My name is Alex. I'm a multi-instrumentalist (guitar, bass, Oud, bouzouki, keyboards, voice, drums, flute, etc.), composer, performer, recording artist, arranger/orchestrator/transcriber, recording engineer/producer & music educator.

I graduated from the University of St. Thomas "Cum Laude" in 2011 with a Bachelor's Degree in Guitar Performance, with minors in Music Production & Composition. While attending St. Thomas I served as the Music Theory tutor, as well as the live sound/stage/light/recording technician for student & faculty recitals.

I have been playing professionally & teaching for over a decade. My passion for music is something that I love to share with anyone else who feels inclined to make music. My goal is to share the skills & knowledge I've acquired throughout my experiences with those willing to learn & dedicate themselves to the craft of making music.

I am a full-time member of Maiden Dixie (country/rock; guitar/vocals), Sumo Seven (Funk; bass/vocals), & Armadillo Tank (Prog rock; guitar/vocals). Along with my solo band, I perform for numerous pit orchestras, bands, tributes, & artists around the Twin Cities area.

In February 2019, I released my debut solo album, "Sonic Chef's Circus Absurdities".

•DUE TO COVID-19, ALL LESSONS WILL BE CONDUCTED VIA SKYPE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE•

*** Lesson Details ***
I am an experienced gigging musician in most major genres of music: classical, jazz, blues, rock, funk, folk, metal, acoustic fingerstyle/slap, instrumental rock, "shred," pop, world music, electronica, etc. & feel comfortable conveying the techniques, approaches & idioms to a student by breaking them down into digestible components, while making these new ideas relatable to material they are already familiar with.

In the end, I want the student to learn what they're most interested in learning. I'm here to answer any questions they may have & with my experiences, I feel confident that I will be able to either answer these questions or point them in the right direction. Some topics covered:

Scales/modes
Ear training
Instrument-specific techniques (ie bending, tapping, sweep picking, etc.)
Songwriting & Composition
Arranging & Orchestrating
Sight-reading
Improvisation
Chordal theory & how to read charts
Practice routines & approaches
Instrument maintenance
Instrument-based gear (guitars, amplifiers, effects, picks, slides, capos, etc.)

The student will learn at the pace they set for themselves & can only get out of it the amount of effort they put forth. I expect my students to practice on a regular basis (however brief each session may be). Consistency is key for progress to be made, & if they hold up their end of the bargain, the payoffs will be quite substantial!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Practice amplifier, tuner, music stand(s), guitar picks & cables.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide guitar neck paper. I expect the students to have their own instrument & any materials they may need to achieve the goals they've set for themselves (such as a weekly notebook).

*** Specialties ***
Progressive rock, classic rock, blues, jazz, funk, disco, classical, acoustic fingerstyle/slap, flamenco guitar; music theory, sight-reading, composition, songwriting, film scoring, music production.