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Mentorship

Project Overview

This program is not intended to to replace any type of music lessons either school or private; it's intended to give young talented people a chance to work with seasoned musicians both young and old, that will share with them as much as they can about their particular talents such as guitar, bass, drums, piano, and vocals.

Music mentorship can be effective at many different levels and can progress at the speed in which each young musician feels comfortable.  The only cost to the participants is a $15.00 monthly membership fee to the Acoustic Players Association.  The program will be after school from 3 pm to 6 pm one day a week at the Acoustic Cafe where participants can work with the mentors and each other.

Some of the mentoring subjects include:

-Learning basic and advanced guitar chords
-Lead Guitar
-Basic and advanced bass rhythms and scales
-Fundamentals of drumming and basic percussion instruments
-Voice strengthening
-Basic skills of harmonizing
-Songwriting techniques
-Copywriting and publishing
-Learning to play by ear
-How to read tablature
-Performance workshop

Performance workshop will give participants the ability to form a band, rehearse and perform live with confidence.  There will also be occasional workshops conducted by music teachers and industry people.  

The Acoustic Cafe and Northwest Music Mentors will sponsor periodic public showcases so thatt everyone has an opportunity to invite their friends and family to see their talents and the progress they're making as musicians.

All of the music mentors that are willing to share their knowledge and talents with these kids take pride in their music accomplishments and are eager to participate in a program that will help enhance the musical dreams of our local young musicians.

Meet the Mentors

Billy Leach: Guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, engineer.

Billy’s been playing for 27 years and is completely self-taught; he says he learned a great deal of what he knows from watching good musicians and of course many years of playing. Billy’s known as one of the best-kept secrets in our area because he hasn’t been playing live for a while but he’s truly one of the most creative and talented musicians in the area. Billy’s playing reflects a heavy blues influence which he mixes with delta blues style slide along with smooth and soulful solos that helps create his original style. He’s currently playing in an original band, recording his new CD and producing demos for other local artists in his studio at The Acoustic Cafe.

 Anthony Estrada: Guitarist, vocalist, harmonica.

Anthony, while only playing guitar for eight years is without a doubt one of the most entertaining per­formers of his caliber, whether he’s playing a dobro style solo show, performing with his band or just jammin’ at an open mic he loves to perform and his talent and confidence easily captivates any audi­ence. Anthony is self taught and has learned to play guitar by listening to recordings of some of the best delta, Texas and Chicago style blues players, he’s known for playing some “really cool chords.” He has created a style that reflects R & B, blues and 70’s style soul which when put together creates a sound that’s innovative and entertaining.

James Bench: Electric bass, standup bass.

James is a self-taught musician with most of his in­fluence coming from listening to Led Zeppelin and playing Jimmy Pages licks on the bass. If you’re gonna be influenced by someone else’s music you might as well pick the best right? James did play in high school jazz band where he learned some theory. He has a unique style and puts on a great show! James plays in a local rockabilly band, is quite an accomplished bass player for his age and has a great deal to offer aspiring bass players.

Mary Malone: Bass, acoustic guitar, vocalist, songwriter.

Mary started playing acoustic guitar at age 11, soon started putting words to chords and that’s where it all began. Playing bass came a few years later and has since become her passion in music, she’s concentrated on playing bass on and off for 23 years in both cover and original bands, Still enjoying playing acoustic gui­tar especially for songwriting purposes but playing bass is where she’s most comfortable. Mary plays with finesse; her style has been described as being solid, and “in the groove.” Currently she runs the Acoustic Cafe and plays bass with 2 original bands.

KC Lowery: Percussionist, guitarist.

KC is one of the most creative and inspiring young tal­ents in the area, he’s been playing for a number of years, he actually started with guitar at a young age and still indulges in playing guitar but his passion is in his innovative tribal style drumming. He’s played in heavy metal, blues, original alternative pop and melodic acoustic bands and is fluent in all styles. His most desirable asset as a drummer is his creativity and freeform style. KC is self-taught and learns from lis­tening to some of his favorite rock legends like Led Zeppelin. KC currently plays in 2 original bands.

Matt Fasekas: Drummer

Matt started playing drums about 20 years ago and is self taught, he learned to play by performing with other musicians and a lot of practicing by himself, which he still believes is essential for self growth. Soon after mastering his skill he scored a job as a drum and light­ing technician for pop icon, Paul Revere and the Raiders. This job took him on the road for years and he had to put drumming aside for a while, until he was asked to fill in some shows for Paul Revere’s drummer and of course this made him want to play again and he’s been playing as much as possible for the last 8 or so years. Matt currently still works for Paul Revere and the Raiders and when he’s not out on a tour he plays with a local bluesy, hard rockin’ original band.

This is only our 1st lineup of mentors, the Acoustic Players Association has many members ready & willing to help young musicians as much as possible.