The NAfME Council for Guitar Education seeks to promote and improve the teaching and performance of guitar in school settings. The Guitar Council also advocates for the lifelong study and appreciation of guitar music.
The NAfME Guitar Council collaborated and compiled lists of Guitar Best Practices for each year of study. They comprise a set of technical skills, music experiences, and music theory knowledge that guitar students should know through their scholastic career.
Kevin Vigil
Dr. Kevin Vigil (Dr. V) holds degrees from Shenandoah University (DMA), Yale University, (MM) and the University of Memphis (BM). He joined the faculty of Heritage High School in 2005-06.…
Council Members
Christopher Perez (2024-2026), Past Chair
Director of Guitar Studies
Freedom High School
Orlando, Florida
Jayson Martinez (2024-2026), Eastern Division Representative
Guitar Teacher and Adjunct Professor of Guitar Studies
Arts High School and Kean University
Newark, New Jersey
Ruth LeMay (2023-2025), North Central Division Representative
Founder and President of 3 Strings, Inc.
3 Strings, Inc and Minneapolis Public Schools
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Jared Tanner (2022-2024), Northwest Division Representative
Band and Guitar Teacher
Liberty High School, Issaquah School District
Renton, Washington
Rob Pethel (2023-2025), Southern Division Representative
Music Educator, Audio/Video Educator, Lead Technology Teacher
Atlanta Public Schools
Atlanta, Georgia
Gwen Marie Lerch (2024-2026), Southwestern Division Representative
Director of Guitar
Santa Fe Public Schools, Capital High School & Ortiz Middle School
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Darin Au (2023-2025), Western Division Representative
Academy Faculty
Punahou School
Honolulu, Hawaii
Michael Klein (2024-2025), Member-At-Large Representative
Guitar Teacher
Green Valley High School
Henderson, Nevada
Adam Kossler (2024-2025), Member-at-Large Representative
Professor of Guitar and Area Coordinator
Appalachian State University
Boone, North Carolina
Ricardo Paz (2024-2025), Member-at-Large Representative
Guitar Teacher
Riverside Arts Academy
Riverside, California
