When we first met I had virtually no experience with classical guitar technique or repertoire. However, in the two years I studied with Tom he helped me develop the skills and knowledge required to seriously study the instrument. Tom is an insightful instructor who readily identified my weaknesses as a player and gave me exercises to improve in those areas. He was always patient and fully dedicated during our classes. He was also able to find pieces which would be challenging but not discouraging.

Today I am currently studying Jazz performance at the Berklee College of Music. I feel safe saying that I was accepted to the school in large part thanks to Tom Vela’s instruction. To this date I still practice all of the exercises he taught me, every day. It was Tom who really pushed me as a player and helped me improve more than I ever had.

Most importantly, Tom helped me develop a love for classical guitar which keeps me practicing the instrument everyday.

I feel safe recommending Tom Vela as a guitar instructor to my friends and family.

During the 5 years Tom taught my son, Liam, he was reliable, patient, insightful, dedicated and focused all the while exceeding my expectations.

Apart from Tom’s professionalism, as a person and an instructor/mentor, I remember a session that defined Tom’s influence in my son’s music. Liam shared a couple of ideas/chords with Tom, and over time they both worked together to create Liam’s first original and complete song.

Throughout the years, Tom has inspired my son to be creative and taught him skills which were necessary to write original music.

It makes me happy to know that what started out as just being “cool” to play the guitar became one of Liam’s passions in life.

-Yumi Alteneder (Liam’s mother)-