Armando (he/him) has devoted his life to the art of Spanish and Classical guitar. Though he began his musical journey on the violin, the guitar captured his heart at a very young age. By ten, he was already performing works by Francisco Tárrega on a full-size Classical guitar at Audubon Elementary, where he also learned to read music on the piano. His first guitar teacher, Joe at the Chicago Music Company, nurtured his passion, guiding him through sight-reading, scales, chords, and the foundations of musical expression. For Armando’s parents, lessons were more than music; they fostered discipline, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

As a Music Major at Lincoln Park College Prep, Armando expanded his musical experience through the Concert Band, further strengthening his reading and performance skills. After graduating, he received a grant to study Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Theory at Sherwood Conservatory. From there, he built a multifaceted career as a studio musician, sound engineer, and active Chicago performer on both Classical and Electric guitar. His work includes composing original scores for independent films and documentaries.

For Armando, guitar isn’t just an instrument; it’s a way of life. His teaching philosophy is shaped by his own musical upbringing: every student is unique, and every lesson should meet the learner where they are. He blends method books with his own techniques designed to build agility, independence, and comfort in both hands, all while reinforcing one core belief:

Practice is the best and most exciting part of playing guitar. For Armando, practice is an adventure, and he strives to help every student feel the same.