Hi! I'm Kevin, a jazz guitarist and ukulele enthusiast who believes that music theory doesn't have to be scary and that every student has their own unique path to musical discovery. Over the past decade of teaching both guitar and ukulele, I've watched complete beginners become confident players, and I've seen advanced students break through creative barriers they thought were impossible.

My musical journey has taken some pretty amazing turns. I've shared stages with legends like Gregg Allman, Dickey Betts, Rodney Jones, and Buster Williams, and in 2023, I published my first music theory book with Mel Bay Publications. These experiences have taught me that music is about connection – whether it's connecting with an audience, connecting with other musicians, or connecting with that perfect chord progression you've been searching for on any fretted instrument.

What I love most about teaching is creating that "aha!" moment when complex concepts suddenly click, or when a student realizes they can actually play that song they thought was way too hard. Most of my students stick with me for years because we build genuine musical partnerships where learning feels natural and exciting, whether we're exploring jazz guitar or discovering the surprising versatility of the ukulele.

My Background & Journey

In 2020, I earned my dual degree in Jazz Guitar Performance and Music Education from The New School for Jazz, one of the most prestigious jazz programs in the country. Since then, I've been blessed to perform alongside some of my musical heroes, including Matthew Shipp and Buster Williams, experiences that constantly inspire my teaching.

In 2023, I achieved a major milestone by publishing my first music theory book, Outside Sounds and Substitutions for Modern Jazz Guitar, with Mel Bay Publications. It's been incredibly rewarding to contribute to the guitar education community in this way, and I bring these same theoretical concepts to ukulele students in ways that make sense for their instrument.

How I Teach

I see every lesson as a collaborative conversation where you're an active partner in your own musical journey. Whether you're picking up a guitar or ukulele for the first time, or you're ready to dive deep into jazz improvisation on either instrument, we'll build your skills together with curiosity, encouragement, and a clear path forward that makes sense for your goals and schedule.

In our lessons, you'll get personalized learning plans that match your pace and musical interests. For guitar students, that might mean strumming campfire songs, writing your own music, or mastering complex jazz concepts. For ukulele students, we might explore everything from traditional Hawaiian styles to modern pop arrangements, or even jazz chord progressions adapted for four strings. I love blending solid technique with music theory so you understand why things sound good, not just how to play them. Most importantly, we'll keep it fun and encouraging every step of the way.

My Teaching Philosophy

My ultimate goal is to pass down the knowledge I've learned from my mentors and heroes while helping you become your own unique kind of musician. Whether you dream of jamming with friends on guitar, bringing some ukulele magic to your next campfire gathering, writing original songs, or exploring the depths of jazz improvisation, I'd be honored to guide you on that journey.

Music should feel like a joyful discovery, and I'm here to make sure it stays that way from your very first lesson, whether you're holding six strings or four.