<p>Don Mock's musical upbringing probably closely parallels that of any guitarist who started out in the Sixties. He was wooed to guitar from school band instruments like clarinet and drums by the appearance of the Beatles. A teenage athlete, his competitive spirit spilled over into his early playing experiences as all the local players tried to see who could learn the latest and fastest solos from rock guitar hero's like Alvin Lee, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix and Mike Bloomfield. Don's reputation grew as he did, from the rock guitarist to the jazz guitarist in the Northwest. His ability to quickly learn the styles of other guitarist turned out to be quite an advantage in the long run.</p>
<p>After evolving through the various rock, blues and jazz phases, borrowing from all the best, Don Mock is now the master of his own style, a style that is literally a "fusion" in the purest sense of the word. Don is well know amongst guitarist for his amazing technique and total command of the instrument. His improvising concepts have been documented in several instructional books including, "Hot Licks", "Fusion - Hot Lines", "Artful Arpeggios", "Ten",&nbsp; and his recent Warner Bros. "Guitar Scale Secrets" series. He also has three instructional videos "The Blues from Rock to Jazz", "Jazz Guitar Tips" and "Jazz Rhythm Chops".</p>
<p>Don Mock has a unique music career, balancing performing and recording<br />
&nbsp;along with teaching, writing and video producing. Growing up in the Seattle, Washington, Don played in several of the areas top rock and later, jazz bands. He began his teaching career in 1972 at the Cornish School of the Allied Arts and Olympic Jr. College, both in Washington State.&nbsp; In 1974, Don met guitar legend Howard Roberts, and soon managed guitar teaching seminars in the Northwest for Howard. In 1977, Howard brought Don to Los Angeles to help start the Guitar Institute of Technology (GIT). Don became a primary instructor and curriculum author for the school.</p>
<p>That same year, Don teamed up with publisher Roger E. Hutchinson (REH) to write and produce guitar method books. Don taught full time at GIT until 1983, then began a part-time arrangement while commuting back and forth from L.A. to Seattle. He also traveled around the U.S. and to Europe giving seminars to promote GIT with Howard Roberts, Robben Ford, Keith Wyatt and Tommy Tedesco.</p>
<p>In L.A., Don had a exciting fusion band and performed at most of the top jazz venues. The band developed a large following of students and fans alike. <br />
&nbsp;Don became well known for his intense style, and unique guitar synthesizer playing. He also showcased his acoustic side as a member of the acoustic guitar trio with blues vet Robben Ford and fingerstyle wizard, Jamie Findlay. In 1983, GIT (now with it's parent name MI) added video to it's curriculum, and Don was brought in to direct most of the 300 (30 to 60 minute) videos. And in 1988, when REH began its very successful instructional video line, Don was hired as the primary director and producer.</p>
<p>Don has worked on video projects with a virtual "who's who" of modern guitar. Don's talent and expertise as a player and teacher, as well as video producer, have been a huge benefit to the many artists who have been featured in REH's videos. Artists include: Joe Pass, Alan Holdsworth, Robben Ford, Scott Henderson, Herb Ellis, Steve Morse, Paul Gilbert, Pat Martino, Albert Collins, Shawn Lane, Chuck Rainey, Blues Saraseno, Frank Gambale, Carl Verheyen, Kee Marcello, Al DiMeola, Roscoe Beck, Keith Wyatt, John Petrucci, Bret Garsed, Gary Willis, Steve Bailey, Victor Wooten, Joe Diorio, Steve Travato, Clint Strong, Mark Hansen and many more.....</p>
<p>As a recording artist, Don Mock has appeared as a side man on several<br />
&nbsp;albums and has two solo efforts:&nbsp; <br />
&nbsp;"Mock One" and "Speed of Light".</p>
<p>&nbsp;Don is also a life-long fan of unlimited hydroplane racing and has produced and written music scores for several boat racing video productions. He currently heads up the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museums video productions adding his unique compositions and guitar talents to the programs.</p> |