Before coming in for lessons, I was a singer-songwriter-guitarist. Em, without the guitarist part. I was pretty good at guitar, but I wanted to go beyond strumming simple chords into more of a finger style/finger picking method. Luckily, I came across Zen Guitar Studio in a google search. It's the first thing that popped up. Why did I chose this particular teacher over others? The fact that he had a serious background in classical guitar. And the fact that he had taught at one of the most prestigious music schools in the country (Indiana University Jacobs School of Music-Bloomington). I know it's a top tier school because my cousin studied opera there. I strive to be the best I can be at everything I do and in order to do that, I knew I needed a top tier guitar instructor like Jorge. What did I learn at Zen Guitar Studio? I could probably write a book about it, but I learned a great deal. First of all, Jorge is big on fundamentals and mastering the basics, so we worked a good amount of time on the physics of playing guitar. I like his emphasis on the physics of playing guitar. I am big sports nut who played basketball in high school (all 5 foot 9 of me). His zen method is centered around the principles of physics, athletics, sports science the principles of relaxed control. I will get back to the basketball part later. I learned how to coordinate both hands and how to achieve independence of the fingers on both hands (this is crucial for more advanced playing). And although he didn't force it on me, he introduced learning to actually read music. Most guitarists can't read music to save their lives (including some teachers I've heard of). He also introduced me to some more advanced music theory (this really helped my songwriting btw). He taught me the more subtle aspects of playing, tone, musicianship, technique and flow. I learned how to play counterpoint where the guitar was playing a higher melody, a middle harmony and a lower bass all at the same time. This is what really got me excited. The possibilities of the guitar were greatly expanded. Where am I today with the guitar? The guitar parts of my songs have become increasingly complex, almost like they could stand alone without the vocal accompaniment. But one of the biggest revelations was the discovery of the great works composed for the classical guitar! Wow, this stuff blows my mind. It's high art, not just strumming around. Some of this music was composed over 500 years ago. So, today I am playing a few etudes by Carcassi and a Spanish piece called Capricho Arabe. I never ever never ever imagined that I would be able to play music like this. And of course, this leads us right back to basketball. One of the greatest players in the NBA is Steph Curry from the Golden State Warriors. I wish I could post a youtube link here, but Jorge sent me a link of Curry and his personal coach. It was amazing to watch. 20 different ways on how to dribble a ball! Left hand, right hand, juggling a tennis ball while dribbling etc. That's exactly how Jorge teaches. He explores all of the technical possibilities in order to prepare students for anything they will encounter in playing MUSIC. I've come a long way and still have a ways to go, but I am very happy with "Sensei" Jorge. If guitar or classical guitar is on your bucket list, I would definitely recommend this teacher. read more

I live in Harbor East. Originally I thought I would try taking classical guitar lessons at the Zen Guitar Studio simply because it was within walking distance to my house, but I soon realized how lucky I was to find such an accomplished instructor as Jorge. Let me explain. I've been doing yoga and meditation for years, and I guess the name of his studio caught my attention. I am delighted to say that it was no gimmick. This instructor has an uncanny ability to sense student weaknesses such as excessive tension, incorrect position of the hands, arms and torso. And he really teaches is a zen-like manner. I love his zen method approach to learning the guitar. His approach is methodical with a big emphasis on mind and body awareness. The lessons are fun and instructive without being too stuffy. To back track a bit - I tried teaching myself guitar by watching YouTube videos before seeking lessons, but there's no way you can learn guitar by watching amateur videos. Ask yourself this - Can you learn ballet, karate or tennis by watching videos? The answer is a resounding NO!! You need a one on one instructor, not just any instructor, but THIS instructor. He sees EVERYTHING. His teaching philosophy incorporates heightened awareness of both body and mind. His approach trains the arms, hands and each individual finger with great care. Jorge's attention to detail expedites the process of learning guitar. He always says that with good form and technique one can play any style of guitar. It's a philosophy that goes well beyond any particular genre or style of playing. Although he has a thorough background in classical guitar, he is equally at home with other styles like pop, blues and rock (he actually has a good singing voice too) But his approach is definitely informed by his classical background. There's a discipline there. I've seen my playing improve consistently. I now have a solid sense of how the hands and arms should work and this has helped me surpass some of my goals. I still have goals. I would like to play Bach one day! You can feel that he's played and taught the great classical literature of great antiquity, but you also sense that he can just as easily pull out a Radiohead tune. Jorge can teach you anything from Bach to the Beatles in a fun yet practical way. I definitely see that I've made great progress over the course of just a year. It takes a bit of dedication, but he will steer you in the right direction to achieve your musical goals. Have you ever read Zen in the Art of Archery? He's THAT kind of teacher. You don't feel like you're in a guitar lesson. You feel as if the lessons are more expansive somehow. If you enjoy yoga or meditation, then I highly recommend Zen Guitar Studio. You will thank me later. read more

