Hi there! I'm a Juilliard-trained composer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer currently serving as the Dean of California College of Music in Pasadena. I've worked in both modern classical and popular music styles, and my music has appeared in many places: - Cirque du Soleil - Carnegie Hall's Neighborhood Concert Series - New York Philharmonic's Biennial Festival - tons of TV and advertising spots I've played with artists like Jonathan Batiste and have toured the country as a bassist and keyboardist, gracing stages ranging from Alice Tully Hall and Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola to the Roxy and DTE Energy Music Theatre. I've taught collegiately for seven years (and counting) and have taught private lessons for over 15 years. Whatever kind of music you make, I'd love to help you realize your full artistic potential. While we will certainly focus on the nuts and bolts of music and honing all the requisite techniques to execute it, we'll spend significant time on discovering and refining your artistic voice. None of the tools matter if you don't know what you're building. And drafting the blueprint is hard. Rabbit holes are explored, mistakes are made -- and that's ok! As an instructor, I try to encourage musical experimentation as a means of self-discovery. If you come fully prepared to apply yourself and keep an open mind, I will help you on that musical journey. Currently accepting beginner to advanced students in the following areas: - Songwriting and production - Composition and arrangement - Musicianship (theory, ear training, rhythm studies, improvisation) - Electric Bass
Teaches all skill levels
Teaching since 2004
Master of Music in Composition
Teaches ages 14+
Has background check
Hi there! I'm a Juilliard-trained composer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer currently serving as the Dean of California College of Music in Pasadena. I've worked in both modern classical and popular music styles, and my music has appeared in many places: - Cirque du Soleil - Carnegie Hall's Neighborhood Concert Series - New York Philharmonic's Biennial Festival - tons of TV and advertising spots I've played with artists like Jonathan Batiste and have toured the country as a bassist and keyboardist, gracing stages ranging from Alice Tully Hall and Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola to the Roxy and DTE Energy Music Theatre. I've taught collegiately for seven years (and counting) and have taught private lessons for over 15 years. Whatever kind of music you make, I'd love to help you realize your full artistic potential. While we will certainly focus on the nuts and bolts of music and honing all the requisite techniques to execute it, we'll spend significant time on discovering and refining your artistic voice. None of the tools matter if you don't know what you're building. And drafting the blueprint is hard. Rabbit holes are explored, mistakes are made -- and that's ok! As an instructor, I try to encourage musical experimentation as a means of self-discovery. If you come fully prepared to apply yourself and keep an open mind, I will help you on that musical journey. Currently accepting beginner to advanced students in the following areas: - Songwriting and production - Composition and arrangement - Musicianship (theory, ear training, rhythm studies, improvisation) - Electric Bass
Teaches all skill levels
Teaching since 2004
Master of Music in Composition
Teaches ages 14+
Has background check
Studying with Chris has been awesome. We started working together on music theory and since then he has helped me to better understand songwriting, live performance and sound production. I feel so much more confident in my abilities as a musician with the skills I’ve leaned from him. Chris is patient and very thorough. There were several moments when learning music theory that I felt I wasn’t picking it up fast enough and he continued to review the material with me until I understood it. Chris is very fluid in his teaching approach. He is able to shift from one topic to another based on what I am wanting to focus on in each lesson. My favorite part of working with his has been diving deep into my original songs and brainstorming ways to improve them. Chris always has tons of ideas to offer that are rooted in theory which makes them both practical and effective.
Chris is a magnificent teacher. I had an elementary level of music theory when we started last year. Now I am able to hear music in ways that I simply could not before. As a teacher, he is patient and has a great sense of humor. I recommend studying with him if you are attempting to level up your musicianship skills.