Konversation with Guitar Teacher Kyle Green

Kyle: As many of your avid Konversai users would probably say, there is no typical day! In general, I try and wake up early and do some form of exercise. I recently bought a house in Portugal, so I spend a couple of hours refurbishing, and then I have my first real meal around 12pm. After lunch, I do a bit of organizational work for my professional life, after which I spend a few hours practicing guitar. The evenings are usually spent teaching students from around the world (via Skype) or heading out for a gig with my guitar. On the occasional night that I don’t have anything on the agenda, I try and make time for friends and family.

Konversai: How did you end up where you are today?

Kyle: This is a challenging one! A series of incredible events, to make it short, but with a bit more detail, it goes like this. I was born in a small town in the midwest of Michigan. Think big lakes, beautiful forest, and an unbearable amount of snow in the winter. I started playing guitar when I was 14, and by 18, I was playing professionally. I started teaching guitar shortly after finishing up high school. I started my studies in music education at Grand Valley State University in Michigan. I was focused in education and classical and jazz guitar. During one summer vacation, I had the opportunity to audition to play on cruise ships, and I got the gig! I spent the next 5 years playing with incredible musicians and traveling the world. It was an incredible experience. I was able to see about 49 countries and 140 cities! In my mid-twenties, I moved to New York to finish up my degree in music. I had the chance to study with an incredible faculty at CCNY as well as many amazing guitarists from around the city. After obtaining my degree, I started working for New York City Guitar School and Midori & Friends. I truly enjoyed my time working with both NYC Guitar and Midori. We changed a lot of lives through music! In 2016, I married the most wonderful lady from Portugal. We had met on ships 7 years earlier, and the time was finally right. I then left my work and New York after about 6 wonderful years in the city. That is when I started looking for different career paths. The idea of teaching through Skype or some other platform seemed appealing but impossible. I had seen different platforms used to connect people, but they often charged large fees and led nowhere. That is when I found Konversai. The idea behind Konversai is a great way to connect people with the same passions. I am excited to share my love for the guitar and to connect with more members of Konversai in the future! Now I am in Portugal and living the life I could have only dreamed of a year ago.

Kyle: I love connecting with people and sharing my passion for guitar and music. Now I can do it from anywhere I have my guitar and computer. Being able to work and be mobile is incredible. I don’t think I could ever go back to a “day job.”

Kyle: Meeting new people with unique musical interests. Getting to connect with others about what they love in music or guitar is really wonderful.

Kyle: Learning to play guitar is amazing, but it can be super challenging! Having the right instructor makes all the difference. I have taught thousands of lessons to a range of students, from beginners to absolute rock stars (no joke, I have taught a rock star)! Many people who have come to me have tried to learn before, but they did not have someone with patience who could break skills down into achievable exercises. Doing just that within the context of someone’s musical interest is my specialty!

Kyle: I could definitely use some Portuguese lessons!

Kyle: Have patience and persistence. You will need to earn the trust of seekers.

Kyle: I love eating!  Portugal has the most amazing cuisine! I also enjoy exercising, traveling, and quality time with friends and family!