I started learning from my teacher about 9-ish years ago. My personal goal was just to understand how to enjoy guitar as I get older as a means for relaxation. I just wanted to learn songs I like and be able to play by ear for myself. My teacher listened to what I cared about and has always curated lesson plans to fit my needs. However, he has added so much more with regard to music theory, reading of various forms of notation, the science behind musical structure, and how music relates to the evolution of culture. As he comes from a classical background, we often get into historical conversation on how music has progressed (or regressed in some cases), and why. I think his knowledge of "Why?" is his greatest strength as a teacher. It keeps me curious and fascinated as I find the psychology behind sound motivating. By having a rationale behind all we do, it lays a greater foundation for my educational journey and helps me retain principles. His patience is also greatly appreciated. As talented as he is as a performer, he lets me grow at my own pace. I know I will never be a great artist, and I'm ok with that as that was never my objective. As a teacher, he has respected my desired intentions and made space for me to enjoy music in a way that is meaningful to me, rather than force a standardized objective. He doesn't just go through the motions the way I've experienced with other instructors, he makes me and my unique journey important to him. An example of how he goes out of his way to help individualize my lessons: I am a graphic artist, so a visual learner. We often talk about how musical vibrations can be interpreted as spectrums of ight, color values, etc., and it helps me relate to tonality in a way that I can more easily process. We have broken down the color wheel to attempt to find parallel relationships between visual/audible elements— complementary colors, analogous colors, tertiary colors vs various chord progressions/harmonies/accent notes (using science to apply value to spacial relationships between both visual and audio elements to find pleasing combinations). We went down a whole rabbit hole on synesthesia which was fascinating. Point being—he makes my lessons about me. Not many teachers would take the time to learn whole new subjects just to better relate to a student for 30min each week—but mine will! My teacher's actions sincerely demonstrate his commitment to the betterment of the art of guitar—but not just playing the instrument—guitar education as a whole. He understands the extreme importance of taking the time to connect with people to build stronger communities and life-long fans—and that is a rare gift!

Great teachers don’t just teach skills; they transform lives. Curtis embodies this principle with unwavering patience, kindness, and an infectious joy for music. His approach is rooted in deep empathy—recognizing that every student has unique challenges and tailoring his teaching accordingly. He doesn’t believe things are “hard,” only “tricky,” a simple yet powerful shift in perspective that has reshaped not just my playing but my approach to life itself. When I began lessons, I was battling immense insecurity, body tension, and an almost paralyzing fear of playing in front of others. Rather than push me, he met me exactly where I was, gently encouraging me through the shared love of music. With time and his steadfast support, I went from being unable to hold a pick due to sheer anxiety to playing songs I once thought were impossible. One piece took me five years to learn—he never lost patience, never questioned my choices, and never imposed his own preferences. Instead, he guided me, oMering tools and insights specific to how my neurodivergent mind learns best. His versatility as a musician is staggering, yet he never overwhelms. He has introduced me to styles beyond my folk and rock focus, helping me see the interconnections between genres. More than just a teacher, he became a mentor—decoding songs with me, supporting my musical journey through a major life transition, and standing by me through a difficult divorce and separation from my children. Beyond my own experience, his impact extends to my entire family—my children and ex-wife were also his students, each with their own musical needs and paths. He served them all with the same care, adaptability, and genuine enthusiasm that make him such an exceptional educator. The best teachers don’t just teach; they inspire, uplift, and help students believe in themselves. That’s exactly what Curtis has done for me. He is, without question, the most deserving of this award.

My daughter started guitar two years ago at age 7 with Curtis at the Rentonlocation. Curtis is an amazing teacher for kids and adults. He is unfailingly patient, always in a good mood, and always has a lot of energy and an infectious personality that really engages kids in learning. He is equally versed in classical and rock styles. (She's learned pieces ranging from Bach and Satie to Zeppelin and Oasis.) He is also clearly fluent in pedagogical techniques. If my daughter's not getting something, he comes us with different ways of teacher it until she gets it. He always comes very prepared - if my daughter mentions a song she wants to learn, he has it the next week for her. If she is struggling with a skill, he has something the next week for her to address it. He is always on the ball.

Most importantly Curtis is the best guitar teacher my son and I have had and we've been taking lessons for 7 years now. He is facile with a broad range of styles and techniques. We've played everything from fingerpicked acoustic folk to blues to jazz to ska-punk with him. He knows his stuff and is able to get his students motivated and working at the top of their game.

Since signing up for guitar lessons with Curtis in 2016, my son Lukas has grown to love playing the guitar. Lukas' confidence as a budding musician quickly soared as he learned to play many songs, thanks to Curtis, who is a wonderful teacher. Curtis is friendly, patient and always open to my son's feedback. Lukas really enjoys every minute of his lessons. We really appreciate having Curtis as his teacher!