Guitar provides a positive and fun learning environment to take your passion for music to the next level. Offering guitar lessons for all ages and skill levels, we will help you develop your musical talents and reach your goals. Contact us for information about prices and availability! okanaganschoolofguitar@gmail.com
About Us
A newcomer to Vernon, Gabriel is a highly skilled musician who has added his name to the growing roster of great players choosing to make BC’s southern interior their new home.
Born in Quito Ecuador, Gabriel never picked up a guitar until he was 17. After learning his favorite rock songs, he started playing with a couple of bands, got hooked, and decided to pursue a music career! After obtaining his music degree at Universidad de los Hemisferios in Ecuador, Gabriel earned a diploma in Jazz Studies at the Conservatori del Liceu in Barcelona Spain, catching a serious interest in jazz after attending master classes with jazz legends like Pat Metheny, Dave Holland, Peter Bernstein and Jorge Rossy. In 2016 Gabriel moved to Canada and has been actively involved with the musical scene performing for a number of shows in PEI and BC.
During his studies he was the recipient of several scholarships and university prizes
Gabriel has taught guitar for over 15 years. He's knowledgeable in different musical genres like rock, blues, jazz, and Latin music.
Teaching from beginners to advanced students, he has taught all age groups in different settings including: private lessons, college instruction at the University of the Americas in Quito Ecuador. Currently as a music/band teacher in the public schools, where he established many successful rock bands for students in grade 4 and above as an extracurricular rock coach.
Recent theater credits include
The musical This is Me! Performed at the Powerhouse theater, where Gabriel was the lead guitarist.
Certifications
Bachelor in Music
Bachelor of Education
Diploma in Jazz Studies
Rock Coaching
When I started rock bands at the elementary schools I worked at I was very fortunate to have amazing students who dedicated a lot of extra time and effort to put a repertoire together and perform in front of the school.
One of the best experiences I had in this regard, was when I started teaching a couple of students on electric guitar and bass guitar from scratch. In only a few months they were ready to join and learn rock songs and they were the highlight of the end of the year concert. I was so proud of them and it felt so rewarding to see that happening.
Here is a short video of that concert and a presentation we put together for the CBC Music Challenge can be found at the bottom of the site.