Staff

We are blessed to have music teachers who are both world-class musicians and world-class people.

James Mays + Director // Voice / Guitar / Bass / Songwriting / Bands / Music Business / Record Production

James Mays votes on the Grammys.  He is the creator of SXSW Underage, The Kids Are Alright Fest and Band Aid School of Music. Mays has served as production director of the Miami Music Festival, assistant production manager for SXSW Music and a producer of both NAMM’s School Jam USA and ACL Fest.

As a teenager, Mays began earning his living as a singer. His performing credits range from CBGB’s to Emo’s, to London’s Troubadour by way of Carnegie Hall. His works can be heard in film, television and commercials, including one debuted by Bono as the score for Nike’s Red Campaign. In 2017 Austin City Council and Mayor named October 12, “James Mays Founder of Band Aid School of Music Day” for his past, present and future contribution to Austin’s musical legacy.

Mays’ most current band, mrandmrsmays, earned top ten ranking from many college and AAA radio stations across the country. He began teaching young people in 1991 and has done so since his return to Austin in 2001.

Current Bands:  Jonny 8 Track, mrandmrsmays,  Bob Popular

Andy Tenberg + Education Director // Guitar / Bass / Piano / Drums / Voice / Ukulele / Bands / Record Production

Andy is a root and jazz-trained musician from Austin, TX. His first lessons in 1996 were for guitar and piano but have since expanded to voice, electric bass, ukulele and drums. Andy has been teaching music since 2006 and has a degree in Education from the University of Texas at Austin. In addition to teaching at Band Aid and working as a side-man, Andy plays with Tomar & The FCs: a five-piece, original funk and soul band. Andy played ACL Fest in 2016 and 2017. Lastly, Andy has recently started a music production label that writes and records music for TV, film, video games and more. Whether your goal is to be able to jam around a campfire, write and record a song, apply to music college, or start a band, Andy will write a curriculum just for you.

Current Bands:  Tomar & The FCs

Wes Armstrong + Operations Manager // Drums / Piano / Guitar / Bass / Bands

Wes Armstrong has been playing since 2001 and drumming professionally for fourteen years. He has experience in concert percussion, marching percussion, recording, songwriting and music production. Wes honed his craft under teachers such as Ryan Thomas, Stephen Bidwell, Monte Warden and Brandi Warden. Wes has been an official SXSW artist multiple times and recorded on more than 10 different records. He marched with The James Bowie Outdoor Performing Ensemble, which was ranked 4th in the state of Texas and 10th overall in the nation. As part of the James Bowie High School Jazz Band, Wes won Outstanding Soloist as a drummer and the group placed 1st overall in the Essentially Ellington Southern Regional contest, winning the opportunity to perform on the main stage at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Music Festival. Wes also marched with Austin Independent and participated in WGI contests including world championships. You can catch Wes performing in Austin and beyond with his current projects Foxtales, Nick Adamo band, Russel Taine Jr. and Fragile Rock among others. Wes is excited to show you how to be the best drummer you can be and to share his love of music with you.

Current Bands:  Foxtales, Nick Adamo band, Russel Taine Jr. , Fragile Rock

Candi Sanders + Piano / Voice / Songwriting

Candice Sanders is a powerhouse with blends of upbeat, funky R&B soul, laced with the feverish kinetic energy of rock ‘n roll. Born in a house full of music through her father, she is a love child of inspirational music that transcends genres and heals the woes of the hard modern life. From the first note of her magical voice at live performances, Candice raises the temperature in the room, as well as the energy level, and then the night belongs to her and everyone within earshot. Her debut album, “Rumble In The Playground”, produced by fellow Texan and collaborator, AJ Vallejo, is a lifetime-in-the-making tribute to her musical idols: Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, and the great Aretha, to name a few, featuring a who’s who list of Austin’s finest talents such as Guy Forsyth, David Grissom (Dixie Chicks, John Mellencamp), Phil Redmond, Selton Cole, Haydn Vitera (Asleep At The Wheel) and many more. Candice Sanders is poised to make some serious noise and excite a vast demographic of music lovers, old and new, to elevate their senses.

