Whitman Music Studio

Introduction: Hello, I am a Berklee College of Music graduate (1999) who teaches lessons on bass, guitar and keyboard (as well as Chapman Stick/Touch-Guitar). I primarily focus on theory, technique, and jamming in fun and creative ways. I've taught lessons to students of all ages, levels and abilities. Over my 20 years of playing career, I have taught and performed rock, jazz, fusion, funk, blues, reggae, prog-rock, pop, Celtic, bluegrass, classical, and more. I have toured nationally with the popular jam band, Uncle Sammy, as well as eclectic VT banjo/pedal steel guitar wizard, Gordon Stone. I currently play solo shows on the Touch-Guitar. I played bass with guitar legend, Gary Backstrom (formerly of the band, Jiggle the Handle) and performed with Gary in his Todd Rundgren tribute band called Road to Utopia. I tailor my lessons around my student’s personal goals by applying music theory and practicing techniques in creative and fun ways. Many music students (including myself) have spent too much time focusing on the negatives of learning the craft of their instrument. The music student’s mantra sometimes seems to be, “I suck; I’ll never learn all of this; he/she is better than me; I’ll never do this and too old to begin the training, etc.” My goal as a teacher is to encourage my students to chill out, have fun, focus on what it is that they want to achieve on their instrument and find a practice plan in which to make music fun, creative and interesting enough that you keep playing and improving. Regardless if you are a beginner, intermediate or professional, if you are looking for a fresh approach and want to try some new ideas, then I can help you out. I can also help with writing music, putting lyrics to music, band coaching, etc. Give me a call or email to discuss rates and availability. Thanks, Brian O'Connell (six one seven - nine four seven - eight nine eight three)