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One of our most versatile instructors, Donny specializes in many contemporary instruments. He has gained incredible proficiency in many different instruments and styles throughout his life. Donny has studied with many high profile artists, such as Zoro and Chester Thompson for drums and percussion and Alabama's Dixie State Pianist, Sue Pain Ried.
Donny's teaching experience is extensive and spans almost a decade. He instructs students of all ages and musical proficiencies (from beginning to advanced). |
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 Ernest comes to World Music Nashville with many years of experience in musical instruction. With years of performance experience, Ernest has a wide range of styles that he likes to impart to his students. He has worked as a studio engineer, songwriter, performing musician, and music instructor from Los Angeles all the way to Northern Ireland.
His teaching experience includes: teaching guitar, bass, and piano privately and also working for Plus Music School in Boston, Massachusetts. He also worked for the Dayjams Rock Music Camp for Kids which was sponsored by the National Guitar Workshop. Since moving to Nashville, Ernest opened up his teaching repertoire to also include ear training, music theory, songwriting, and performance.
Ernest received his Bachelors Degree in Music from Hampshire College, Amherst, Massachusetts in 2003. He has also studied at the Berklee College of Music in Boston and has studied privately with Regi Wooten here in Nashville. |
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 A graduate of the University of Hartford's Hartt School of Music, Rebecca received her Bachelors Degree in Music Education in 2003. She has taught extensively since 2003 and is a certified K-12 teacher. Rebecca specializes in guitar, piano, and voice and is a proficient performer in those instruments. She has shared the stage with such performers as: Shawn Colvin, Livingston Taylor, Tracy Grammer, Vance Gilbert, Cliff Eberhardt, Melissa Ferrick, and Tracy Bonham.
Her addition to the World Music Nashville Music Education Program adds another multi-faceted musician to an already impressive line of Professional Instructors. |
 Originally from Seymour, Indiana, Wes has been teaching guitar for the better part of two decades. Drawing on his years of experience, and performance guitar training at Ball State University, Wes has developed his own unique method of instruction. He sees his role as not only a teacher, but also a mentor.
Wes welcomes students of all levels, and excels in group instruction. He understands that people all learn differently, and is adept at catering to each student's individual needs and learning style.
Aside from being an exceptional guitar teacher, Wes is a very big Dallas Cowboys fan.
Oh well... one out of two ain't bad!
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 Jessie teaches Guitar and Bass and comes to World Music with 13 years of music experience, including writing, recording, session work, and electronic music production.
As the music director for Kaleidoscope Performing Arts Camp in Newton, MA, she led productions of various musicals and provided group instruction and private lessons. She has studied Bass with Berklee College of Music Professor, Jim Stinnet. Her unique approach and deep understanding of how to satisfy each individual student's particular needs makes every lesson interesting and fun.
Along with teaching, Jessie performs and records with Beth Nielsen Chapman and the pop-rock band, Team Illuminati. In 2000, she received a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Music Performance from Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts. She is passionate about supporting young women in music and started the Women In Music Collective at Hampshire College. |
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 Dan holds a Bachelor's degree in Jazz Performance with a Classical minor from the University of North Texas. He teaches and performs on guitar in all styles. As well as having studied with guitar greats Mike Stern and Joe Diorio, Dan has had the privilege of being mentored by legends B. B. King and Chet Atkins. He is the bandleader/guitar player for "Chick Singer Night", a national organization featuring female artists. Locally, the event is held monthly at the famed Bluebird Cafe. Dan has worked with such artists as Norah Jones, Lila McCann, Lari White, Reese Wynans and Jeff Coffin.
Dan has taught guitar since 1990 and also stays busy as a session player, and producer. In 2004 Dan produced "The Sky Begins" for Latin/R&B artist Naomi Rodriguez. The project was released on Dan's label Nuetown Records. Recently, Dan wrote/produced the music for a new reality show on CMT called "Man Vs. Vegas, as well as performing the guitar/dobro parts.
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 A professional instructor and accomplished multi-instrumentalist, Austin Harris specialty is to instruct you on Banjo, Guitar or Mandolin. He has taught professionally in Asheville, NC, played in the old time group, One Brick Shy.
Austin studied guitar at Atlanta Institute of Music and taught full time while furthering his studies. He has played in projects ranging from jazz to indie-rock to classic country.
