Testimonials
At 7th Fret, we try to build a relationship with our students and their families. We enjoy hearing about their success in school and athletics and, most of all, we enjoy watching our students grow. It means a great deal to us when we can see our students leave us for college with their guitar slung over their shoulder. Thank you to all the students and parents who have submitted a testimonial.
 From Nick S., 8th grade

As Darin's student for almost seven years, I've come to really appreciate what a cool and inspiring guitarist and teacher he is. Most importantly, Darin is nice and very supportive of his students. If we mess up in our lessons, he patiently explains and helps us to improve without raising his voice or making us feel bad. He is a great guitar player and he's able to effectively transfer his knowledge and love of playing to us. His focus on technique and musicality have helped me to grow a lot as a guitarist. Darin provides many opportunities for us to improve as musicians through performances and ensembles. Playing in ensembles has been important in helping me develop my playing. Darin really cares about his students and is a very encouraging teacher. He cares about us as guitarists and as people. I hope to play the guitar forever and to be Darin's student for a long, long time.
from Randi M., parent

I just wanted to say thank you for arranging a class to fit Jett in. He LOVED it! Helena was great! Jett really took a liking to her. I've never seen Jett sitting so still, paying attention and so serious before. He is usually full of energy and always goofying around so it was a nice change to see him so focused and concentrating.
from Vicky L., 10th grade

"Mr. Abe [Iolani School Stage Band Director] recommended you. He says you've taught Stephen and Daniel Lim who are pretty dern awesome."
From Kristen, age 10

"What I like about guitar lesson is that my teacher Helena teaches me very well. And she's really patient, tutors me like she gives extra help, and telling me what to do and the right thing to do. She's the greatest teacher than my keyboard teacher. I'm happy to have a teacher like her."
From Alex,
Father of Sebastien, Age 9, Honolulu

Sebastien has been taking group lessons with Darin for over 2 years and enjoys guitar as much now as he did when he started. Darin is an excellent teacher. He demonstrates techniques while giving students essential corrective feedback on bad habits but doesn't neglect to reward positive kudos as they progress. He earns the respect of the students by respecting them as individuals, communicating openly and effectively to their age group, giving them challenges that are attainable, and running the lessons in a prompt and organized manner consistently.

My kids have had many music teachers and unfortunately, they have not always liked or enjoyed their lessons not because of the music or the instrument, but because of the teacher. Sebastien enjoys music, and he enjoys playing music through his guitar, and he is able to work towards a mastery of the instrument because he like and enjoys his lessons, his assigned songs and exercises, and this is all possible because he likes and enjoys his teacher, Darin.
From C. Hartwell, mom of 10th grader

...it's nice to see [our daughter] have a sense of what she wants to accomplish by practicing.

That's what I would credit to you the most. Your patience, and kindness, even during days when you knew she didn't practice much, kept her coming to class. She also says you both have a lot of fun together, and so I can tell you noticed that she likes to have fun at the same time and you use that to keep her interested. You've also provided general guidance about young people over the years and even though you didn't have kids that age, the advice was really helpful and valuable because you have so much experience with students that age.

You are also a role model for your students as a young, fun, person with a life, who's making a living from his passion.
From Kathryn C., 6th grade

I like to take guitar because it gives you a responsibility to practice good even when your mom isn't listening. It's really great when you're struggling on a really hard piece and then you get it. You can finally say,"I did it!". The recitals are fun because you get to have a time to present what you have accomplished and how high your ability rose within those small amounts of time that you were given to improve.
From Lois S., Leah and Josh's mom

Please let Helena know that she is super great!! Leah and Josh had a lesson together this Saturday and they went in fighting as usual and came out talking and said they had a great lesson. The power of music!