Reviews and Testimonials
Ted Little
"I've been through 3 teachers and never spent more than a couple of lessons with each. But with David, I wish I had started when I was nine"
Ted Little, student of 1.5 years
 Rob Bishop
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"It has been about 20 years that I have studied with Dave, with a 3 year absence while on the East Coast. My daughter has studied with Dave since she was 7 years old and is now 16. I really appreciate how casual and easy-going Dave is, and most especially how patient he is with my daughter. He teaches us how to appreciate the music not just how to play it. " Rob Bishop, student of 20 years |
"I played Blues and Rock guitar for forty years but being able to play classical guitar was always a dream. The technique and the musical skills needed to play classical are so much more strict than almost other style of guitar and learning it the wrong way can have dire consequences. I was lucky enough to find David here in Santa Fe and spent close to a year completely overhauling my technique and simply trying to become a better overall musician. David has the education, knowledge, skill and experience that kept me on the right path; consistently enforcing great technique in order to develop a beautiful tone. I would highly recommend
David to anyone looking for the type of guitar instructor that's not just going to teach you how to play notes, but instead he will craft you into a fine guitarist with great musical skills." James Kath, student for 1 year.
"I took lessons from David for 10 years, I think he's great! He seemed to know just the right way to push a busy adult student (job, family). He was always very understanding when other things in my life kept me from practicing and could generally be flexible with my schedule when needed, yet he always kept me interested and motivated. (I never once considered quitting my lessons, even though they required an hour's commute each way.) He had a good touch at suggesting music that would entice me and keep me going.
When we had a wedding celebration for our daughter a few years ago, David was the only live musician we considered having, and his music added a lovely touch to the atmosphere of a very fun party.
It's been almost 11 years since I stopped lessons from David and moved away. I've continued playing, more than ever. I enjoy playing at coffee shops and gallery openings, where my music is well accepted. Now that I have the luxury of more time, I often play for hours a day. Something I've really noticed is how much I still sometimes hear David's voice in my head - not just instructional comments, but thoughts about playing, about one's development as a musician, ideas that continue to fall into place and make so much sense to me, especially over time. I see that continuing influence as a sign of a excellent teacher, and I am very grateful for it!" Stephanie Bouchier, student of 10 years.
"I picked up guitar when I was in high school and I didn't know what I wanted out of life or music. I was angry about moving to Santa Fe away from my friends and family on the east coast and I felt alone in an alien landscape. My first guitar teacher was a chorus teacher in high school- the only way she knew how to play guitar was like a locomotive pounding on steel tracks. I knew I wouldn't learn how to express myself from her class. I had a few friends who were taking lessons from David and they suggested him to me, but I didn't know how I felt about classical guitar- I grew up listening to Hendrix, Simon, Clapton, Lennon, and Knopfler, and none of them were playing classical guitar, or so I thought.
I had created an image in my mind of David before I had taken any lessons from him- "This guy is going to be old and hunched over with grey nose hairs hanging out. He's going to have a splintered ruler hanging on the wall for threatening disobedient students who don't do their lessons.... " These were my last thoughts before I stepped into David's guitar studio for the first time. I was blown away with how friendly, cool, and awesome at guitar he was. He could play Segovia and he could play Hendrix. After I heard him play I wanted to learn both. David made a deal with me- if I learned the techniques and music of classical guitar, he would show me how to be a rocking guitarist as well. I was hooked and I continued lessons with David for the rest of high school. He prepared me for acceptance into the classical guitar program at the University of New Mexico. David's reputation had preceded him- the faculty knew the quality of student that David produced and it showed immediately in my technique and spectrum.
Even though I have moved away from Santa Fe, David and I have remained good friends. When I visit Santa Fe we get together for a lesson or a cup of coffee. I am grateful for the guitar lessons and the lesson on being a good friend. David was always there for a good laugh or advice that kept me focused on my dreams and aspirations. David Yard is multi-faceted and his talents are not just in education and guitar, but also on life, strength, courage, friendship, and laughter.
When my wife and I were married I was as excited to have him play at our wedding as I was for the wedding. He brought life to the chapel and created an atmosphere conducive to love, solemnity, spirituality, and happiness. He also accompanied a friend who sang "O Perfect Love!" at our wedding. He was able to arrange the music for guitar and provide a beautiful moment that will always live in our hearts. "
Elias D'Alessio, student of 4 years.
"I began studying classical guitar with David Yard around the age of twelve and continued to take lessons with him until I moved to New York City for college. With patience and kindness, he taught me all the fundamentals of music: theory, sight reading, improvisation, and technique. Though my personal taste in music and genre underwent many revolutions throughout the years I worked with Dave, the discipline of practicing classical guitar kept me grounded and provided me with a solid foundation from which to experiment with style.
Since moving to New York I have been lucky to play in a successful rock band and post-graduation was able to perform, tour, and record professionally. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without Dave’s encouraging me towards a creative process, with a good foundation of fundamental skills. I was able to develop my songwriting, and begin a career in music. The skills I learned from Dave have also enabled me to transpose my abilities to the electric guitar and bass as well as to play effectively with other musicians. I know I will be drawing on these skills for years to come on any instrument and in every musical context I encounter. I encourage anyone with an interest in guitar to take lessons with David Yard, as I continue to do each time I make a visit to Santa Fe."
Emily Oppenheimer, student of 6 years