I was wondering how I would go about getting artist deals for gear and for guitars, and how I would go about achieving some of my goals, i have attended Musicians Institute and recieved a fine education although I was there for a short time, i alread own some very expensive and reliable/professional gear,I give lessons at a local guitar shop and i am afraid i have set higher goals, no shit... I do enjoy teaching and would love to teach at a higher level, I have become more interesting in your playing and techniques through the years by way of megadeth and guitar magazines along with some people you know. I want to get professional gigs and lets say 'get my break' fame isnt all that important but success and respect are at the top of my list. I am only 19 years old and I have attained musicialy what many most would achieve at half my age, most being the majority, you being a lot better than me, the minority, but i aspire to be in that minority and i aspire to be great. I just want advice to advanc emy career, achieve my goals, and get to do what i want with music everyday, lofty goals perhaps, but never the less, help.

Quentin....

My advice is get in or put together a band and give it your undivided attention for years. Make it great and don`t mess around. So much about `making it` in the music biz has very little to do with how you play your instrument, but more to do with how you can use your resources and `make something` a song, an image, an album, a tour, a clientele of students, a following for your band, etc. You have to prove that what you do is worth something (read-money) to someone, hopefully many people. You will be faced with that challenge throughout your entire music career. Time to be creative and start working! Good luck to you.