Larry McCabe was born in Kansas City, Missouri. He studied music with a number of teachers including Eldon Shamblin, legendary swing guitarist and arranger for Bob Wills. Deciding on freelance teaching as a music career, Larry received his degree in education from the University of Arizona in 1979. Since graduating from college, Larry has taught over 30,000 private music lessons. An experienced blues guitarist, he played in the Gulf Coast Blues Band, wrote a Living Blues magazine column called "Blues Box," and is currently on the nominating committee for the annual W. C Handy awards. Larry's vast experience in private teaching has given him a unique understanding of the educational needs of the typical music student. Beginning with Blues, Boogie and Rock Guitar in 1984, he has written a number of Mel Bay books on various subjects including guitar, bass, and song writing techniques.