In addition to bonsai I have a few other passions.  One of those passions is playing the guitar.  I first picked up a guitar at 13 years of age.  I had some previous musical training with violin and piano, but the guitar was the one for me.  I enjoyed playing music with friends through school and afterwards, but only as an occasional hobby

A few Years ago my love of the guitar made me finally decided to become a more serious musician.  It was at this time that I sought out teachers who could help me in this journey.  I traveled to music camps and found a few guitar teachers locally.  I took lessons ever week for a few years.  It was during these guitar lessons that two different teachers suggested that I start teaching students how to play the guitar.

WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH BONSAI?

One spring I was reminded of my love of plants and the outdoors.  I stumbled across a garden center that had a greenhouse full of wonderful bonsai trees, pots, tools, and supplies.  I was thrilled.  I had always had an interest in bonsai, but never had an opportunity to follow that interest.  It was at this garden center that I found out about a bonsai club in the area and decided to investigate.

STUDY

The Greater Louisville Bonsai Society was a small club that was meeting once at month at that time.  I attended a meeting in the basement of a strip-mall and was immediately hooked.  I joined the club that very same day.

STUDY

Through the bonsai club I was able to take workshops conducted by other club members as well as traveling bonsai artists.  It was through these various workshops that I really began to grasp some of the fundamental aspects in bonsai.  I learned to wire, trim, and repot a tree.  I learned basic styling techniques.  I was able to do hands on work while getting advice from the other members of the club.  All of this was invaluable in my learning bonsai.

STUDY!

Not long after joining the club I learned of several conventions in the area that happened at different times throughout the year.  Having been bitten by the bonsai bug quite hard I made it a must to attend at least one major event a year.  It is at the conventions that one can get a lot of exposure to some really great teachings of a variety of bonsai experts.

GO FORTH AND TEACH

I thought it odd all those years ago that two of my guitar teachers would suggest that I begin teaching students how to play the guitar.  It was only recently that I started to understand.  When teaching, it is often the teacher learns just as much as the student. 

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On March 1st, 2008 I launched MatsuBonsai.com, an online bonsai store and bonsai blog.  In addition to selling bonsai related items I am also marketing my services.  If you are interested in learning more please feel free to contact me to find out more.