Current Bands: Candi And The Muthaload

Josh Mosier + Guitar / Bass / Drums / Piano / Record Production

Josh was born and raised in Austin and was lucky enough to form a band starting in 3rd grade. He stuck with the same bassist and drum all the way through high school, and played several shows around Austin. They played in a Jazz band as well which helped them dial in a funky/bluesy jamming style.

Josh also began producing his own songs when he was around 12 and became very passionate about songwriting and music production. Band Aid was definitely an inspiration and huge help early on in his career, as Josh took voice lessons with our own James Mays in high school.

Josh honed his guitar playing while attending college in New Orleans and studying music business and jazz. He played with bands around the city at great venues like Tipitinas and other Nola staples. Josh really enjoys working with bands, the interaction between the instruments, and rehearsing to put on a great show. After moving back to Austin in 2019, he started sharing his passion with the next generation by teaching lessons at Band Aid. When he is not teaching lessons he is writing and producing new music.

Current Band: Josh Mosier

Kayla McCuiston + Marketing Coordinator // Trumpet / Piano / Ukulele / Guitar

Kayla has always had a passion for music since she grew up in a musical family. In the summers, she went to choir practice multiple times per week with her music-minister grandpa, lead-singer mother, and workshop-leader father.

Her creative spirit drove her to earn a Bachelor of Science in Advertising from Texas State. In her final semester at TXST, we brought her on as a Marketing Intern, and at the end of the semester, she became the full-time marketing coordinator.

When she found a career that combined her creativity, skills and passions, she knew this was where she belonged.

Jacarious Stanley + Guitar

Jacarious’ primary instrument is the guitar and when he’s not playing that, he is messing around on the piano. He has been playing guitar for 8 years now and is enjoying the journey to be the best musician he can be! Jacarious is currently playing in two bands and studying jazz at ACC. He is looking to spread his knowledge to those who are willing to learn!

Pipo Fernandez + Guitar / Drums / Voice / Bands / Music Production / Songwriting

Born and raised in the buzzing hub that is Manila in the Philippines, singer-songwriter-producer Pipo Fernandez blurs the lines between pop and R&B to create the fresh new sound that has become his signature. Pipo is a graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Film and Video Game Scoring. After graduating, Pipo went on to work as a songwriter for The Practice Worldwide – a music publishing company in New York. During his two years in The Big Apple, Pipo worked on songwriting projects for various big-name media outlets including Disney, Netflix and Viacom, earning his own songwriting credits on songs that were featured in major motion pictures and television shows. His role as a composer and songwriter has led him to work alongside renowned professionals in the music and film industries and has given him the opportunity to gain invaluable experience in the process. When he isn’t making music, Pipo applies his musical talents to other creative projects, ranging from video game scoring to vocal coaching and sharing his passion for songwriting.

Julian Moreno + Guitar / Drums / Voice / Bands / Piano / Trombone / Trumpet

Julian Moreno is a music educator originally from Houston, Texas. He is currently attending Texas State University working towards his Bachelor of Arts in Music with a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences. Since learning trombone in the 6th grade, he has performed with the Texas State marching band and currently plays with Texas State’s Salsa Del Rio. In the future, he would like to become a certified Texas music educator and spread his passion for music with his students.

David Kent + Guitar / Bass / Ukulele / Drums / Bands

David Kent has been performing live since the age of twenty and playing guitar professionally on tour since 2013. He has performed in such groups as Cole Fonseca Blues Band, Slow Season and Heavy Velvet. Outside of his primary projects, David has been a session musician for many genres of music from folk and rock, to blues and funk. He has also recorded, mixed and produced numerous projects; including albums for various bands and solo artists, radio commercials and film soundtracks. He is currently set to release two new albums on both vinyl and digital platforms. He is also working on a short film soundtrack set to be finished and released in the coming months. Based out of Austin, his band Heavy Velvet is still actively performing, writing and recording music. David has been teaching for three years and enjoys working with his students; both in solo and band settings. It is his goal to not only teach instruments, but share an appreciation for music itself.

