GUITAR
The guitar is a wonderful and versatile instrument in that it can be played as an accompaniment or solo instrument. It is similar to a piano in this respect and therefore a super alternative. One can still learn the wide spectrum of music fundamentals in melody and harmony in this "easy to pack up and carry" instrument. Unlike the piano, guitars are terrific "social instruments." By learning the basics of chord style playing, you can be a member of a country/rock or jazz band, lead a church hymn sing or provide the campfire entertainment for your family's summer camping trip! With more practice in the finger and pick styles, you can be on your way as a solo player too.
Although beginning in a more classic technique, this style is not limited to classical music but rather a foundation for learning how to play melody lines. All guitarists will need to develop a technique for playing a melody line for when that "solo" comes along and its time to show your stuff! Whether it be a solo performance of a classical or folk melody, a screaming electric guitar solo or a fancy bass riff during your time to shine, the need for a fast and flashy left hand and quick clean picking in the right, is imperative to rounding out your ability.
We begin all of our students on acoustic guitars sized to fit their hands. Our curriculum is also adaptable to fit the various hand sizes and coordination levels of the younger students. After completing levels one and two of our chord style and finger style techniques, the students may expand their guitar experience to electric and/or bass guitar. With a solid foundation in accompaniment and solo techniques, the sky is the limit for our young guitarist!
Chad teaches our Suzuki guitar, Guitar Ensemble (Classics), Jazz Improvisation and Back Up Band Techniques.
Guitar Teachers
Chad Volkers- Mr. Volkers joined the Bravura team in the summer of 2011. We are thrilled to have his 17 years of teaching expertise and high level of musicianship enhance our guitar program. He studied classical guitar at Radford University and jazz guitar from Middlesex Polytechnic in London. He also holds a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Jazz Performance from the University of Tennessee.
We have found in him, a terrific balance of performer/teacher that will nurture our young students and be able to guide them into many musical venues as they advance and explore the performing possibilities that the guitar holds in store.
In addition to our school, he currently instructs the guitar studios at Roane State and Pellissippi Community College as well as his own private high school students. As a performer, he is very active in various local venues. He plays for weddings, society events, local jazz clubs and the Clarence Brown Theatre musicals. He is a member of 5 local bands, including the Streamliners, a 16 piece Big Band and Cokesbury Jazz Ensemble. As a top notch, well rounded musician/artist, he has also composed and recorded 2 CD's entitled, " Anxious Traveller" and "Solar Maximum."
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