Christopher James Fletcher

Which musician has influenced you the most? 
Stevie Ray Vaughn. Style diversity and the power that he could play with is still a goal for evryone to reach.

What can you teach me about your instruments different than any other teacher? 
I can teach you the shuffel drag that many miss during shuffles or swings that is critical to great rhythm playing. 

How did you learn to play your instrument?
To listen with your ears...to hear what is in your heart. The guitar isn't ever over... it's a life long study.

How do you go about writing a song or composing a piece yourself? 
Never an easy answer sometimes the melody comes first other times the chords. Sometimes the words are first. what counts most is to listen deep and except the piece for what it is.

On what equipment do you play today?
I play strat type of guitars mainly. I have a custom made amp (Wombat that I still can't get enough of... amps count.)

What personal trait has helped you when you practice the most? 
Chord etudes...to get from one great chord to the next, and to know which one works best for the situation. (Not all chords are equal.)

What does your instrument have that others don't? 
I have a early 70's strat... and it just has that...thing that people always ask...where'd you get that from? A fat neck...and a fat tone.

What you pay special attention to when you teach?
Getting it right and learning to feel the beat. To not get over whelmed with the tempo. To relax and be nice to yourself on the learning journey. 

How do you build up your music lessons? 
Warm up, review/questions, new theme/lesson play together. if there is a moment...(lick of the day...lol)

What do you do with children? 
To build physical strength first. To listen and learn small pieces that hold melody on their own. So they can feel and learn to hear where and what they want to play.

What was until now your greatest experience as a musician? 
Having the honour to share stages with some of my heros... but to also watch my students play 9/4 Frank Zappa piece. To share the stage with my students together. To share the music is the goal...to be part of it.

What was the largest stage that you've performed on? 
I've played the Roots and Blues music festival in Salmon Arm BC Canada, with David Honeyboy Williams and Luther Guitar Jr, Johnson (West side sound Muddy Waters guitar player.) about 2500-3000 people. Not sure...big enough for me. 

Which musician would you like to play with?
Robin Ford or Larry Carliton... style and soul. Just great vibes and from what I've seen great people.

Which record would you bring to a desert island? 
Couldn't stand the weather. Jazz rock and roll, swing and minor blues...plus that Vood chile...wow...

On which stage do you prefer to perform?
I'd love to play Albert Hall....one day I hope.

After music, what is important in your life?
Film and story teling.