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Instructors' Corner |
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Alpha Music strives to provide not only the best in gear, but also the finest in service of all types. True to this policy, we offer the absolute finest team of instructors in the area and a clean, comfortable, safe facility for them to teach. Our lessons are private and allow the student to learn at his or her own pace. Please contact our instructors directly for up-to-the minute scheduling and pricing information. If you are a qualified instructor and would like to join the Alpha Music team, please email us! Instructors marked with a " * " are now available for Sunday lessons!
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| Jay Rakes - Guitar |
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Having played guitar
for over 30 years, Jay Rakes career has afforded him
many musical opportunities. He has shared the stage
with such renowned artists as Yngwie Malmsteen and
Pat Travers. Jay has also lent his talents to
numerous recording projects including commercials,
jingles and numerous local and national artists. In
1998 his trio, “The Jay Rakes Band” released
“Perfect Tension”, a CD of original high-energy
instrumental compositions and a veritable
celebration of Jay’s unique guitar prowess.In addition to his performance endeavors,
Jay has also spent the last 15 years as an in-demand
guitar instructor. Jay’s musical instruction pallet
is as broad as his musical taste and encompasses
rock, blues, funk, jazz, heavy metal, country and
acoustic styles. Jay focuses on techniques such as
lead and slide guitar, pick and finger-style methods
and strong rhythm guitar playing. In addition to the
mechanical aspects of guitar playing, Jay’s teaching
embraces concepts such as music theory, sight
reading, and composition. Jay accepts student of all
ages and proficiency levels. Visit his web site at:
www.geocities.com/jayrakes to hear samples of
his music and find out the latest information on
upcoming projects and shows. |
| Phone: (757)583-3182 (Home) or (757)515-9232 |
| Email: Rakes61@cox.net |
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| Powell Randolph - Drums |
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Powell Randolph has
been an instructor and professional musician for
over 14 years. A 1990 graduate of Berklee College of
Music, Powell majored in song writing with a
concentration in percussion performance. Powell's
orchestral resume includes performances with the
Buffalo Philharmonic, The Virginia Symphony, and the
Virginia Opera, just to name a few. Locally, Powell
can be seen with local favorites "10 Spot" and “Waterworks,” who’s CD has received local airplay. He is also a member of the Eagle 97 radio station
band, “The Illeagles.” Powell and his various
projects have garnered many local musician awards
including “Cover Band of the Year”, which he was
awarded two years consecutively; with the band
“Hero” for the year 2000, and the band “Wonderbread”
for the year 2001. Powell was also awarded “Drummer
of the Year” for the year 2001and in 2002 the band
“The Nudie Cowboys” received the honor of the “Best
Produced C.D.” of the year, a recording on which
Powell played. He has played on countless other
recordings, demos and jingles in some of the areas
best studios such as Windmark, Master Sound,
Earworks, Muddy Creek Audio and Woodhouse Recording.
His current projects include touring with Virginia
Symphony's “Led Zeppelin Tribute” and performing
locally. Powell teaches all
styles and all levels on drum set as well as music
theory, site reading and composition. |
| Phone: (757)427-7614 |
| Email: williamran@cox.net |
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| Bernie Lee - Guitar, Piano, Banjo, Ukulele |
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Bernie Lee began piano lessons at age 10 and a few years later added guitar instruction courtesy of his piano teacher. He played his first professional gig in Bisbee, Arizona, in 1979 and has over 30 years experience performing in acoustic and band settings. In 1988, he had the good fortune to meet Barbara Nesbitt and become part of a circle of friends and musicians who formed the band Rare Daze. The band released two collections of original music in the early 90s and parted amicably in 1994. Bernie and Barbara continued to play together as an acoustic duo, the Perpetrators, from 1993 until the winter of 2005, when Barbara moved to California. As a member of Rare Daze and the Perpetrators, Bernie shared the stage in support of a diverse line-up of artists, including NRBQ, Maceo Parker, Randy California and Spirit, Merle Saunders and the Rain Forest Band, Lisa Loeb, members of the new Riders of the Purple Sage, Keller Williams, Robert Earl Keen, Hootie and the Blowfish and Nickel Creek.
In 2003, Bernie began a musical collaboration with Scott Bailey – a talented musician and instructor at Alpha Music. Bernie and Scott played together as an acoustic duo, the Maynards, until 2007, when Scott left to begin law school in North Carolina. Bernie took over Scott’s teaching position at Alpha and joined the Jesse Chong Band as keyboardist. The JCB has played the American Music Jamboree in Asheville, North Carolina, and the Floydfest and Camp Barefoot music festivals in Virginia and has had the pleasure of sharing stages with – among others – the Neville Brothers, INXS, the Derek Trucks Band, Dark Star Orchestra, Cracker, 10,000 Maniacs and Snoop Dogg.