Jorge Rios of Zen Guitar Studio was listed on the Baltimore Classical Guitar Society site which was founded by the great classical guitarist, Manuel Barrueco from the Peabody Conservatory. I'm a big fan of Maestro Barrueco. My dad used to have some of his old CDs that I'd listen to. Every major city I've lived in had a classical guitar society. So when I moved to Baltimore, I knew the best teachers would be listed there and I was not wrong. I had previously studied with other amazing players, but not all great players make good teachers. My previous experience with classical guitar teachers was good, but not great, a bit spotty. So at our first lesson, the first two things I noticed was his pleasing demeanor and his beautiful "zen" teaching classroom. He had two chairs, two music stands and two foot stools in an uncluttered spacious room. He fondly called it "the sacred space". Beyond the initial first impression, I was intrigued with his personal method, something that he said had evolved over many years of teaching and his own background in martial arts and meditation. Since I was already playing at a relatively high level (for an amateur), we started out with Carcassi's 25 Etudes for Guitar. But even though I thought I had the fundamentals down, he would often go back to square one (posture, right/left hand form, technical considerations). Over and over and over again, to this day. But we've progressed onto more challenging pieces since then. His Zen Method of Guitar is the most comprehensive and innovative method that I am aware of. In a strange way, guitar playing is almost secondary or at least it seems so. He often emphasizes meditations (technical drills) that seem almost divorced from actually music making, but there is a method to his "madness". His primary goal is heightened sense perception awareness (just like in zen). This is the ground from which all else rests upon. He treats the body like it's a machine, because that's what the body actually is, a machine, a system of levers and pulleys, while never losing sight of one's"spirit". When the Covid pandemic hit us, I was impressed at how he shifted gears without missing a beat (or a lesson) to online Zoom lessons. We continued online lessons for a few months until things opened up again. His central idea is that as awareness grows, the machine grows in subtle refinement, with the ultimate aim of finding expression as a human art, the art of guitar playing. Exceptional instructors like Jorge, put as much energy into teaching complete beginners as advanced players. In that sense, he treats them equally. I am very fortunate to have found him! Thank you BCGS!! read more

Although I had played classical guitar for a few years, I was pleasantly surprised when I walked into the teaching studio for the first time. The instructor is like a jujitsu master, big on form and technique. I had always had a decent musical sense, but I lacked technical skill (I just didn't know it). He has an impressive teaching background, having taught both at the university level and privately - with a great wealth of knowledge about anatomy (how the muscles/hands work) as well as musical considerations. At the first lesson, he diagnosed several of my main technical issues. He had me play a three octave scale (of my choice), an arpeggio and one measure of tremolo (repeated over and over). Within 15 minutes he had uncovered the weaknesses that had been holding me back for years. I was immediately convinced. I knew right away, that he was the perfect teacher for me. It was just a gut feeling. Jorge has the ability to disaggregate complex motions into their simpler digestible smaller parts. He's strict without being forceful, humorous without losing sight of the discipline necessary for progress. If you've ever played any sport or played an instrument, you will appreciate this instructor's approach. He's like your own personal sports coach with a well thought out exhaustive method. He takes you by the hand, step by step. One of his mantras is that music is essentially a sport. It's essential to learn how to move the hands without excessive tension and with economy of movement. But don't let this scare you, lessons are a lot of fun. He's a very congenial and easy going person. He always says: "I can't give you a soul, but I can teach you how to move your hands, master technique in order to transcend it for higher musical purposes" That's like Jedi stuff! With a little bit of patience, I am convinced he can help anyone become a great player. I can't recommend Jorge enough, he not only transformed my playing - he has transformed the way I approach life outside of music. He teaches MASTERY and this can be applied to almost any other endeavor. He teaches students HOW to LEARN and what to practice. He is a true guru of guitar. Thank you SENSEI !! read more