Ian Wasdin + Guitar / Bass / Drums / Piano

Ian Wasdin is an Austin, TX-born and based composer and multi-instrumentalist. Ian began formally playing music at 11, playing saxophone and clarinet throughout elementary, middle, and high school. At some point along the way, he picked up a guitar and never put it down.
Initially self-taught, Ian would go on to study classical guitar with John Dearman of the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, Dr. Thomas Echols at Austin Community College, and Adam Holzman at The Butler School of Music at The University of Texas at Austin, where he is pursuing his
B.M. in Instrumental Music Studies with an Emphasis in Guitar.
Ian is fluent in styles ranging from classical, jazz, and rock. In addition to teaching, Ian is an active performer throughout the Austin area and writes songs under the moniker Dovvner.

Lee Trahan + Guitar / Bass / Drums / Ukulele / Voice / Piano

Lee Trahan is a rock and pop inspired guitarist, songwriter and producer. As a former BandAid student, native Austinite, and graduate of Berklee College of Music ‘23, Lee has spent his whole life in the world of music.

Lee has played guitar for 14 years and studied across many genres including: Blues, Rock, Grunge, Pop R&B, Indie and more! Lee started at BandAid in a Rock Band Summer Camp in 2013, and was part of a band/taking lessons there until 2019. His band, “Fifth Flight,” won several Battle of the Bands competitions including the Wildflower! Arts and Music Festival Battle of the Bands in 2018. In 2019 he went to Boston to attend Berklee College of Music and studied Songwriting, Music Production and Music Business. In his time at Berklee, he spent 200+ hours in the studio as a guitarist, vocalist, bassist, producer, arranger, and even as a conductor of a string quartet.

Lee is currently putting together his plan to debut as a solo artist in the Austin music scene. You can find his music under Lee Trahan on all streaming platforms.

Jason McKenzie + Ableton Live / Doumbek / Drums / Guitar / Piano / Tabla

Jason McKenzie began his musical studies on drum set with the late Butch Trucks from 70s jam band pioneers The Allman Brothers Band in his teens, then studied percussion at Florida State Univ. and later transferred and graduated from the Univ. of North Texas. 

He studied tabla (North Indian hand percussion) from Aloke Dutta, Swapan Chaudhuri, and Gouri Shankar and the kanjira (South Indian percussion) from Ganesh Kumar and Sathish Pathakota. He eventually traveled to India twice to concentrate on each instrument respectively. 

Jason has toured playing drums with pop singers Alexi Murdoch and Matt Nathanson and has recorded drums on Nathanson’s record “Some Mad Hope” which has now gone reached gold status.  In addition to pop, Jason has also played with country legends Billy Joe Shaver and Willie Nelson and appeared with them both on Late Night with David Letterman in December 2015. 

He also co-founded the Austin-based world music ensemble Atash which has performed in Mexico, Spain, Taiwan, Hawaii and most recently at Carnegie Hall in New York backed by a fifty-piece student orchestra.

Lukas Duhon + Guitar / Bass / Piano / Drums / Songwriting / Audio Engineering

Lukas is a Singer-Songwriter, multi-instrumentalist & Audio Engineer from Austin TX. The initial spark in his lifelong passion for music started at the age of 7 in his first vocal of performance. In the following years his first orchestral instrument the Double Bass led to into his fascination of Guitar. Shortly thereafter he began performing & teaching his first lessons to other students in the middle school guitar club.

Throughout his life, his passion and understanding of music has grown deeper and deeper. Lukas is currently on track to graduate with two degrees at ACC in audio engineering and music performance. His motto of “Always be a student” rings true in his personal life just as well as what he passes on to others.Tuesday, March 12th

Aaron McComack + Guitar / Piano / Ukulele / Production

Introducing Aaron, the multi-talented musician and adventurous soul of Band Aid. With his fingers dancing on the keys of the piano, strumming the guitar, and plucking the ukulele, he brings a captivating melody to every tune. When he’s not making music, you’ll find Aaron scaling mountains and conquering new heights as an avid climber. He’s also a certified sound engineer and producer, shaping soundscapes that will transport you to another world. Aaron’s love for dogs and leisurely strolls along the beach adds an extra touch of warmth and joy to his already cool vibes. Join him on this musical journey and experience the magic of music with Aaron at Band Aid.

