Martin Navarro
About
I’m a jazz guitarist and teacher based in Cuenca, Ecuador, with over 7 years of experience teaching both online and in person.
My work focuses on jazz guitar, improvisation, fretboard understanding, applied harmony, rhythm, and musical language. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Music Instruction, and my teaching is grounded in a clear, structured approach that helps students understand how music actually works on the instrument.
I have studied with important jazz musicians such as Pasquale Grasso and Peter Bernstein, and I also perform regularly as a jazz guitarist. In addition to teaching, I host and play in jazz sessions, which keeps my work connected to real musical practice.
My goal is not simply to give students licks or patterns to memorize. I help students understand notes, intervals, triads, seventh chords, voice leading, phrasing, rhythm, and how to improvise with intention.
I work especially well with serious beginners, intermediate players, and advancing musicians who want a more musical and organized way of learning. Whether you want to build a strong foundation or deepen your improvisation and harmonic understanding, I design lessons step by step according to your level and goals.
Teaching Style
My teaching style is structured, practical, and highly personalized.
I usually teach from the inside out: first helping the student understand the fretboard, note names, intervals, chord tones, and rhythmic clarity; then applying that knowledge to improvisation, phrasing, repertoire, and musical expression.
Rather than relying on random shapes or disconnected patterns, I help students build a real understanding of the instrument. Depending on the student’s level, lessons may include:
- fretboard mapping and note recognition
- triads and seventh chords across the neck
- target notes and voice leading for improvisation
- swing feel, rhythm, and phrasing
- technique for relaxed and efficient playing
- jazz standards and language in context
- connecting ear, theory, and the physical layout of the guitar
I adapt to each student’s pace, but I work best with students who want depth, long-term progress, and real musical understanding.
Curriculum
My teaching method is structured, practical, and adapted to each student’s goals and level.
I focus on helping students understand music clearly on the instrument through fretboard knowledge, note recognition, intervals, triads, seventh chords, rhythm, phrasing, and applied harmony. Rather than relying on isolated shapes or memorized patterns, I guide students toward a deeper musical understanding that supports improvisation, repertoire, technique, and long-term development.
Lessons may include fretboard mapping, chord-tone improvisation, voice leading, swing feel, jazz language, technical organization, ear training, and standard repertoire, depending on the student’s needs.
I do not require one fixed textbook for every student. Instead, I use customized materials, exercises, lead sheets, backing tracks, transcription-based studies, and selected standard repertoire according to each student’s level and direction. When useful, I may also draw from jazz education materials and standard repertoire collections such as the Real Book.
Credentials & Affiliations
Bachelor’s degree in Music Instruction, Universidad de Cuenca, Ecuador.
Over 7 years of teaching experience in both online and in-person formats.
Active jazz guitarist and performing musician, with regular experience in live performance, jazz sessions, and ensemble work.
Private study with jazz guitarists Pasquale Grasso and Peter Bernstein.
Workshop and artistic training experience with saxophonist Su Terry.
Based in Cuenca, Ecuador.
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
Jazz guitarist, performer, and educator with 7+ years of teaching experience in online and in-person settings. Bachelor's degree in Music Instruction from the University of Cuenca. Specializes in jazz guitar, improvisation, applied harmony, fretboard understanding, rhythm, and ensemblebased learning.
SELECTED TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Private Guitar Instructor | 2020 - Present
• Personalized guitar and music theory lessons for
developing and advanced students, online and in person.
Guitar Instructor - University of Cuenca | March - July
2020 / March - July 2021
• Online guitar instruction in the Older Adults Program and
the CELEC Program, including lesson planning and
reports.
Music Theory and Language Teacher | 2017
• Group classes in music language and theory for children at
Casa Chahuarchimbana and Escuela Carlos Zambrano.
ARTISTIC EXPERIENCE
Director, Guitarist, Composer, and Arranger - Martín
Navarro Trio / Quartet | 2020 - Present
• Direction of a flexible jazz ensemble focused on
performance, original music, and arrangements.
Solo Project - Director, Producer, and Session
Guitarist | 2023 - Present
• Production of the album Fuego Azul, live jazz standard
recordings, and collaborative session work.
Performer - Jazz Ensemble, University of Cuenca |
2017 - 2020
• Performance of jazz repertoire in festivals and public /
private institutional events.
Active Jazz Performer and Jam Session Host | Cuenca,
Ecuador
• Regular participation in local jazz sessions and
collaborative performance settings.
EDUCATION
Bachelor's Degree in Music Instruction | University of
Cuenca | 2016 - 2023
ARTISTIC STUDIES
Private Jazz Guitar Study | 2017 - 2021
• Study with Peter Bernstein, Su Terry, Juan Pablo Naula,
and Freyler López.
Private Online Lesson with Pasquale Grasso | March 2025
• Jazz language and solo guitar resources.