"I started playing guitar sometime in 1989 fuel by my obsession of Slayer, Kreator, and Megadeth. I played for about a year when I was asked to play bass for a band called Ilbred. I accepted their off and remained their bass player for the better part of 10 years.  Playing bass in Ilbred was very challenging since I had only played guitar for a year and never even touched a bass before the first practice.  I learned a lot playing with the band, but I also feel it held me back in my playing as well. I recorded a three song demo and a nine song cd with the band which was a very rewarding experience, before we called it a day in late 1999. After the break up I found myself loosing interest in playing and need something to keep me going. I wanted more from myself but didn’t have the skills to accomplish it. At about the same time my friend Mike started taking lessons with George and suggested I do the same.  I decided to give it a try, and that brings me to the present.  I’m very interested in learning all styles of music and becoming a more rounded musician. Currently I’m learning to read music and learning some theory which I’m finding to be very challenging, and I look forward to advancing in all areas of my playing.  It should prove to be a long but rewarding adventure, thank you George for taking the time to help me in my renewed interest in playing guitar.  In the short time I have taken lessons with you, you have proved to be an excellent teacher and my newest influence."

- Steve Castaldi