Guitar with Tommy W.

Undeath

I play bass for the popular Death Metal band Undeath. We released one of the top death metal records in the world in 2020 and followed that with a series of tours, including a full US. Our album "Lesions of a Different Kind" debuted at 192 on the Billboard Top 200 in October of 2020. I teach when not on tour these days, so you'll get a seasoned touring professional as your instructor should you sign up with me.

Bach 2 Rock

Bach 2 Rock is a chain of music educators dedicated to teaching not only how to play music, but how to play music with others. Here I taught beginner and intermediate guitar and am the go-to bass instructor at the McLean, VA site. I've had students as young as 4 and as old as 70 at this location, and each one grew by leaps and bounds in their playing. Bach 2 Rock is unique in that it offers kids the opportunity to play in bands we put together. I've been a band instructor since I've started as well, coaching kids on how to properly play with one another and eventually leading them to the seasonal battle of the bands. Another key opportunity I was given here is the chance to record different bands when they are prepared to do so. This has given me a proficient knowledge of the recording process, something I'll gladly share with my students.

Music and Arts

Another national chain, I taught at Music and Arts as a guitar and bass instructor. Here I taught kids and adults alike while they began their foray into music. This experience is unique as well since I have the opportunity to talk about musical gear and equipment out on the floor and discuss the subtle differences between instruments and amps so the student can get the tools that are right for what they want to do with their music.

Earache Records

While this might not seem to be pertinent to my musical ability, I think having experience in the record industry is invaluable to musicians who view their art as more than a hobby. Starting in England in 1983, Earache Records is one of the oldest Heavy Metal record labels still in existence. While working here, I was in charge of managing the label's Pinterest and Spotify accounts to reach the maximum amount of people with new releases. Aside from the social media work, I was privy to meetings with bands and familiarized with contracts and licensing agreements that ended up garnering large profits for both parties involved. To sum up my experience, I am very familiar with the business aspect of music, as well as the performance part.

Let's Play Music!

Let's Play Music! is the locally owned lesson shop I've been teaching at since I was in high school. In fact, I was taking lessons there until my Senior year, when my instructor (and friend and current boss) asked if I would like to start teaching some of his younger bass students. I would like to think he was impressed. Since then, two of my bass students have gone on to play in the Virginia All State Jazz band. I've added beginner and intermediate guitar lessons to my job as well since returning from New York in 2014.

The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music

Professional Proficiency