In episode 182 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I talk with Belmont University guitar instructor Mike Valeris about education captivated by the magic of guitar music music and eager to unravel the mysteries of music theory, you're in the right place.

I'm Desi Cerna, your host, fellow guitar enthusiast, and author of fretboard theory,

Guitar Theory for Dummies, Lead Guitar Unlocked, and more.

Today, I'm joined by guitarist and educator Mike Valeris.

Mike is an adjunct guitar instructor at Belmont University here in Nashville, where he teaches commercial music and improvisation.

In this conversation, we dig into Mike's full guitar journey, how he got started, his early

influences and band experience, and the long road of learning that includes both a music

education degree and a master's degree. And Mike is one of the

guitarists in the heart of rock and roll, the same tribute band I occasionally play with myself,

which made this conversation especially fun. It's going to be a great discussion, but before we

dive in, I want to remind all of my listeners that you can sign up for a free video course

calibrated to your current level at my website, Guitarmucetory.com. Whether you still need to

learn the basics, or you need help with bar chords, finger-picking, guitar soloing, or understanding

music theory, I can take out the guesswork and provide you with a step-by-step plan so you make your best progress and reach your music goals.

Enroll in your free video course now at Guitarmucetory.com, you can click on, welcome to the Guitar Music Theory podcast.

Thanks for having me.

Well, Mike, why don't we start off with you telling people what you do?

Well, I'm a music educator and professional musician here in Nashville.

I'm originally from the Boston area.

My career has always been kind of twofold.

I've always played. I've always taught in various

capacities. When back in Massachusetts, actually I started out teaching in the public school system

...