Mr Calabro recently returned from a four-week adventure, which was a surprise organised by his children and grandchildren for his 60th birthday to honour his dedication to his family and students.

``The whole trip was 100 times better, more beneficial, more joyous than I ever could have imagined,'' he said.

The Morwell teacher of 39 years and more than 11,000 students headed to New York to jam alongside guitar great Bill Wurtzel.

``Bill Wurtzel told me `I like the way you play, you choose your notes really well' and that sent my confidence up,'' he said.

``I spent a lot of time with Bill and we shared ideas - he said to me `those people in Australia are lucky to have you'.

``I really revelled in it, I enjoyed every minute.''

Mr Calabro said one highlight was an impromptu performance with Mr Wurtzel in a New York nightspot which drew applause from the crowd.

He also made his way to Philadelphia for lessons with jazz icon Pat Martino, who invited him and wife Mary to dinner.

``Pat welcomed me like a brother, he said he was looking forward to being a part of my experience,'' Mr Calabro said.

More tutelage came from other influential guitarists, capping off his trip of a lifetime.

``All of these people were unbelievably kind to me, supportive and encouraging,'' he said.

Mr Calabro said he was now refreshed and eager to share his knowledge as well as observations of the respect within the American jazz scene with his students.

``I felt like a child again, playing with a new toy he loves, which I haven't felt since about 1976.''