Today we’d like to introduce you to Seth Johnson
Hi Seth, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My interest in music started in childhood as my older siblings took piano lessons. The piano didn’t resonate with me, but the guitar was very alluring. My friend’s dad was a blues guitarist and I was amazed hearing him practice. After receiving a classical guitar for Christmas at 10, I started experimenting with the guitar and writing songs. I eventually bought an electric guitar for $5 from a friend’s older brother and took a few lessons with my friend’s dad. After a few lessons, I had enough of a foundation to start figuring out how to play Blues and some classic Rock songs. My first paid solo gig was at age 11 and there was no turning back. By the eighth grade, I had started a band and performed in local venues around Cleveland. Through high school, as my band’s popularity grew and my interests expanded, I started getting interested in Jazz and played in the high school Jazz band. This introduced me to a lot of more advanced musicians and made me want to learn more. After high school and one very formative year at Ohio State School of Music studying with Tim Cummisky, I moved to California where I began teaching, finished my Bachelor of Music degree (under the tutelage of classical guitarist Saul Gropman and Jazz guitarist Anthony Michael Peterson), and learned the ins and outs of being a professional musician. By graduation, I was playing music full-time to support myself. I then moved to New York to pursue a music career, and to attend graduate school. I studied with Jazz guitarist Vic Juris and other esteemed faculty at Mason Gross School of The Arts, but my real education came from performing and learning to support myself with music in New York. This is where I honed my teaching chops as well as my guitar chops. After the pandemic, it was time for a change and I decided to move back to California and that’s where I currently reside with my fiance and my dog. I teach, perform, record, and work every day to get better and help others do the same.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been a smooth road at all, and the struggle along the way was/is real. I was indigent more often than prosperous, I missed important family events because I was on tour, and I’ve been ripped off, taken advantage of, and treated like a second-class citizen. I’ve made some terrible choices and have shot myself in the foot on numerous occasions. But when things are good, it’s fantastic.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a guitarist and multi-instrumentalist specializing in Jazz, Classical, Soul/R&B, and fingerstyle guitar of all types. I am a passionate teacher, a recording artist, and a session musician. I’m most proud of my students and my new YouTube channel where I help people learn guitar and music theory. I’m also extremely proud of my latest studio project with drummer and producer Shawn Baltazor. This project is in production now and will be released early next year.
What makes you happy?
What makes me happy these days is spending time with my fiance and my dog, eating good food, playing music, and helping people learn to play music. All of these things bring richness to my life and make me excited to get up each morning.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://sethljohnson.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slj.lessons/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sethlojo
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@sethlojo?lang=en
Image Credits
Ian Gittler