Alumni Staff

Daniel Hopin + Saxophone / Piano

Daniel Hopin has been studying saxophone performance since 2009.  In high school, he served as the Drum Major of his marching band and was the lead tenor player in the Jazz band. After graduating, Daniel attended college at the University of Florida where he studied Jazz under University of North Texas alumni, Scott Wilson. Daniel has performed hundreds of times with bands which have given him experience with songwriting, management and showmanship. Additionally, Daniel was the pupil of Moe Goldstien, a saxophonist who toured with Jazz greats such as the Buddy Rich Band. Today, Daniel works as a musician part-time in Austin playing sax with many local groups.

Current Bands: Bourgeois Mystics, Nick Swift Live Band, Sidepiece, Vivid Fever Dreams

Dylan Hill + Guitar / Bass / Drums / Voice / Piano / Bands

Dylan has been fascinated by music and performing ever since he could fiddle with a guitar pick. He began studying music at the age of 5. With an intense love of music theory and songwriting being his focus, Dylan applies his knowledge and talents to multiple instruments including Guitar, Drums, Bass, Piano, and Vocals. He has toured the greater parts of the United States as a drummer with his band Mamalarky, as well as having toured in Costa Rica and Guatemala as a bassist in different jazz festivals. During a brief 2 year stint in Los Angeles, Dylan worked as a recording assistant at Rick Rubin’s iconic studio Shangri La, working alongside artists such as Harry Styles (One Direction), Julian Casablancas (The Strokes), Frank Ocean, and Carlos Santana, among others. Dylan can currently be seen performing locally with a number of different groups on different instruments as well as consistently touring the US regularly with Mamalarky.

Current Bands: Mamalarky, Nick Adamo, Russel Taine Jr., The Soap Boxers, Big Wy’s Brass Band, Wrongbird

Jordan Taylor + Mallet percussion (marimba/xylophone) / Drums / Ukulele / Piano

Jordan is a percussionist from Schertz, TX who has been playing since she was 5 years old. She started in the orff ensemble at her elementary school and was part of the percussion section in the band every year until graduation. Jordan also played snare drum for 4 years in the drumline at her high school, and in college, she was part of the premiere percussion organization at Texas A&M, Percussion Studio. She has also used her love of music to teach herself how to play the ukulele and continues to include music in her life daily.

Nicolas Davis + Guitar / Piano / Upright Bass

Nicholas Davis is a bassist in both acoustic and electric bass. Nick started his career in 2014 and has played with artists such as Robert Irving III, Bobby Watson and Bobby Broom, performing at venues such as the Jazz Showcase, Andy’s Jazz Club, and the Auditorium Theatre. Currently a graduate of the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University, he is studying music to make a career doing what he loves. His time at Roosevelt opened his ears to where he played in Fusion, Brazilian, Hard Bop, and avant-garde groups. Davis now has moved to Austin, TX to see what opportunities are awaiting for his music career.

Jarret Wenzel + Guitar / Bass / Drums / Piano / Bands

Jarrett is a musician from Westhampton, NJ. He started playing in bands and began touring at the age of 16. He firmly believes that teaching music goes far beyond being a good player. Turning the fundamentals into something that each student can connect with is no easy task. Being in tune (pun intended) with a student’s personality and interests informs the teaching process.

He credits his teachers Charlie Heim and Ricardo Lagomasino for instilling these values in him.
Jarrett is currently recording under the name They Don’t Deserve to Know. He recently finished his project called “A Year In The Life”  where he wrote, recorded, and released one song a week for an entire year. He’s also playing drums for Tim Kile, formerly of Arcade Fire and Columbia Record’s Wild Light. Jarrett is working on music constantly. He doesn’t know how not to.

Current Bands: They Don’t Deserve to Know

Deanna Joshlin + Voice

Deanna is originally from Victoria, TX. She started her singing career at the age of 5 years old, singing in her grandmother’s church. Deanna currently sings back up for our other vocal teacher, Candi Sanders, in her band Candi and the Muthaload. It was here that she really got to let her voice shine. Deanna started teaching vocals in 2020, and she has a passion to share the joy that song can bring with her students. 

Current Band: Candi and the Muthaload

Andrew Savage + Guitar / Piano / Songwriting / Harmonica / Bands

Andrew is a singer/songwriter originally from Pennsylvania. He has been playing guitar since age eleven, writing his own songs and performing since age fourteen. Andrew loves to share his passion for song and performance with his students. He teaches guitar, songwriting, piano, and harmonica.

