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James Plasencia

I began playing the guitar at age 13, my father was the first person to teach me about chords, lead and rhythm playing. My parents listened to R&B, soul and rock music. I come from a musical family my grandfather played guitar as well as my uncle and other distant relatives. It was only natural that I too would aspire to be a musician. I continued to play by ear and I would jam with school mates and other older musicians hoping to learn more about music. I then aquired my first multi track recorder, a Tascam Porta One and soon began recording music in my bedroom. Around this same time I attended Musicians Institute in Hollywood California and graduated in 1988 recieving my certificate. There I studied with the best instructors and had the unique opportunity to learn from and watch great players such as Dan Gilbert, Ross Bolton, Paul Gilbert, Russ Parrish, Paul Hanson, Scott Henderson, Norman Brown, Richard Smith, Carl Shcroeder and Nick Nolan just to name a few. After graduation I auditioned for various bands and began recording my first demo. I also taught guitar at a local music store in San Dimas California. I have played in a noveau flameco trio, a classic rock band, blues band and most recent a smooth jazz/R&B group. I've struggled to get my music out into the world and will continue to play the guitar and share my musical ideas with others. I hope to record and new cd of original and cover songs in the near future. Bio: Graduate GIT, Member of BMI, runner up West LA "Guitarist of the Year 1990," Guitarmeggedon "judge" 2005 in store competition West Covina, featured in "Guitarnine Undiscovered" section, live and recording experience, one on private guitar lessons.

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