Rick and Robin Santos, Dan Griffin and Mark Carvalho.
Guitar student Dan Griffin of Taunton MA was honored as Raynham MA-based Rick’s Music World’s first “Student of the Decade,” announced in front of a full house at its Annual VIP Holiday Student Bash event. Presenting the award were Griffin’s guitar teacher of 10 years, Mark Carvalho, plus Rick and Robin Santos, Owners of Rick’s Music World, Ltd. Griffin, an 18-year-old senior at Taunton High School, is the first recipient of this prestigious award. Griffin was presented with a Student-of-the-Decade Plaque, a gift certificate for $200 and an official Rick’s T-shirt.
Dan Griffin’s first recital, age seven.
Carvalho described Griffin’s accomplishments to the large crowd, composed of music students and their families. His achievements during 11 years of intense private guitar study, plus supplemental study of piano, laid solid groundwork for his expansion into performance and collaboration with other musicians. Through the years, he gained experience performing onstage at Rick’s Music through recitals and open mic. Participating in three seasons of Summer Jam Camp provided him with coached experience organizing, playing and singing in bands, culminating in live concert performances.
Carvalho said, “Dan first came to me at the age of seven years old and, from that very first day, Dan’s enthusiasm and desire to learn the guitar has never waned. Over the years, I have watched Dan grow, both as a musician and as an individual. I’ve always admired his extreme desire to learn and develop his skills, becoming an accomplished guitarist able to play any style of music with perfection.” Susan Griffin, his mother, added, “When Dan started going to Rick’s, he found others who loved music as much as he did. My husband and I are so grateful to Rick’s Music World for providing such a great and positive experience for our son.”
According to Rick Santos, “Taking advantage of all the additional opportunities presented to him here at Rick’s built Dan’s skill set, repertoire and, profoundly, his self-confidence.” Carvalho continued, “As a result, he is pursuing music education as his chosen career path, setting his sights for placement in one of the area’s highly respected music programs at distinguished universities, such as Berklee College of Music, U Mass Dartmouth and Rhode Island College.” Santos added, “He’s worked hard and we’re all just so proud of him.”