Musso in tune with music students
The most important educational tool in Paul Musso’s arsenal isn’t his guitar, his publications or his sheet music—it’s his ability to relate to students and share open dialogue with then.
Musso, senior instructor in the Music and Entertainment Industry Studies program, is the College of Arts & Media’s 2006 Excellence in Teaching honoree.
“Each student’s opinion and feedback is essential for instructional growth,” Musso explains. “I have found many answers to perplexing questions by simply asking students informal questions about my effectiveness as a teacher and our program.”
Lest anyone believe that open communication means Musso is an easy instructor, note that about half of the guitarists who audition to enter the professional degree do not succeed.
“Professor Musso is renowned in his college for the high standards he has set for his students,” says Kathryn Maes, interim dean for CAM. “Students who do succeed in that program have an excellent record achieving employment . . . with Professor Musso’s leadership, the guitar program has developed a core of excellent musicians who are in high demand.”
Much of Musso’s innovative teaching techniques can be credited to his continued career as a musician. His third book, including Finger-style Jazz Guitar/Developing Jazz solos, is due for summer publication. He boasts a number of CDs, a long list of performances at venues such as the Houston Fine Arts Center and the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, and was chosen Denver’s Best Guitarist in 2000 by Citysearch.com.
While these accolades are testament to his outstanding performing career, his students are quick to point out his outstanding teaching abilities, especially when it comes to tackling difficult concepts.
“I can honestly say I have not had a better teacher in my college career,” writes student Sean Carnahan. “Most everybody walks out of [Musso’s] classes feeling like they understand the concepts—even if they are very advanced—because he takes the time to break it down.”
Adds student Dmitri LeeNatali, “I saw him play in class one day and thought to myself, ‘Wow! This guy really loves what he does!’”