Kevin Taylor

Kevin Taylor is founder of the Childbloom Guitar Program. He has taught guitar for over 40 years, including 17 years in conservatory and university settings. He is contributing editor to ”The Childbloom Monthly Newsletter” and has written over 350 articles about raising the musical child. He teaches in Austin and Round Rock. His many students have excelled in their skill and love for music winning many competitions and awards for their playing. He has instructed nine guitarists who have appeared on the national NPR radio show, ”From The Top.” He is Director and composer for Austin Bella Corda Guitar Ensemble and is Artistic Director of ”The Young Performing Artist Program.” Mr. Taylor is also a composer specializing in music for guitar ensemble. His compositions have been played throughout the nation and Western Europe. He has recently created a high-school curriculum to teach music though guitar ensemble, which is now being used in schools in Texas. He and his wife live in Austin, Tx.

KEVIN’S TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

”My teaching is focused on the student. I realize that young children must build motivation along with skill. If children are motivated, nothing can stop them from excelling. I have over 40 years experience with music, art and the techniques of guitar playing, so those are the elements I seek to communicate to the student. I understand the influence parents have in their child’s motivation and I work with parents to the ends they desire. What is important in my classes is learning, not teaching. I am as proud of my students who play at church, for their grandparents or at home for their pets, as I am of the kids who play on the concert stage. I am honored to bring music into the lives of young people.”

Slobodan Vujisic

Slobodan Vujisic (Slo’bo’dan’ Voo-yi-sich) began his guitar studies at the exclusive “Josip Slavenski” School of Music in Belgrade, Yugoslavia. In 1975, at the age of 19, he won the Yugoslav National Guitar Competition. After attending The University of Belgrade Law School for four years, he continued his musical studies and received his performance degree from the state conservatory “Orazio Vecchi” in Modena, Italy.

He has performed with Yugoslav Guitar Du), Guitar and ViolinDuo, Flute and Guitar Duo, University of Texas Early Music Ensemble, Musica Antiqua Consort, Ensemble Renaissance, Texas Early Music Project, Ensemble La Folia and others. While in Europe, Mr. Vujisic toured with his early music group Ensemble Renaissance from 1981 until 1994 when he moved to Austin from his native Belgrade.

Mr. Vujisic’s career has included teaching music to elementary and secondary students in Europe for 15 years, where his students have won 16 awards in national competitions. Before moving to Austin in 1994, he was a full time Professor of guitar at the state music school “Slavenski” in Belgrade. He began teaching for the Childbloom Guitar Program in Austin, TX. in April of 1994, and was recognized as a “Instructor and Motivator of the year” in 1999 and 2004. During his tenure with Childbloom , his students have won prizes at several Regional and National competitions, including the most prestigious GFA Youth Competition.

Mr. Vujisic teaches in North West Austin near 183 and Anderson Mill Rd., with his wife Neli, the piano teacher, and his daughter Mia, a Texas Tech Red Raider.

SLOBODAN’S TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

My teaching philosophy comes from over 30 years experience teaching children. My aim as a guitar teacher is to approach lessons with my students in a creative, fun and stimulating way. It is my ultimate goal as a teacher to develop the inner artist in my students and instill a life –long enriching relationship and love of music through playing the guitar.

Every student is unique and different. Each student has their own personality and learning style, and my goal is to work with that to help him or her get the most out of their lesson time.I believe that it is a great privilege to be a musician. I am grateful for being able to spend my days devoted to an art form that continually inspires me, and for having the opportunity to share that art form with others.