Austin recently relocated to Nashville and also does session work and film score composition. |
 A Berklee College of Music graduate, Karen brings a wealth of experience in musical instruction. She earned her Bachelors Degree in Professional Music in 1995 and is a prolific performer and author. Karen has written many articles for Acoustic Guitar magazine and the Fretboard Journal. Her teaching experience includes: teaching both private and group lessons at the National Guitar Workshop, The Lesson Studio in Boulder, Colorado and the International Studio of Music in New York City.
Her musical instruction experience also includes writing method books published by Alfred Publishing which include: Guitar Made Easy & Women in Rock. |
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 Hailing from Boston, MA, Matthew is the latest import to Nashville, TN. A graduate to the Berklee College of Music, Matthew earned a Bachelors of Arts degree focusing on Jazz Composition. He has taught professionally for over a decade and brings a wealth of contemporary musical instruction to our program.
Matthew has previously worked for the Yamaha Music School in Lexington, MA. He also worked as a Music Technician for the Berklee College of Music Summer Guitar Sessions and worked as a freelance composer and performer in the greater Boston area.
Matthew can teach styles of all colors and patterns. He loves to focus on contemporary jazz and rock and has a strong compositional interest and experience in the World Music genre. He has shared the stage with Etta James, Preston Reed, Los Lobos and many other fantastic musicians.
Fingerstyle guitar techniques, theory and ear training for guitarists, jazz stylings, and composition are all that Matthew brings to the table here at World Music Nashville. |
 John has been teaching since 1984 and is versed in all styles of music. He is very passionate about teaching and enjoys his role as a mentor. Many of his students have gone on to be professional musicians.
A graduate of Fitchburg State College, he has studied with several world class musicians, including a one-on-one session with guitar virtuoso Albert Lee.
John has performed with The Platters (Herb Reed), The Drifters, The Coasters, The Marvelettes, The Tolkens, The Shangra-La's, The Ink Spots, Billy J. Kramer, Clem Curtis, Wayne Fontana, Peaches and Herb, and more.
A songwriter/producer himself, he keeps active in the studio and has done sessions for Richard Adler (Alison Krauss, Neil Young, Natalie Cole, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Doc Watson, Marty Stuart) and Lawrence Dermer (Miami Sound Machine)... just to name a couple.
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 Mark recently moved to Nashville from Bloomington, Indiana, where he studied music and audio production at Indiana University, and received both his Bachelor of Arts in Telecommunications and Master of Science in Education.
In addition to playing guitar professionally for more than 25 years, Mark also sings, plays bass, dobro, mandolin, slide guitar and lap steel. He has been a guitar instructor since the early '80s and currently gives workshops throughout the south and midwest entitled "Blues, Rock and Roots Guitar." Mark is writing a guitar method book (and looking for a publisher).
While Robinson is well known as a blues player throughout the midwest, he is also well versed in rock, country, Americana, and jazz. Playing in Nashville has expanded his horizons--performing and recording with artists in many styles.
Mark has experience teaching music at all levels, from young children to college students to seasoned adult players, as well as presenting advanced workshops for professional musicians. His experiences volunteering with the Boys and Girls Club and Big Brothers/Big Sisters and as a foster parent have given him insights into working with younger students, and he is particularly good at connecting with them. Mark's teaching method builds on the strengths of each student, at any age, or ability-beginners to advanced professional players.
Now working as a teacher and session musician in Nashville, he also plays with a number of local writers and performers. Mark is a songwriter and producer and has recently been performing his own music in the clubs in Nashville.
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 Brian first played his grandpa's bass over 20 years ago and has been a dedicated bass player ever since. He played professionally during his college years while obtaining a degree in education from Bowling Green State University in Ohio, and toured extensively with bands throughout the U.S. and Asia after graduating.
For his entire career he has been compelled to explore the role of bass guitar as a solo instrument, performing his solo act across the U.S. and Europe, and recording a seven-string bass solo CD.
Brian is now receiving widespread recognition for his flamenco-like technique, altered tunings and unique melodies and rhythms. Beginner or pro, Brian's passion for bass, ten years of teaching experience and friendly personality make him a highly recommended teacher.
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OUR INSTRUCTORS