“I love sharing my passion with people who are just as passionate. For me, it’s all about bringing joy through music and passing down its timeless traditions.”

With over 25 years of experience teaching music, Brian offers lessons in Banjo, Fiddle, Guitar, Mandolin, Ukulele, and even the Mountain Dulcimer, catering to students of all ages and skill levels. He teaches both privately and in classroom settings, as well as online, ensuring accessibility for everyone.

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Brian's journey as a musician is deeply rooted in tradition. He has had the privilege of learning directly from some of the most highly regarded Bluegrass and Old-Time music masters. This connection to his mentors allows him to pass their wisdom and techniques faithfully to his students. He is well-versed in Bluegrass (3-Finger/Scruggs) and Old-Time (Clawhammer & 2-Finger) banjo styles and is renowned for his expertise in Old-Time Southern Appalachian fiddle tunes. Additionally, Brian has been playing Guitar and Mandolin for most of his life, making him a versatile and well-rounded instructor.

As an award-winning musician, Brian’s connection to the music runs deep, starting with lessons from his parents and extending through his time learning directly from master players across Southern Appalachia. His teaching style honors this rich tradition by focusing on the 6 T’s: Tuning, Timing, Tone, Taste, Technique, and TAB. He emphasizes two key pillars of learning an instrument:

Practice – Consistent daily practice builds the muscle memory and skills needed to play with confidence.

Listening – Immersing yourself in the music you want to play helps develop the essential “musical ear.”

Brian’s ultimate goal is to help students build a repertoire that enables them to join jam sessions, play with others, and even perform in a band if they wish.

Brian teaches at The Vestal Museum, his home studio, online, and at various festivals, music camps, and public and private classrooms worldwide. As a cultural ambassador, he has proudly represented U.S. Banjo and Fiddle music in countries including China, India, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Bulgaria, Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria, Holland, and Latvia.

For more information about Brian’s sensory musical program for all ages and skill levels, visit Hands-On Folk Music Instrument Program