GILBERT BONILLA - GUITAR and UKULELE
Gilbert is a former student of the jazz legend of Howard Roberts, the founder and president of G.I.T. now known as Musicians Institute in L.A., recording artist, studio player and Jazz musician who has 32 albums and 2,000 recordings. Gilbert was also a student of Bill Thrasher, a Jazz Artist that has played with Joe Pass and helped Joe write many Jazz books.
Gilbert has experience in the studio and on the stage. He has recorded with United Artist L.A. producing commercials for both Dove and Alize H2O Company. His recording career didn’t stop there! He also recorded for the CBS Game show Marathon! Gilbert has been associated with Jerry Coelho for over 42 years and has been a full time teacher at the academy for the past 3 years. With over 11 years of private lessons and 46 years of playing experience, he is well equipped to provide all of his students with the skills they need to succeed in music.
Started Playing: Guitar at age 14 in Santa Maria, CA and quickly joined Local Bands. Since then, played in Gospel, Christian, and Secular bands.
Music Training: See Guitar Teachers below..
Guitar Teachers: Gilbert received his initial music training and foundation from Show Guitarist Rex Gallion and also from the Master of Film and TV Music Recording Howard Roberts. Howard Roberts was a West Coast Jazz Guitarist, educator, session musician and Producer. Howard Roberts founded the Guitar Institute of Technology (GIT) in Hollywood California now called Musicians Institute (MI) , and also wrote an acclaimed column called Jazz Improvisation for Guitar Player Magazine. Another teacher Gilbert trained with was Bill Thrasher, Jazz Guitarist who wrote and published music books for Joe Pass.
Turing and Performing: As a Guitar Session professional, recorded with United Artist in Los Angeles producing commercials for both Dove and Alize H2O Company. Also recorded for the CBS Game show marathon Let’s Make a Deal.
Teaching Music Since: 2006 at the Coelho Academy of Music.
