Ukulele with Brendan M.

Brendan M. is a true utility player in the music industry. A trained recording engineer and studied musician, he is adept and comfortable behind the board, in the producer’s chair, as well as performing bass, piano, guitar, or ukulele on the other side of the glass.Equally at home at a rock venue, classical concert hall, or jazz club, Brendan’s enthusiasm and love and understanding of many genres of music keeps him in demand as a dude you would want to work with.Formerly touring as bassist with punk/funk band Counter Riot, whose 2011 album was produced by Scott Stallone, he currently plays bass and keyboards for Philadelphia act AlyCat and bass for Wonder & Fury, a band named after a Shepard Fairey painting.As a composer, he has scored music for several films over the last few years, appearing on FunnyOrDie and working with directors from Philadelphia to LA. His 2012 film, “Trouble’s A’Brewin’,” which he also produced for Naut Pictures, his production company, premiered at the 2012 Off-Centered Film Festival in Austin, TX. Brendan is currently working on a documentary about accordion legend Joe Soprani, finishing the score for a psychological drama for Naut Pictures, just wrapped on music for a reality show, and has been working on video and audio productions for Brazilian jazz duo, Minas, and jazz guitarist Steve Giordano.As an engineer, Brendan is constantly involved in the production of sounds, whether it’s working as the in-house producer/engineer for a 79 year-old Philadelphia accordion legend, producing Philly's most talented jazz musicians, or mixing audio for 20,000 people at PPL park for the Philadelphia Union at a MLS game, and all things in between.Brendan received formal training at Lebanon Valley College, where he double majored in Music Recording Technology and Music. He started teaching while still in college, and continues to teach privately and at Forge Recording Studios, where he is also on staff as an engineer/producer. *** Lesson Details *** I am a firm advocate of teaching the student both what they want and what they need. Often, these things can be very different. For example, a student might want to learn how to play one specific song. We will certainly learn how to play that song, but I will give the student more than just the narrow skill set applied in that song. We will work on the technique needed to play the song, the theory behind the music, and more. These skills are all very important to becoming a well-rounded musician, rather than someone who moves their fingers.Working with me on the recording side is no different. We will dig into much more than just hitting the record button. Concepts and principles of audio are very important to learn, as well as technique and ear training. Anyone can hit the record button, so I focus on the big picture in developing the musical and technical side of the student.Of course, I am laid back, and we will have fun always! Lessons with me are a mixture of hard work and a good time. Otherwise, what's the point? *** Studio Equipment *** Mac, Pro Tools, digital piano, basses, guitars, metronome, tuner *** Travel Equipment *** Metronome, tuner, manuscript paper, and instrument for instructor to use. *** Specialties *** Rock, funk, blues, jazz, country, pop