Harvey Willensky, Player Profile

Classical guitarist falls in love with jazz, improvising, and chord melodies.

Before MWG

• I wanted to improvise and play more freely.
• I'd never played with a group or backing track.
• Rhythms when soloing and comping were a struggle.
• I got lost in the form and couldn't hear chord changes.

After MWG

• I can improvise over standards in real time.
• My timing & rhythm has improved dramatically.
• My arrangements and chord melodies have improved significantly.
• Listening to jazz is more enjoyable. I now understand what I’m hearing.

“I’ve been playing classical guitar for 60 years, and jazz for 5. MWG’s structure, material, and support has given more experience and growth than any other musical learning experience I’ve ever had. Not only has MWG improved my jazz playing, it’s improved my classical playing as well.” – Harvey Willensky - USA

Jerry Battista, MWG Member

Big band guitarist making huge strides with comping, soloing, and jam session confidence.

Before MWG

• 55 years playing guitar, 15 years in a jazz big band.
• Needed to improve my improvisational skills.
• Struggled to comp melodically without a pianist to help.
• Over-analyzing and overthinking when soloing. (Performance anxiety)

After MWG

• Relaxed and spontaneous comping with better voice leading.
• Soloing is much more fluid.
• Uninhibited by fear of “breaking rules or “making embarrassing mistakes.”
• Confidence at jam sessions is greatly improved.

“MWG offers a rich on-line learning resource and organized curriculum for jazz guitarists at all levels and all ages. Matt’s courses, camps, workshops, office hours, and daily exercises are extremely helpful. His depth of knowledge on jazz harmony and the guitarist’s unique role is exceptional. He teaches material in a relaxed, friendly, and humble manner. He openly exchanges “tricks of the trade” and promptly responds to student questions, sometimes within minutes!” - Jerry Battista - Canada

Che Bonilla, Player Profile

This shy guitarist learned to comp, solo, & build chord melodies over standards.

Before MWG

• Struggled with soloing over standards.
• Didn’t know how to build or use jazz chords.
• Couldn’t play scales, modes, or arpeggios.

After MWG

• Soloing over standards with sidestepping, enclosures, & more.
• Nailing chord-scale relationships and how to solo with modes.
• Creating chord melodies over jazz standards.

“Being a part of MWG is like having a personal guitar teacher who shows up regularly at your home, whenever you need them, to clarity every issue. Matt's always there to answer ANY question, regardless of level or how simple you think the question is. The amount of material on MWG is enough to maintain your music education for years. On top of that, All Access members are the most helpful, warm, and kind folks out there. I started out shy, unwilling to post videos. Now I post almost daily and the support I receive has taken my playing way beyond my expectations.” – Che Bonilla - USA

David Williams, Player Profile

Telecaster player who’s comping and soloing in that cool Ed Bickert style.

Before MWG

• My main problem was jazz, jazz, and jazz.
• Struggled with creative comping and soloing.
• Understanding, hearing, and following chord changes.
• Being comfortable with jazz as it seemed like a mystery to me.

After MWG

• Comping melodically over jazz standards.
• Following chord changes without sheet music.
• Dynamics and phrasing are greatly improved.
• Able to transcribe melodies, chords, and solos by ear.

“My MWG experience has been amazing. I love the interaction between students in the studio, workshops and camps. It makes me feel comfortable learning guitar in an encouraging environment. The daily exercises motivate me to keep practicing (even though I don’t get to them all). I also appreciate Matt’s passion for the guitar, his expertise, and teaching philosophy. He's always encouraging me on my guitar journey! It's also fun to see other students grow as they practice and learn. Thank you, Matt, the MWG team, and fellow MWG members for making this a fantastic place to hang out and learn jazz guitar together!” – David Williams - Canada

Colin Gardiner, Player Profile

Procrastinating guitarist who now plays jazz every day.

Before MWG

• Wanted to learn jazz guitar, but never started.
• Had a cancer scare in my family, made me reassess my priorities.
• Procrastinated in my jazz learning process.
• Jazz seemed too complex, something I would never learn.

After MWG

• Removed all personal doubts about playing jazz.
• Have a consistent practice routine and seeing growth.
• Playing full jazz standards with confidence.
• Understand jazz concepts and how to use them in my playing.

“Matt is a terrific teacher. Very knowledgeable and always available. He works hard to make sure that players of all levels are find their way on their jazz guitar journey. As well, the Studio accelerates your progress and expands your interaction with other jazz guitarists. Between the courses, workshops, and Studio, MWG has all the bases covered. I recommend MWG to everyone wanting to learn jazz guitar and guitar in general.” – Colin Gardiner - Australia