Claire Boyd +  / Voice / Piano / Guitar / Mandolin / Songwriting / Bands

Claire is a classically trained pianist who has been teaching music lessons since she was 16.  She ran her own studio for nine years in College Station where she personally instructed hundreds of students before moving to Austin in 2013. She is also a singer/songwriter who has performed solo and with a full band since she was 17 and has recorded and released a pair of full-length albums under her maiden name, Claire Domingue.  She now fronts the band Bright Knight with her husband Tristan on drums.  She graduated from Texas A&M University (class of 09) with a double-major in Telecommunication Media Studies and French, but her main passion is sharing the gift of music with others.

Wyatt Corder + Trumpet / Guitar / Piano / Bass / Ukulele / Bands

Wyatt Corder is a born and raised Austinite who has been playing professionally in the live music capital since he was 15. He founded Big Wy’s Brass Band whilst being a junior at Westlake High School and they have since gone on to play jazz festivals in Guatemala and Costa Rica, Waterloo Music Festival, The COTA Grand Prix, Austin Hot Sauce Fest, SXSW music festival and many beloved venues in ATX. Wyatt began playing music in 6th grade as a trumpet player, and has since became a powerhouse on guitar, bass, keyboards and ukulele as well.

As a freelance musician he has played at ACL Festival in 2018 and 2019, as well as a set at Red Rocks opening up for Gary Clark Jr. Wyatt graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with an advertising degree and spent four years as a college marketing representative at Sony Music Entertainment, giving him the skill and know-how to navigate and network in the music industry. He also has been a Radio DJ at KVRX Austin, and held a position as a marketing intern at the Erwin Center.

Current Bands: Big Wy’s Brass Band, Flyjack, Night Cap, Mamafesta, Los Coast, A Live One, Heartbyrne

Sean Lochridge + Drums

Sean has been studying and performing music since he began taking piano lessons in his childhood. He played the saxophone through high school, and got his first guitar at 16 which led to his interest in songwriting and recording. Shortly after picking up guitar he began playing drums which became his primary instrument. Ever since then his passion has been to explore creativity through music. He continued his music education at Texas State University, where he formed and performed with several bands and eventually began putting together a home studio where he would record music for both himself and other local musicians. After graduating, he relocated to Austin where he has played with and recorded many bands both locally and across the U.S. through online collaborations.

Sean’s goal is to empower each student to become a confident musician and, through his experiences in the music community, he aims to help them learn how to find success in their own musical endeavors.

Current Bands: Imp of Perverse, frosty palms, UVH

Blake O’Neal + Guitar / Bass / Piano / Ukulele / Songwriting / Bands

Blake O’Neal is a jazz guitarist, born and raised in San Antonio. In 2007, he started teaching himself to play, before moving to San Marcos where he is currently pursuing a Bachelors degree in Jazz Performance at Texas State University. He has since learned from countless talented musicians. One standout being, Brian Pardo, who studied under the legendary Pat Martino. When he’s is not teaching, you can find Blake playing guitar around the San Antonio/ Austin area in one of his many local groups. Blake’s love for music and constant pursuit to get better inspires his passion for teaching and sharing his knowledge with others.

Current bands: Roberto Aponte Quartet, Blue State of Mind, Small Grain

Reid Wegrecki + Administrative Manager // French Horn / Trumpet / Composing & Arranging

Reid is a jazz and classical French Horn player and composer/arranger in Austin. She received her BA in Music from Goshen College in 2018 and went on to arrange multiple jazz tunes for groups around northern Indiana. She worked with Swedish Composer, Joel Bille to arrange his well-known video game soundtrack titled “Fe” for a full, live orchestra while gaining some administrative experience in Austin. While she has 14+ years of experience with the French Horn, her specialties are music arranging and marching band techniques.

Current Bands: Stray Collie, Wegrecki Music

John Dudley + Drums / Bands / Bass

John Dudley is a professional drummer from Detroit, Michigan and has been playing the drums since the age of 7. He began cutting his teeth as a working musician at the age of 15 with his first band Citizen Zero. This journey started with playing smaller rock clubs in Detroit and led to sold out shows at some of Michigan’s most acclaimed venues, a record deal and a full two years of relentless touring.

