Juan Carlos Vera, founder and President of Lakes Guitar Studio since 2010, has been Adjunct Professor of classical guitar at the North and Kendall Campuses of Miami Dade College for the past twenty seven years. He is also host and producer of MDC-TV's cable television guitar show Our Talent, which can be seen on Comcast 78 and AT&T U-verse 99, and is currently on its seventh season. The greatest guitarists in the world have made guest appearances on the program, including Manuel Barrueco, David Russell, and Pepe Romero. The show is characterized by entertainning, in-depth discussion. Juan Carlos Vera has been showcasing his students on local television programming for over a decade. In addition, Professor Vera started the guitar program at the South Florida Youth Symphony Orchestra, led by Executive Director Marjorie Hahn; a collaboration which resulted in several first-time local performances by young classical guitar soloists accompanied by orchestra. He is an active guitarist as well, performing regularly on television. A former student of America's foremost classical guitar guru, Bruce Holzman, Juan Carlos Vera's students have attracted attention through ambitious public performances of major guitar works. His young students have been chosen to perform for Spanish Royalty, have been featured by Phil Collins' foundation, and received praise from guitar luminaries like Pepe Romero. His students have been the object of numerable media articles which can be accessed online.
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Why Play the Classical Guitar?
While classical music is often depicted as music from the past, or "old" music (to which fewer young people can relate), the opposite is actually true of the classical guitar. It is international or even universal in scope, and --perhaps more importantly-- encompasses music of all periods, including the present one. Across countries and continents young people play, compose on, and listen to, the classical guitar. It has an instant appeal, and it is often the happy beneficiary of disgruntled piano and violin students who at last find something to relate to.
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Carlos Monteverde, Miami Architect
"Under the instruction of Professor Juan Carlos Vera, my son has developed into a great guitar player within a very short time frame. Mr. Vera's Unique teaching techniques accelerate the learning process, quickly bringing out the talent of his students."
Son Chris made TV debut at age 12.
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"Within the relatively short amount of time that my children have had the privilege to study with Mr. Vera they have become wonderful guitar players. I was honestly amazed from day one at his ability to teach them so swiftly and efficiently. His ability to balance patience and diligence is a wonderful gift that children benefit from greatly. This is shown in their quick progress and they devour song after song with excitement and joy. Thank you Mr. Vera!"
Maria Angelica Velosa, Miami Montessori Teacher;
10 year-old daughter Angelica and 8 year-old son Leonardo areadvanced students.
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"M y son started to take classes with Juan Carlos at 8 1/2 years old, After a couple weeks, he was playing simple classical guitar pieces flawlessly. Imagine my thrill as a mother. Also, as my son realized how well he was progressing with guitar playing, his confidence level increased about his ability to learn not just music. The improvement could be seen in other areas--his schoolwork, daily activities, etc.. What impresses me the most with Juan's method of teaching is how he customizes the lessons to the students' abilities, bringing the best out of them every lesson. I would like to thank you, Juan."
Nadine Tanis, Miami, Tech Support;10 year-old son Hans performed recently at Guzman Hall to rousing ovation.
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