Bradley

I fell in love with music early, and that love has only grown stronger. Over the years, I’ve learned to play saxophone, guitar, and piano—each one teaching me something different about music. My classical foundation on saxophone and piano gave me an understanding of theory, reading, and technique. And that foundation has made me a better and more creative musician because I see and understand how all the pieces connect. Playing guitar has taught me to trust my ear, create, and play with feel. That mix of structure and creativity is exactly what I try bring into every lesson. I want to make sure my students not only read and understand music, but also hear it, feel it, and make it their own.

In my lessons, I try to find a good balance. We’ll work on songs my students are actually excited about while also building a solid foundation—reading notes, understanding rhythm, and really knowing how music works. More than just playing a song, I teach students how to practice. That way, when they get home, they know exactly how to break things down step by step and see progress on their own.

After over ten years of teaching, I’ve seen how this approach pays off. Students enjoy the process, stay motivated, and get results. My students have done really well in auditions, including earning top spots in the Texas All-State band. And while the awards are definitely nice to see, the best part is watching it finally “click” for a student—when they finally nail that chord progression they’ve been struggling with, or when they read their first piece of music without help. Something changes in their eyes. There’s a spark of confidence that says, “I can do this”. That is a very cool moment.

When I’m not teaching, you’ll find me on stage around Houston, playing at venues like White Oak Music Hall and House of Blues. I perform in two touring bands, and I also write, record, and perform my own original music.

Teaching, for me, is a two-way street—it’s just as rewarding to grow alongside my students as it is to see them reach their goals. At the end of the day, my biggest goal is for students to enjoy music. I want them to leave each lesson feeling encouraged, motivated, and excited to pick up their instrument at home.

BA Music Performance, Sam Houston State University