"Paul Battles was my son's guitar teacher through middle and high school. In addition to excellent technical training on the instrument, Paul's lessons included music theory and compositional concepts derived from his own exceedingly qualified training and experience. Never demanding, always encouraging, Paul not only gave my son the tools and the room he needed to grow, as a musician and as a young man; he also tactfully guided me in my role as a supportive parent. ( I also appreciated his professional yet flexible attitude regarding details of scheduling and payment.) In terms of learning goals, Paul's preparation enabled my son to gain admission to and succeed at one of the premier music colleges in the world. More than outcome, though, more than his intrinsic qualities as a good teacher, more even than the music, Paul's generous spirit and understated personal example of hard work, dedication and respectful collaboration offer a model any student might emulate." - Jean S.