Professional Musician with BM from USC

Chris J.

I have always been a musical person, thanks to being born with perfect pitch and having very supportive parents. My first instrument was drums, and I quickly became a percussionist at my school's church as soon as my music teacher noticed my ability. Once I started playing regularly, I was able to play bass and guitar at school. And things really snowballed from there.

I've been a private music instructor since high school, starting out by teaching younger kids at my elementary school who saw me play at different school events and church. After graduating high school, I started teaching private and group lessons at Burbank Music Academy during summers while earning a degree in Popular Music Performance from USC. After graduating from USC, I continued teaching at BMA for 10 years while also working as a freelance musician and producer for various bands and artists. Additionally, I became a teacher's assistant at Musician's Institute for 5 years. About two years ago, I went fully independent as a private instructor and started touring heavily as a freelance musician. Wyzant seems like it would be a great way of finding new students and continuing to spread my love of music.

As a teacher, I try to be as hands-off as possible. If I think a student can find an answer to their own question or problem, I will guide them with my own questions so they can find the answer on their own. Music comes much more naturally to some students than others, but all are capable of learning. I have an incredibly patient approach so that students don't get discouraged. For me, having fun and staying consistent are much more important than playing every note perfectly.