Bernie holds a BS degree from Randolph-Macon College. He offers lessons on guitar, piano, banjo and ukulele in a wide variety of musical styles with an emphasis on practical theory, versatility, performance and creativity. All ages welcomed. |
| Phone: (757)489-0918 |
| Email: Bernie@whro.net |
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| Steve Jolemore - Guitar |
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Steve Jolemore has been a guitar educator for over 30
years. His personal musical education included
classical guitar studies at Florida State University
with Bruce Holzman and at Norfolk State University
with Sam Dorsey. Additionally, he has not only
attended, but also performed at Master Classes for
world-class guitarists, including Michael Lorimer,
Sharon Isben, and most recently Manuel Barrueco.
Realizing a long standing dream, Steve was also
afforded the opportunity to study with the great
Robert Fripp. Subsequently, Steve toured with
“Robert Fripp and the League of Crafty Guitarists”
and also appeared on the group’s recording “A Show
of Hands.” In 1999, Steve released “The Great Wish”,
a solo CD of original compositions, several of which
currently enjoy heavy rotation on Krimson News Radio
and numerous internet radio stations. In 2001, the
Tidewater Guitar Orchestra, of which, Steve is a
member, released the recording, “Prelude.” That same
year the group also performed at the international
guitar festival in Costa Rica. In addition to
playing with the group, Steve has also been
“instrumental” as concert master and producer. Most
recently, Steve has played with the “Chesapeake
Guitar Quartet,” a group composed of leading players
and educators from the Tidewater area. Steve teaches
all styles of guitar, including not only classical,
but rock, jazz and country as well and includes
music theory and composition. |
| Phone: (757)853-8222 |
| Email: sjolemore@cox.net |
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| Scott Griffin - Guitar |
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Scott Griffin purchased his first guitar from Alpha Music at the age of 11 and has never looked back. Scott went on to receive a Mentor's Honor Scholarship to tutor music theory at Tidewater Community College. Additionally, Scott studied classical theory and harmony with pianist Jeanette Winsor. Also a graduate of The Recording Workshop and an experienced sound engineer, Scott believes that a good mix of technique and strong overall feel for the instrument best describes his teaching approach. |
| Phone: (757)630-6686 |
| Email: Scottg95@cox.net |
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| David Carter - Guitar and Harmonica |
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David has a line-up far too long to mention. Singer, songwriter, entertainer... voted #1 male vocalist and acoustical musician in the 4th Annual Hampton Roads Musician's Poll, David has an undergraduate bachelor of arts degree and a major in business followed up by a minor degree in music from Elon University. David is now accepting students of all ages. |
| Phone: (757)581-6480 |
| Email: David@DavidCarter.com |
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| Vasili Simmons - Guitar |
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Vasili Simmons has been performing nationally and internationally since 1992. A graduate from the University of Virginia, Simmons is a versatile musician whose music draws from influences of rock, funk, blues, and jazz. Vasili’s musical direction hit a turning point in the early 90’s after he was introduced to the world of free improvisation and later began studying with world renowned pianist and saxophonist Joel Futterman. In 2003, Vasili Simmons released his Kali Records debut Dyami; a trio recording with Futterman.
Vasili Simmons has performed and recorded with The Virginia Swing Orchestra, Quiver, various national touring rock and experimental groups, and The Klimt Experience, a multi-disciplinary ensemble including interpretive dance, painters, video artists, and photographers. Vasili has performed with many noteworthy acts. He has shared bills with Joel Futterman, Astral Project, Liquid Soul, Derek Trucks Band, Jerry Garcia Band, David Allen Coe, Little Feat, Dr. Lonnie Smith, and Steve Morse Band to name a few. Simmons has performed at festivals, clubs, and radio and television appearances in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Vasili has had radio play on radio stations throughout North America.
Vasili has taught music in the Hampton Roads area for over fifteen years. Teaching all levels, from beginner to advanced players, Simmons’ instruction focuses on ear training, technical facility, sight reading, composition, theory, and transcription. He has enjoyed helping students meet their goals and seen some of his students move on to prestigious schools such as New England Conservatory, Berklee, and William Paterson. Simmons has also enjoyed having students place in national contests such as the John Lennon Songwriting Contest and the Reflections contest. |
| Phone: (757)472-6808 |
| Email: simmons247@cox.net |
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| Alice Conner - Voice, Guitar and Piano |
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Alice has been teaching for almost 10 years and is committed to helping each one of her students reach their own personal music goals. She teaches all ages, and especially enjoys woking with beginners.
She is a graduate of Old Dominion University with a B.A. in Music and a minor in counseling. As a student at O.D.U., she travelled to Germany to study abroad and also performed with the University choir at Carnegie Hall.
Her approach is from a classical viewpoint emphasizing the importance of reading and understanding the language of music and healthy technique, but also feels strongly that we each learn our own way and the "one size fits all approach" is not appropriate in the art of music.
Her goal is to help each person grow into the musician they want to be by tailoring each lesson to their learning style and goals. Alice's passion for songwriting has been a strong influence in the approach she takes to teaching music and loves most all styles of music from country, R&B, soul, pop, rock, classical, and blues.