After parting ways with Citizen Zero in 2018, John took his talents to Nashville where he would go on to play drums with Nikki Lane doing tours with acts such as Band of Horses and Chris Stapleton, festival appearances all over the country and even a late night television slot on the Carson Daly show.

Now residing in Austin, John is focusing his energy on sharing his love of music with others. With an extensive touring background in genres such as Rock, Americana, Country, Pop and Indie, John is looking to use his knowledge of drumming and the music industry to help the younger generation build a lifelong connection with music in hopes that they too can turn their passions into a career.

Current Band: Pharaohs

Nick Manka + Drums / Guitar / Bands

Nick began learning music around the age of 12. After a couple years of self teaching, he began private music lessons at age 15, continuing studying into college. Nick has worked as a live drummer since then across a range of genres including rock, jazz, metal, ballads, reggae, hip hop, country, and more. He has recorded drums on a number of EPs and a few records, and is currently writing a solo record.

Nick has a love for exploring the possibilities of an instrument, and learning the language of music. He aims to teach students to be confident, motivated, and results oriented so they can enjoy becoming the musician they want to be.

Dees Stribling + Drums / Piano / Bands

Dees started taking piano lessons at a very early age and eventually found his love for drums at 13. He would go on to study jazz at both the University of North Texas and Texas State University. After graduating from Texas State in San Marcos with a degree in history, Dees toured the US with with Americana/Country band, Sons of Fathers for 3 years and then spent the last 2 years with original rock band, Blue Healer. Sons of Fathers appeared at the Grand Ole Opry 3 times, and both bands played major festivals every year, including ACL and Bonnaroo. In addition to playing live, Dees has been an active studio musician, appearing on numerous Albums, EPs, and commercial recording sessions over the last 5 years. Dees believes that music is a force for good in this world, and it is his vocation to spread that gift so that others can fully appreciate music and pay it forward.

Current Bands:  Blue HealerDavid Beck’s Tejano Weekend

Wiley Greene + Piano / Tuba / Trombone / Euphonium / Theory / Songwriting / Bands / Recording

Wiley got his start playing music in the 6th Grade on the tuba. After excelling quickly, he soon took to playing the piano by ear, and subsequently began taking lessons. After High School, Wiley attended both Texas State University and the Cleveland Institute of Music where he studied under such musicians as Yasuhito Sugiyama, Ronald Bishop, and Massimo La Rosa. In addition Wiley has received lessons and masterclasses from such names as Oystein Baadsvik, Bob Tucci, Dan Perontoni, and Charles Villarrubia. While at CIM, Wiley was active amongst his peers in composing and forming extracurricular ensembles. He has had his composition choreographed and performed by Cleveland’s Verb Ballets.

After finishing his studies Wiley moved back to Austin to get back in touch with his songwriting roots. Since then, he has been recording, writing, and performing in and around Austin with various ensembles and projects. Currently he can be heard playing keys with the bands Food Group, RG Lowe, and Olson St. Clair.

Wiley teaches piano, tuba, trombone, euphonium, music theory, songwriting, bands, and recording.

Zac Kellogg + Voice / Guitar / Songwriting / Bands

Born and raised in Austin, TX, Zac Kellogg has been playing music professionally since his high school years. While attending St.Edward’s University in downtown Austin, Zac’s band White Leaf recorded and released several albums which have been recognized by magazines both locally and internationally. After graduation, Zac continued to play music and began teaching music on the side. In addition to his love for music and teaching, Zac also leads worship, alongside his wife and musical partner every Sunday at his local church. They recently released their first single together, “Closer” under their stage name, Zac and Jessye Kellogg. They are currently wrapping up the release of their first full length album together. You can find their music at https://zacandjessye.bandcamp.com or on any of the popular streaming platforms!

Sarah Truesdale + Video Supervisor

Sarah Truesdale is in charge of documenting the happenings of Band Aid on film, including camps, band rehearsals and live performances.  A guitarist since age 12, Sarah was part of one of James Mays’ first teen bands at 15, playing JamFest, SXSW  and the Kids are Alright Fest. She graduated from the University of North Texas with a BA in film and reunited with Mays to witness and record the rise new teen bands.

