Early Life and Inspiration
I was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, and have been surrounded by music my entire life. My dad played guitar professionally for a long time before I was born, which naturally led me to pick up the guitar around the age of 12. My early musical influences were legends like AC/DC, Guns N’ Roses, Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne, and Santana. These artists ignited my passion for rock and metal, shaping my musical journey from the very beginning.
Musical Evolution
Over the years, my musical tastes have expanded to include progressive rock/metal, classical, and fusion/jazz. While I enjoy playing all styles, these genres particularly resonate with me today. My formal education in music culminated in graduating with honors from the guitar program at the Atlanta Institute of Music in 2017. This education solidified my technical skills and deepened my understanding of music theory.
Professional Experience
Currently, I perform with the Birmingham-based band “Empire Springs.” Performing live and collaborating with other musicians is a vital part of my musical expression and growth. Over the past decade, I have had the privilege of teaching guitar to hundreds of students, helping them find their unique voices through music.
Teaching Philosophy
In my over 10 years of teaching experience, I have developed a teaching style that caters to each student’s individual needs while maintaining a relaxed and enjoyable lesson environment. I believe that the key to becoming proficient at guitar is simple: keep playing, no matter what. The most important thing is to enjoy the process and have fun. Whether you’re playing the most efficient exercises or just jamming out, the act of playing consistently is what leads to improvement.
Specializations and Techniques
I specialize in rock and metal music, offering in-depth knowledge and techniques specific to these genres. My proficiency includes modern guitar techniques such as thumping, tapping, and selective picking. I aim to inspire my students to explore these advanced techniques and incorporate them into their playing.
Staying Inspired
To stay motivated and inspired as both a musician and a teacher, I continuously explore various music styles. This exploration not only broadens my own musical horizons but also enriches the lessons I offer my students. Watching my students perform for the first time or hearing their original compositions is incredibly rewarding and one of my favorite aspects of teaching.