The River Guide Experience

I think it’s fair to say that without Steve Girardi I would probably not be playing guitar today. He gave me the confidence and skills I needed as a guitar player to take the craft seriously and succeed. I’m asked a lot where my “sound” or style comes from and  I can say with 100% certainty that it came from Steve. I treasure the maestro, his friendship and everything he has done for me.

I was on tour in Japan and found some of your records in a record shop in Tokyo. I was reminded of things we did in our lessons throughout the years and it’s always been a solid reference point. I’m thankful Mike you opened my eyes to your approach to the bass, not a lot of guys are playing like that nowadays and I think it’s honestly helped put me in some great situations!

I just wanted to tell you “thank you so much Mike”. I honestly believe that you care about your students. I learned so much from talking and playing with you!

In just the two years I took guitar lessons with Steve, I not only advanced my guitar playing skills exponentially, but I gained a great mentor and friend. In fact, some of my favorite memories are going to see Steve perform with his band and alongside the great Mihali Savoulidis of Twiddle (who happens to be a former student). Steve has a unique way of teaching in that he gives you the tools to learn what you want to play so that you can manifest your playing to be unique to yourself, rather than a clone of someone else. I cannot speak more highly on my experience with Steve since he has taken me to a level of guitar playing that I would have never thought I could reach when I first picked up the guitar.

My life changed forever when I started taking guitar lessons from Steve Girardi. He showed me what it meant to be a true musician while also sticking to the roots of why we all do it; to have fun. In every step of my journey I can reflect and thank Steve for giving me the tools to be an open, creative and original artist. If Steve had not showed me the importance of feeling notes and scales as colors I am confident I would not be the guitarist I am today.

“Steve’s instruction has given me a strong foundation of fundamental & improvisational skills, and has advanced my playing much faster than I could have anticipated. I leave every lesson feeling fulfilled and inspired.”

My experience with River Guide Music instruction has not only fostered my technical skills, but it has allowed me to discover my own artistry and sense of self-expression through music. Steve and his faculty offer a personalized approach to teaching that ensures each student reaches their unique version of success. My work with Steve Girardi has been a profound journey toward developing my musical identity.

I have to start by saying if it wasn’t for Andy Lalasis and his instruction regarding bass guitar studies, I would not be the player I am today.  Andy has been a huge inspiration to my musical life. He is overflowing with knowledge of techniques, theory and tricks of the trade, his communication skills are fantastic putting anyone to ease from the start.  You have no choice but to improve while under the instruction of Andy. I look forward to continuing to be under his tutelage and mentorship. We have recently had the chance to collaborate on original music together and will be doing more very soon.  A truly inspiring musician, he is everything you want in an instructor a mentor and a human being.  Top quality, badass musician.

Andy Lalasis is an amazing bass player with years of experience performing in the best venues on the east coast. After decades of studying, and creating music, Andy offers a unique opportunity to all students who wish to study with the very best. Andy will surely motivate and inspire his students to achieve new heights of understanding music, and performance on the bass. Having personally been in many studio sessions with Andy. I can honestly say that his playing and enthusiasm will inspire his students like no other teacher that I am aware of. The proof will be in the students playing, for sure!

This is in reference to Andy Lalasis, an accomplished-renowned musician, composer and educator. I have had the pleasure of knowing and doing business with him, for over 35 years. As an acclaimed bass player, he has performed with the likes of Tony Bennett, Jack Jones and Diana Ross, to name a few, also touring with Jazz Guitar legend Pat Martino. Andy has played on numerous recordings and recently released his own project, “Fret Not”, to rave reviews.

Andy’s recognizable sound, playing both upright and electric bass, makes him a most sought after ”first call”. Andy’s media prowess, amplifies his communication skills, his outreach is enormous in and out of the music industry.

Andy Lalasis has achieved a position in the music community that is celebrated by everyone who has come into contact with him, a world-class musician and human being.