Willie Gammell - Beginner to Advanced
Willie has played in nearly every kind of band you can think of, and in nearly every city in the US. Willie plays guitar, ukulele, bass, mandolin, and banjo.
He played guitar in rock bands in high school. He then attended Shenandoah University, studying Jazz and Classical guitar before he heard the call of the road and joined up with the Southern Funk Orchestra. Willie played society gigs around DC and as a hired gun for demos and out of town bands.
Willie helped form the Soulutions, a world music influenced reggae band. Soon Willie found himself in NYC, giving lessons to people of all ages where ever the Subway would go. Here he formed one half of the duo The Galt Line, and toured coast to coast.
Back in the DC area, Willie taught, recorded, and toured with the psychedelic metal band The Neighbors. Recently Willie has been living in Boulder and teaching all over the front range.
Willie will show you that anyone can play music. He'll bring his love of performing and broad knowledge to you in every lesson.
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In Studio Lessons
This teacher is available for off-site lessons
Brian Chodorcoff - Beginner to Advanced
I began lessons in the 4th grade. By 6th grade, I was completely immersed in learning how to play. After graduating from Full Sail University's Recording Engineering Program in 1993, I focused on meeting more musicians and practicing constantly. I have played and/or recorded with dozens of bands over the years, spanning genres like Rock 'n' Roll, Blues, Country, Bluegrass, Soul, and Jazz. This experience taught me to become a versatile player and how to musically communicate with others. My goal has always been to find shortcuts to make hard things easier to learn and understand.
At age 16, I gave my first lesson at a music store in Millburn, NJ, and I have been teaching privately and in stores ever since. Additionally, I was a touring musician with various bands from age 23 to 38. Having had hundreds of students and giving thousands of lessons over the years, I've learned that the best way to teach is to treat each student as an individual, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all method. Finding alternative methods to make things make sense is one of my strong points as a teacher.
It is crucial to learn basic theory as it helps a student communicate as a musician, enabling them to play any song they want and eventually write their own. I consider myself always a student, aiming to view things from a student's perspective. The goal is to make learning easier, and there are many approaches to achieve this in a lesson. If one method doesn't work, we will find the one that does. I strive to make practicing more enjoyable by using student's favorite songs as learning tools.
I have had an incredible journey as a lifelong musician, and I'm here to help you start your musical journey or advance your musical goals.
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In Studio Lessons
Emma Sky - Beginner to Intermediate
Hey there, my name is Emma. I am a passionate music lover and spend much of my time writing music, learning covers, collaborating with others, studying theory, and performing at my favorite open mic. Here’s a little peek at my musical journey:
It all began when I was a little girl and I heard a pop singer singing on the TV. Her voice was so powerful and emotional. I felt chills up and down my spine and had goosebumps all over. Those chills seemed important..cosmic..spiritual..profound…you name it! That brief moment in time spoke to me on a level I’ve yet to fully comprehend. The curiosity began then and continues to grow within me. What is it about music that connects us to ourselves, each other, and dare I say everything?
Now, don’t be fooled. My story doesn’t go on to say that I began playing at the age of 7 and am now some sort of prodigy. Shyness and stage fright held me back for many years. I would get so nervous simply watching others perform that I came to avoid open mics and the like. Recently, however, I came to the realization that the music coming out of me wanted to be shared with others. In 2022 I challenged myself to perform one open mic each month of the year. I was EXTREMELY nervous for at least the first 6 months. My hands would be shaking so intensely that I could barely play the guitar. As painful as it was I stood up there shaking in my boots month after month and ultimately surpassed my goal! My point is, if shyness and nervousness are something you experience then I can deeply understand and we can work on it together. There are many positive gains from taking this step in your musical journey including greater confidence and freedom of expression. You will know when the time has come for you to take this step, just as I did.
If you have a desire to write your own songs, learn covers, play music with others, perform, or even just strum away in your room for emotional release then I can help you get there! After receiving my degree in music and performance from Naropa University and continuing to study on my own for many years I have gained a solid foundation of songwriting tools and how to improve as a musician. Whether you are brand new to the guitar or you have some experience I can help you to become more comfortable with the instrument and on your way to rocking out. I primarily teach guitar however if you want to improve your vocal technique as you play and sing I am happy to guide you in that area as well. Teaching others the very thing I think about all day long is a great honor.
I look forward to joining you on your musical journey.
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In Studio Lessons
This teacher is available for off-site lessons
Michael Santulli
Michael Santulli has been playing and studying music for about 15 years. At the age of 12 he began playing
the acoustic guitar and studying music theory. Shortly afterwards, he took up playing electric guitar and joined
an amateur rock band. Since playing his first note, Michael has continuously been adding new styles,
techniques, and instruments to his repertoire. Now, Michael enjoys playing a wide variety of genres from
classical, to bluegrass, to rock, and has performed in New York City, Washington DC, Rome, and many other
cities. His technical versatility and passion for both music and teaching make him an ideal instructor to help
you reach your musical goals!
Currently Not Accepting New Students
In Person Lessons
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Christopher Clauss - Electric/Acoustic (Beginner to Advanced)
Christopher is a Multi-instrumentalist singer-song writer from the east coast with a passion for performing and teaching music!
Originally a classically trained Violist, at 14 he changes his focus and picked up the electric guitar. Christopher has been blessed to front his own band, to learn and perform incredible music with some of his best friends, and to live a life that has been full of wonder and new connections and friendships.
After picking up the bass, and subsequently the drum kit and keyboard, Christopher set up his home studio and dove into the world of music engineering and production.
This desire to always learn and expand his knowledge has filled Christopher’s professional career with joy and experiences he cherishes.
Beginning in 2016, with a strong desire to share his passion with other inspired people, Christopher began teaching music to students both one on one, and in band-group settings at Lakehouse Music Studios in Asbury Park, NJ.
His teaching style is fun and patient, and focuses not just on technique and theory, but the innate connection we have with music; why do we feel emotionally touched by certain notes or moments in a song? His goal is to help students of all interests connect their inner passion, their experiences, and their hearts with their instrument to bring the experience of playing music to a whole new level.
He has toured the country and recorded albums playing with some of his favorite independent bands as a drummer, bassist and guitarist, such as progressive metal group Beatrix Potter, indie folk band The Accidental Seabirds, and hard rock group Baron Praxis.
With over fourteen years of experience performing in diverse genres, from folk to jazz to rock and metal and even Indian classical music, he is always looking for something new to learn and to share with his students.
In Studio Lessons
Christopher is available for off-site lessons
Josy Rosales - Beginner to Advanced
Josy started his music journey when he picked up the guitar at only 8 years old. As his love for the instrument grew he decided that he wanted to dedicate his life to pursuing a career in music, so when he turned 18 he moved to Boston to attend Berklee College of Music. He graduated in 2017 with a degree in songwriting.
He moved to the midwest, where he performed with groups across a variety of styles, including rock, country, bluegrass and reggae. For years he recorded and toured with Earthmother, a jamband that enjoyed success in the midwest area.
Through the years, Josy has learned a variety of stringed instruments. He has taught himself banjo, mandolin and ukulele. He also discovered a passion for teaching and sharing his talents with others. Helping people grow and accomplish their musical goals is something that he takes very seriously and finds incredibly fulfilling.
Josy is ready to guide you through your musical journey, no matter your age or what style of music you are interested in!
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In Studio Lessons