How long have you been playing guitar?
Over 18 years.
Professional Experience:
Brandon began teaching guitar in 2001 while studying Jazz and Popular Music Performance at The Hartford Conservatory in Connecticut. Over the last 14 years he has taught guitar, bass, piano and music theory for George’s Music Center and The National Music Workshop in Connecticut as well as 4/4 School of Music and Music Lessons on Wheels in Seattle, WA. With more than ten years of professional performance experience and over 1,000 shows under his fingers, Brandon has played in a wide variety of bands and ensembles ranging from 20 piece pit orchestras for musical theater productions to solo jazz guitar gigs. He spent 5 years working as a Music Director on board Carnival Cruiselines where he played guitar in the Showband, performing Las Vegas style review shows, Top 40’s lounge band sets, and Live Band Karaoke for the guests as well as accompanying various fly-on entertainers. He was also in charge of the management and scheduling of up to 20 musicians onboard. Prior to working on ships, Brandon performed in pit orchestras for over 20 musical theater productions throughout New England. He spent the last two years living and working in Seattle, where he performed with various local artists, a regionally touring Top 40’s Casino Cover Band, The Phoenix, a nationally recognized Soul/R&B Artist, Shyan Selah, and his original band with his wife, vocalist Jackie Pock.
Accomplishments:
• Performed with Scott Page (Pink Floyd, Toto) at Whiskey A Go Go, Los Angeles California, 2013
• Completed 140 hours of TEFL Instructor training. I to I, London UK, 2011
• Selected for the Collegiate All American Scholar publication, 2003 edition
• Awarded Honors Scholarship for Excellent Academic Achievement, Hartford Conservatory, 2002