2008 Woodie Awards
New guitar teacher inspiring young students
Despite youth, Silvers proves to be a guitarist extraordinaire
Kyle Hampton
Issue date: 9/14/06 Section: News
What's that sound resonating through the halls?
If it's anywhere near the East Campus guitar room around mid-day then it is most likely Travis Silvers and the students of his beginning guitar class. Silvers is a new and valuable addition to the MJC community. Newly hired as a part time instructor, Silvers has been making a positive impression on campus. In the first weeks of fall semester students have already taken a liking to their instructor, praising his dedication to his classes. Paula Orendain, a student in the beginning class, explained that he is "easy going" and "into his teaching."
Silvers may be new to the campus but he is definitely not new to music, having played the guitar for 19 years, nine of those spent with special interest in classical guitar. His experience includes tours with a group called Collegium Musicum, meaning literally "college musician", to Hungary and Italy where he performed alongside live choirs and among other musicians. Europe, however, is not the extent of Silvers' worldly travels; he has also performed in Vancouver and Point Roberts, Canada.
No matter how many exciting places he's been and things he's done Silvers still gives the students credit for most of his inspiration.
"My biggest inspiration is seeing the light click on within students as they realize their potential and begin to understand what music can be," he says.
Students realized in their first classes with him that Silvers was the real deal. In the class room, students freely ask questions and express musical problems while Silvers enthusiastically provides clear and understandable solutions. According to student Victor Ramos, Silvers is "easy to talk to, and ask questions."
Along with his well educated understanding of the classical stringed instrument, Silvers stresses the theory behind the sounds as well. Students are taught to read and write musical notation to better enhance their knowledge of playing the guitar. Despite the intricacies of music and its elements, Silvers puts learning the basics of guitar playing in an "easy step-by-step" lesson plan, says Orendain.
If it's anywhere near the East Campus guitar room around mid-day then it is most likely Travis Silvers and the students of his beginning guitar class. Silvers is a new and valuable addition to the MJC community. Newly hired as a part time instructor, Silvers has been making a positive impression on campus. In the first weeks of fall semester students have already taken a liking to their instructor, praising his dedication to his classes. Paula Orendain, a student in the beginning class, explained that he is "easy going" and "into his teaching."
Silvers may be new to the campus but he is definitely not new to music, having played the guitar for 19 years, nine of those spent with special interest in classical guitar. His experience includes tours with a group called Collegium Musicum, meaning literally "college musician", to Hungary and Italy where he performed alongside live choirs and among other musicians. Europe, however, is not the extent of Silvers' worldly travels; he has also performed in Vancouver and Point Roberts, Canada.
No matter how many exciting places he's been and things he's done Silvers still gives the students credit for most of his inspiration.
"My biggest inspiration is seeing the light click on within students as they realize their potential and begin to understand what music can be," he says.
Students realized in their first classes with him that Silvers was the real deal. In the class room, students freely ask questions and express musical problems while Silvers enthusiastically provides clear and understandable solutions. According to student Victor Ramos, Silvers is "easy to talk to, and ask questions."
Along with his well educated understanding of the classical stringed instrument, Silvers stresses the theory behind the sounds as well. Students are taught to read and write musical notation to better enhance their knowledge of playing the guitar. Despite the intricacies of music and its elements, Silvers puts learning the basics of guitar playing in an "easy step-by-step" lesson plan, says Orendain.