Many of her students become fine songwriters themselves and go on to major in music in college. She released her first CD of original compositions in 2007 entitled, "View from Above." While promoting her debut CD, she was invited to perform live on such great shows as "Acoustic Highway" with Barry Graham on 89.5 WHRV FM, '"Sunrise of Sundays," with Hunter Hughes on 93.7 BOB FM, WRRW Revolutionary Radio in Williamsburg, and "Out of the Box," with Paul Shagrue on 89.5 WHRV FM. She is now busy working on her second CD of original songs which she hopes to release soon. Also, Alice deeply believes in the healing power of music and works closely with the charity Tidewater Arts Outreach where she performs with her bandmate, Sean Parker, in their acoustic duo "Paper Mountain" for the underprivileged of the community.
Please feel free to give her a call for lessons in one or more instruments! NAMASTE.... |
| Phone: (757)754-1700 |
| Email: aliceconner@cox.net |
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| Andrew Payne - Drums |
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With over 25 years of experience, Andrew Payne can take you from your first pair of sticks to your first professional tour. Andrew studied music in the Virginia Beach school system until he graduated in 1988. During that time he exceeded in every musical opportunity available to him including marching band, concert band, All City Jazz Ensemble and more, winning numerous awards and leadership roles along the way. Andrew then attended the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA earning two scholarship awards: the Professional Music Scholarship and the Buddy Rich Scholarship. In 1997, Andrew won the drum set position with CCM recording artist Rebecca St. James and was quickly promoted to Music Director for her various tours. In 2000 he hit the road with former Stryper front man Michael Sweet before signing on as a solo performer/opening act for Andre Kole's World of Illusion tour. Currently, Andrew is the primary recording drummer for Soundmark Studios and holds product endorsements from several manufacturer's including Pro-Mark Drumsticks.
Regarding his passion for teaching, Andrew says, "I love teaching. There's something incredibly rewarding about seeing a student progress from their first lesson to their first concert. Whether it's a young person who discovers the benefits of achieving goals for the first time or an adult who realizes that they're not 'too old' to become a great player, seeing a student succeed is a wonderful experience."
Areas of study include various music styles, advanced coordination & ostinatos, double bass, odd times/polyrhythms and electronic percussion. |
| Phone: (757)676-6244 |
| Email: curiousarts@gmail.com |
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| * Damien Wade - Bass and Guitars |
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Damien is a former bass and music theory student of The Christopher Newport University Music Department with focuses on everything from Popular Rock to Jazz. His energetic personality fuels an exciting and fun teaching style that has had great success with many students of all ages. Damien has played a diverse selection of bands from local high energy rock band "The No Talent Show" to small Jazz combo group "The Pack." He has opened up for internationally known groups such as Flogging Molly, MXPX, Story of the Year, and Yellowcard. With 8 years experience in teaching private instruction, Damien's lessons are taught in a way that develops unique personal goals and methods of achievement. The lessons that Damien offer are always aimed to make sure that learning music is enjoyable and rewarding. |
| Phone: (757)235-2290 |
| Email: damienwadevb@gmail.com |
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| * Dave Hufstedler - Bass Guitar |
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Dave Hufstedler played bass guitar thru the '60s and '70s then studying music at Norfolk State and Old Dominion University. Dave began playing professionally with the Norfolk Symphony and played in touring Broadway shows. Known as a jazz musician, composer and private instructor, Dave is now available on Sundays between 12pm and 6pm for instruction of the Electric Bass and Acoustic Bass. |
| Phone: (757)647-8601 |
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| * Alan Felder - Drums |
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Alan Felder holds a BA degree from NSU with emphasis on performance and media. A drummer for almost 25 years, Alan has been a member of both the ODU and NSU Jazz Ensembles. As a rock drummer, Alan has played with numerous area and regional bands and in 2001 was nominated drummer of the year by Portfolio magazine. Currently, Alan is a member of The Pawn Shop Lifters, voted best Americana band of 2008 and with whom he records and gigs regularly. Alan rcords all styles with emphasis on relaxation and musicality. |
| Phone: (757)714-7485 |
| Email: feldrum@aol.com |
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| Chris Kemp - Bass and Guitars |
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Chris launched his musical carrer singing and playing guitar at his family's gatherings. He began performing in restaurants and clubs in the early '70's and has shared the stage with artists including Taj Mahal, Richie Havens, Robert Hunter and Livingston Taylor. In 1982, he had the good fortune to meet guitarist Al Dimeola who inspired Chris to enroll in the Berklee College of Music. After Berklee, Chris spent several years traveling throughout the Southeastern U.S. and Europe playing bluesy originals and a variety of "unconventional" covers afterwhich, Chris began to study creative writing, education and fine arts. He graduated from Old Dominion University in 1995 and in 1998, began instructing students full-time at Alpha Music. Whether it's for Bass or Guitar, Chris Kemp can lead you into new heights of proficiency and understanding. Mr. Kemp's chord theory program is so comprehensive, that once you've completed it, you can write your own chord encyclopedia. He has also developed a copy-written scale/mode system that allows you to play all the modes with a minimum of of memorization. Mr. Kemp will also unveil the mystery of the Diatonics and Pentatonics as well. He offers rudimental exercise programs for improving posture, speed and fretboard knowledge. And he is a veteran songwriter with a bag full of tricks to share. |
| Phone: (757)306-6042 |
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