"I've been taking guitar lessons from JP for over 2 years and love it! He's passionate about teaching the basics and expanding them into whatever style of music you're interested in."
John's Musical Journey
Music has been a major part of John "JP" Pakalenka's life since he joined his first band at the age of 12 in the Boise, Idaho area. He continued playing and performing with this band through junior high and high school, and also started teaching guitar at age 17. When he graduated from high school, he was all set to hit the road for a long tour but after 3 months, the band returned home. He then received a call from a booking agent that got him back on the road again, this time for a good 7 years.
JP toured with a very popular band from Seattle. They toured most parts of the country including Alaska and Hawaii. In 1980, the band got signed in Los Angeles by Cannon Records and Films. The band starred in and performed the sound track for the movie "New Years Evil." Playing with a local blues band in Hollywood, JP was getting his feel back for the blues/rock genre he grew up on. Soon after, he became a member of a band that Peter Criss, a member of the music Hall of Fame legendary rock band KISS, was a part of. Though the band was never signed, they got a lot of national and international publicity and became surprisingly well known. In 1989, JP moved to Denver and met some local musicians with similar musical taste, quickly becoming involved with the music scene.
In 1995, he began teaching guitar again and found his passion for helping others. JP has been teaching electric, acoustic, and bass guitar lessons regularly for over 19 years and is well versed in all three instruments. He has taught students of all ages from 6 years of age to senior citizens and is able to work well with anyone that would like to learn! He would like to pass on this wonderful gift of guitar playing that started with him when he was just 12 years old, and to show that anyone can have this as a fun and creative outlet!
In addition to teaching, JP is active in the local music scene. From 2001 to 2008, JP served his church where he became a contemporary worship leader. He currently plays and performs in an original band, fills in for other various local acts, plays in multiple recording sessions, and records TV and radio commercials. Additionally, JP co-wrote music with a local producer in Denver for the big Jumbotron screens at Rockies baseball, Broncos football, and Avalanche hockey games. This won them local awards and national recognition.
Guitar playing is a lot like life! You can learn a lot about yourself, and be able to express a broad range of emotions and feelings through the instrument!