Tonewood Guitar StudioGuitar Venue in Irving, TX

Greetings! I'm Andrew, a guitarist and educator originally from New Orleans, LA. I began playing professionally in high school performing around New Orleans at many venues and festivals including Tipitina's, House of Blues, Snug Harbor, and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. After graduating from NOCCA in 2008, I studied Jazz Performance and Film Scoring at Berklee College of Music on a scholarship, graduating in 2012. Since then, I’ve performed internationally at major festivals and built a professional career in New Orleans, Boston, and New York City. Performances include Blue Note NYC, Billboard Tokyo, Blue Note Nagoya, Jazz Standard NYC, and festivals including Marciac, Panama, Monterey, Puerto Rico, Newport, and Park City Jazz Festivals to name a few. Over the years I’ve studied with world-class musicians such as guitarists Hank Mackie, Davy Mooney, Brian Seeger, Mick Goodrick, as well as other instrumentalists such as pianists Danilo Pérez and Michael Pellera, saxophonists Joe Lovano, David Liebman, drummer Terri Lyne Carrington and more. I draw influence from artists ranging from Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan to Pat Metheny, John Scofield, Charlie Hunter, Toninho Horta, and countless others. As an instructor, I began teaching other kids in my hometown and high school when I was 15 and I never stopped. I work with guitarists at every level—from beginners learning fundamentals to advanced players refining their artistry. My specialties include jazz, blues, rock, funk, R&B, folk, country, and Latin styles, as well as improvisation, chord melody, 7-string jazz guitar, music theory, and recording. My approach balances technical discipline with musical creativity, helping students develop not just skills, but a deeper understanding of the guitar and music as a whole. Whether you're a beginner picking up the guitar for the first time, an intermediate player looking to understand what's going on under the hood with music, or an advanced player looking to refine your skills, gain a new perspective, or prepare for auditions for schools such as Berklee, New England Conservatory, or Juilliard, I look forward to hearing from you!

"I've been wanting to pick up the guitar again for a while, and while I've had a few instructors in the past, I've never really quite stuck with the hobby. I was really impressed with Andrew's attention to detail and how patient he was. I could tell right off the bat that he's a natural teacher because we went over the basics until I was comfortable, such as the parts of the instrument, how to hold and use a pick, and tuning. He was very clear, articulate, and super easy to talk to. I would highly recommend Andrew if you're starting out, need a refresher, or just want top-quality instruction.

I've been a professional touring bassist and educator for 20 years. I'm a doubler both electric and upright. I have a B.M. in Music education from VCU in Richmond, VA. (Don't make a joke about your degree being a "BM") If you're still here, I'm also a guitarist and have taught strings and brass. I've taught privately and classroom settings both in-person and remotely. I bring my experiences as a performing artist and educator to guide students of all ages and levels. My lessons are individualized and intended to guide you on your musical journey. Lessons can vary depending on your needs, wants and goals. Always wanted to learn that lick in your favorite song that you just can't quite get? Let's figure it out? Have an audition you need to buckle down for? Buckle up! Hahaha...I kid. Or am I??? Of course. I can't wait to work with you.