Profile

Danny Pena is the Owner/Head Instructor and has 30 years experience. He began learning guitar at age 7 and was in locals bands in Corpus Christi and Austin in the mid 70's and 80's. Studied classical guitar for 3 years at Del Mar College with guitarist Javier Calderon (a former student of Andres Segovia). Studied Jazz guitar for 2 1/2 years with the late professor Chester Rupe.

Held a 4 - year lead guitar position for a local Christian band. Has done Studio work and taught Classical Guitar for two semesters at a local Church School.

Performed original Acoustic compositions at Texas A&M University's Performing Arts Center.

Danny has been an independent instructor for Guitar Center in Corpus Christi, Texas since their grand opening and currently has 107 students ranging from 7 years old to 74.

How it All Began

What started me on this musical path was watching my grandfather play a guitar on his porch when I was 5 years old. I saw the Beatles play on TV and it made such an impression on me...that I just had to have a guitar. At 7 years of age my Dad took me to Bay City Music Store and bought me a birthday present...an Alamo electric guitar with Kalamazoo amplifier. I signed up for lessons and committed myself to the guitar. Although I've had several instructors along the way, I still consider myself a student at heart. Always learning and striving to improve.

Mission Statement

My Teaching Philosophy is based on what my mentors taught me about guitar and what I have learned from 30 years of experience. Music is a universal language and learning to make an instrument speak is what my studio is all about. I get great fulfillment seeing a new beginner learn his first chords, playing a progression, or seeing them read music and play a simple melody. Those are the beginnings of musicianship and a long journey towards mastery. Learning guitar is fun, develops confidence, coordination, an understanding of music, and develops a life long skill. My objective is to train a new generation of musician's young and old.

Quote: "You can climb the mountain yourself, and take the long route or may even get lost...Then again, you can hire an experienced guide to take you to the top" Unknown

Thank You

I would like to personally thank Barrett Zinger, Isaac, Eric, Eli, Carlos, Leon, Rocky, Michael, Juan, Jason, Donald, Johnny, Ralph, Justin, Robert, Doug, Danny, Andy and all at Guitar Center for their support.

Robert Degraaf at Sound Vibrations for his discount on guitar strings
for my students and great service.

Larry, Jonathan, and David at South Texas Music Mart for their referrals.

And last but definitely not least, a big thank you to all the parents and students who have not only enriched my life, but theirs as well through the joy learning music.