Reuben Ve.

Originally from New Orleans, LA, I began playing guitar at age 7 and by 10 was performing in neighborhood garage bands. At age 12, I began private instruction with Atlantic Recording artist Randy Jackson of the band “Zebra”. From there, I taught local children in my mother’s living room. Initially, I had two students and within 3 months had 10-20. In 1987, my band “Fahrenheit” opened and toured with such bands as Zebra, Quiet Riot, Ratt, Cheap Trick, Heart, and Boston. Fahrenheit was a top drawing regional act and was signed with Atlantic records for a short time. Fahrenheit played hundreds of shows across the country before disbanding in 1991.

In 1991, I was accepted to MIT and graduated a year later. After which, I was asked to continue as an instructor for MIT in their “Summer Session” program and did so for three years. These classes consisted of upwards of 20-40 students. While at MIT, I was fortunate to learn from and play with such great artists as Eddie Van Halen, Vernon Reid, Alan Holdsworth, Prince, Paul Gilbert, George Lynch, Neal Schon, Steve Lukather, Jimmy Page, Steve Morse and Nile Rogers among others. While in LA I also worked on numerous studio projects.

In 1994, I began giving private lessons from my home in New Orleans and within a few weeks accumulated more students than I thought I could properly teach. So to ensure quality instruction, I limited myself to 30 students. Some of my students have gone on to tour with bands such as Lillian Axe, Quiet Riot, Don Dokken and Bullet Boys.

2004 - I was chosen by Guitar Player magazine to record six songs on a Van Halen tribute CD released by Metal Blade records.

I have designed my own instruction program. I begin with the basic guitar fundamentals and depending on the student’s ability we can eventually move onto advanced theory, concepts and technique. My preference is to teach beginner to intermediate students “rock” guitar ( Eddie Van Halen, Randy Rhoads, Jimmy Page, Steve Vai, etc). It’s my preferred music style and I’ve found that most beginning students enjoy learning it. I keep my lessons fun, interesting and flexible to the individual wants and desires of the student. However, I do stress accountability and commitment.

Presently I perform 2-33 times a week, both acoustic and full electric with my band, "Luna Blue. This will give my students the opportunity to watch me perform live and know that “I practice what I preach”. I love performing and teaching music. There is nothing more gratifying than to watch a beginner student progress to become a more serious, knowledgeable “musician”.