About Alonso Padron

Early Musical Roots:
Alonso Padron began his musical journey at age 10 studying piano, later exploring drums and rhythm before discovering the guitar at 17—a moment that defined his lifelong connection to music. With a natural ear and deep curiosity, he taught himself rock rhythms and solos, then advanced through private study to master scales, technique, and fingerstyle guitar.

Education and Training:
At the University of Georgia, Alonso expanded his musical foundation through courses in theory, form, and music history, where he also developed a love for classical guitar. After college, he continued his studies in technique and improvisation, later training with renowned jazz educator Rick Beato of The New England Conservatory to refine his skills in sight-reading, chord progressions, and jazz performance.

Teaching and Style:
Alonso has been teaching since 1993 and full-time since 1999. He instructs guitar, bass, and ukulele students from beginning through advanced levels, blending technical precision with creativity. His lessons cover styles from rock and metal to classical, blues, and folk, while emphasizing sight-reading, theory, improvisation, and ear training.

Today:
Known for his patience and passion for helping students grow, Alonso teaches at Firehouse Guitars & Music in Decatur, GA, Monday through Friday from 3–8 PM.