I studied violin for about 10 years, but I always loved the sound of the classical guitar. Even as violinist, I think some original works for solo violin are better realized on the classical guitar due to it's ability to handle true polyphony/counterpoint. I had studied privately with a guitar teacher in New York for two years, so I was eager to continue on my studies at Zen Guitar Studio shortly after arriving to Baltimore. Jorge is more than just a guitar instructor. He's a consummate musician and teacher. He goes beyond the bounds of the music into its psychological meaning. He's really helped me progress, especially with my right hand. The right hand in classical guitar is a whole other beast. Violinist don't use our right hand in the same way - we have a bow. At first the thought of playing multi-voice music was a bit intimidating, but his graded studies, drill-meditations and etudes really helped me synchronize both hands. He teaches a wide range of students and I've noticed the progress of some of his younger students as well as my own progress. He really puts effort into teaching each student in a unique way and I appreciate that because students learn at their own rate and in their own way. At least, I know that is the case for me personally. Since he posts many other student videos on YouTube, I get see how his other students are progressing. It's inspiring. He's a kind and gentle teacher with a firm hand and a great sense of humor. We are getting to the point now where we are approaching some transcriptions or works by Paganini and JS Bach. I am really happy with how Jorge has helped me reach my goals as he encourages me to go past them. If you want to learn in a practical, results-oriented, step by step approach then Zen Guitar Studio should be first on your list. read more

Unique guitar instructor. He combines a wealth of insight into the mastery of the guitar. I've studied with two other teachers, but his Zen approach is by far the best in my opinion (at least for me personally). The lessons are intense and at the same time relaxed. He has a great sense of humor, but has this uncanny ability to help me solve musical and technical issues in my playing. There's an emphasis on relaxed-control, economy of movement, energy and form. This instructor is a fantastic teacher, player and communicator. One cannot learn classical guitar without a teacher, it's too complicated. Jorge has a gift for taking obstacles and breaking them down to the nth degree until I am able to grasp smaller pieces of the puzzle in order to put them back together For example in a complex piece by Bach. Several of his students have won awards and scholarships to some prestigious institutions including myself. Great person, excellent teacher. His rational step by step approach works well with goal oriented disciplined students who do not want learn bad habits. Highly recommended read more

Coming from a pop/folk background my original intention was to learn how to finger pick. Jorge is a very congenial person, very open. He's a great listener and he sees everything. After a few months I progressed to some classical pieces that I had never known. Now I'm really enjoying the guitar more than ever. There's something about learning classical technique that lends itself to all other styles. I have a background in sports and he teaches much like a trainer or coach. As he always says, "In order to play any instrument, you must know how to move." And coming from my background I understood him immediately. He has many drills for both left and right hands that leave no stone unturned. He keeps bad habits at bay by always taking care to correct faulty positions. He also has his unique M.R.B.O.D.L method which is a great way for hand independence. I know some of his other students and we all agree on one thing. If you're looking for the quickest way to quality playing, then his method is for you. Great guy. And teacher. read more

I've studied with this Jorge for 5 years. I had one teacher before him, but I really wanted to learn finger style guitar and classical. In a nutshell I have been driving to and from Annapolis every Thursday for a one hour lesson. That equals 3 hours of my time per week. I run my own business and time is VERY valuable to me. I would not keep doing this if he was not a good instructor. Need I say more? He's excellent with details and knows how to teach. He's a teacher that people seek out. I'm very happy with the progress I've made over the years. 5 stars. read more