Teacher Spotlight: Flavio Silva

Flavio Silva is a musician who is part of a new generation of Brazilian composers and instrumentalists that has been breaking through the musical scene of different places, such as Brazil, The Netherlands and most recently, New York. In 2019 he was named "best guitarist" by Hot House Jazz Magazine and later this year will be releasing a new album. Silva has taught on Lessonface since 2018 and has quickly become a student favorite. We interviewed this month's Teacher Spotlight from his home in New York City.

1. What was the first instrument you played?

My first instrument was the acoustic guitar.

2. Who are some of your musical influences?

My influences are very broad, but I can mention Michael Jackson, Earth Wind and Fire, Wayne Shorter, Freddie Hubbard, George Benson, Scott Henderson, John Scofield, Pat Martino, Jesse Van Ruller, Arismar do Espírito Santo, Alexandre Mihanovich … there are so many.

3. Any advice for someone trying to learn guitar online?  

My advice is to know what kind of questions you want to ask the teacher. That makes the lessons clear and on point, the student will benefit more when it is clear what they would like to learn/work on.

4. What is your favorite medium for performance? Live, audio or video? Why?

Live for sure, the energy exchange we have with a live audience is something special, seeing people enjoying the music, clapping, smiling, that’s a whole different thing and it makes the difference while performing.

5. What makes a good guitar player?

Focus, discipline, knowing what it should be played on a certain musical situation, to play what you are asked to, to not play too loud, and to know your instrument well in order to be able to play and improvise.

6. Describe your favorite and least favorite part about being a musician.

Favorite part is performing with a group of friends and great musicians, it is so much fun. The least favorite part is booking gigs, it can be tiring to have people not answer your emails and the only thing we can do is keep trying.

7. What’s next for you?

I’m releasing a new album in 2023 named ẹkọ, which means Lesson in Yoruba. With that, I’ll be working on touring and presenting the music on this album, as well as a new project with my friend and great saxophonist Elijah Jamal Balbed with Pat Bianchi on Organ and E.J. Strickland on drums.

Student Reviews:

"Patient, laid back, adjusted to my very specific guitar goals and provided me clear next steps."-Tahsin C.
"He is kind, was generous with his time and he followed up the lesson with some materials he promised to send me." -Julia M.
"He is a calm and relaxed personality and in my hectic life, I appreciate that!"-Michael O.

To learn more about Flavio or book a one on one lesson with him, check out his Lessonface profile.