God bless you Jeff Berlin ! I had the profound privilege to be under your tutelage at M.I. during the 1986-87 era. I first became aware of you after being sincerely moved and motivated by how well thought out and organized your views on music and learning were, from your articles in Guitar Player magazine. Shortly after, I also became profoundly moved and motivated In my early musical life by your tone, mastery of your instrument and your compositions. Regarding the plethora of exciting people and reasons for me to attend M.I. at the age of 20, after I began playing bass and guitar at 15, my longing for a more organized and regimented learning atmosphere began with you, good sir, as the primary catalyst ! During this early period, I could not have been more pleased by how this year of study was just the beginning of the rocket ship of growth and learning In my musical world ! You always kept it real, never sugar coated it, and pushed us to be better In so many new and beautiful ways. It felt like an epic and standout year for so many reasons. My class was the only one that got to experience the original building, then move across the street to the new facility. Such a blessing ! There were so many other standout permanent and visiting faculty. Gary Willis, Scott Henderson, Joe Diorio, Alexis Sklarevski, Jim Lacefield, Jaco Pastorius, Billy Sheehan, Don Mock, Rocco Prestia, Paul Farnen, John Humphrey, Steve Bailey, Putter Smith and so so many other complete and utter Giants ! Jeff, you have never ceased to inspire and motivate me even to this day. From the absolute bottom of my heart, I Love you, I appreciate you, I'm grateful for you, and with my sincerest and best intentions, I pray for you and all of your loved ones !!! God bless you good sir ! 🐺
