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Bachelor Degree: University of Massachusetts Amherst
Recipient of Best Pop/Rock Large Ensemble Downbeat Award as member of UMASS Jazz Ensemble 1
Recipient of Outstanding Musicianship Award at Berklee High School Jazz Festival
Original Song “They Can’t Hold a Candle to You” performed by Holyoke Civic Symphony.
Original Song "They Can't Hold a Candle to You" performed Groovy Truth Jazz Ensemble
I am a guitarist, bassist, singer-songwriter and composer from South Hadley, Massachusetts. I’ve performed extensively throughout the Pioneer Valley and hold a bachelor’s degree in Songwriting & American Song, as well as a minor in jazz studies. Original music of mine has been performed by the Holyoke Civic Symphony, The Groovy Truth Jazz Ensemble and presented at Historic Northampton’s Fast Forward Film Series. I have extensive experience performing as a jazz guitarist, a solo folk artist, a pit orchestra bassist and everything in between. In addition, I have studied with a variety of world class guitar instructors, including Robert Ferrier and Mike DeMicco of the Brubeck Brothers.
I have been teaching ever since my junior year in high school and have taught extensively in the jazz, folk, rock and pop idioms. I have mentored children learning guitar for the first time, adults learning guitar for the first time and experienced guitarists dedicated to honing their craft. Furthermore, as an experienced composer and songwriter, I have assisted many students with the craft of composition and presented on lyric writing. I have also worked extensively in school systems, both as a general education substitute teacher and music teacher.
My approach to teaching emphasizes creative expression, technical proficiency and musical exploration. I pay close attention to the goals of a given student and shape my curriculum based around their needs. If a student aspires to become a professional jazz guitarist, I teach them jazz chords, improvisational techniques and necessary reading skills. If a student aspires to write and perform their own songs, I teach them about writing guitar accompaniments, writing lyrics and crafting melodies. I see it as my responsibility to cater to each student's individualized needs. There is no "one size fits all" method.
I have a relaxed teaching style that encourages musical and creative growth. I strive to constantly expand my students' musical horizons. As well as giving them new techniques to practice and new songs to learn, I will often give them new music to listen to. It is my belief that, above all, learning music should be a joyful experience; one which allows students to gain access to new ideas and gain insight into different traditions and cultures. I believe that learning music involves not only learning how to play an instrument, but learning about the world and learning about one's self
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