Adrian Myers + Drums / Piano / Bass / Bands

Adrian Myers is multi-instrumentalist who has been teaching and playing professionally since 2004. He has a bachelor degree in drum set performance along with minor in jazz composition from the Berklee School of Music in Boston, MA. Adrian is Fluent in several styles ranging from jazz, Rock, Blues, Soul, and Hip-hop. He received the Louis Armstrong Jazz award in 2004 as a senior in high school and a performance scholarship to Berklee school of music. In 2010 he received the teacher of year award from the West End House, Boys and Girls club in Boston, MA. He has shared stages with Artists such as Bob Seger, Jamie Johnson, Neil McCoy, Willie Nelson and many more Grammy nominated artists. Adrian currently resides in Austin TX where he tours with Red Dirt Artist, Stoney LaRue, and Teaches various instruments to all ages of students.

Current Bands: Stony LaRue, Dave Scher

Jacq Hagerty + Voice / Piano / Songwriting

As a gal growing up in Texas, Jacq (pronounced “Jack”) started her career on a hillside singing to an audience of steers and heifers at her Grandpa’s ranch in Paris. Never a stranger to the spotlight, she began performing professionally at age 11 and was cast in over 50 musicals at Cypress Academy of Performing Arts and TUTS Theatre (Houston). She was accepted with a full scholarship to the prestigious Roosevelt University, Chicago College of Performing Arts: the Theatre Conservatory.

Ready to switch gears and execute her vision of leading a futuristic 60’s girl group, 19 year-old Jacq found her way to sunny California and got in the kitchen to cook up some of her own greasy soul tunes. She formed the band “Steely Nash and The Cuts” and played shows all over the Bay Area and Los Angeles under the management of Johnny Wright (Jonas Brothers, Justin Timberlake, Ciara). She was also a Top 40 contestant on American Idol, Season 10.

Back in Austin and ready to rock, this singer, songwriter, recording artist, vocal producer, bandleader, and vocal coach is thrilled to be joining the BEST music school in town here at Band Aid! Jacq also holds a certificate from the Music Together program and has experience working with all ages and stages from infants to adults as an early childhood music educator, fine arts specialist and a private voice instructor.

She is super jazzed to share her genuine love of music serving her community as a musical mentor while creating a positive environment for all singers to improve their stage presence and find their strongest voice.

Current Bands: Steely Nash

Charlie Harper + Drums / Bass / Piano / Bands

Music has guided Charlie to many places and has given him a unique collection of stories and experiences he would like to share with the world. Starting his music education at the age of 12 and touring the world at the age of 17, Charlie has been performing live consistently and has been part of and performed with bands signed to major labels such as Island Def Jam and Columbia Records. He has had the opportunity to be on some big stages like the Late Late Show with James Corden. Charlie has received some musical training right here in Austin and also through Berklee College of Music. He continues to play live, teach, record, and compose daily.

Every song is different and requires a different approach. It is the same with his students. His love for learning and always getting better inspires his passion for teaching and sharing what he has learned along the way.

Current Bands: Charlie Harper, Deputy, Storm King, Ruby Dice, Conquistadors

Bethony Harnden + Guitar / Voice / Ukulele / Songwriting / Bands

Bethony Harnden is a self-taught songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. She first discovered her passion for singing and creative writing as a preteen in Houston. After years of hiding her talents, she began learning guitar from a friend— eight years later the rest is history! Her passion for composing and performing original music was ignited when she moved to Austin in 2014, taking on venues with her first band. Currently she sings, writes and plays guitar with jazz rock group Lady Chops & The Goddamn Jam. As a part of her unfolding music career she hopes to be the friend who ignites a passion for music in others!

Current Bands: Lady Chops

Trevor Kevin O’Connor + Songwriting / Voice / Guitar / Bass / Drums / Recording

Hailing from the Garden State of New Jersey. Trevor has over 10 years of experience with almost every aspect of a music school. From being a student, to teaching songwriting and multiple instruments, to acting as general manager. Trevor had played countless gigs with his band Dr Scientist around New Jersey and New York City as well as touring as far as Oregon and back before moving to Austin in September of 2017.

He is the author of a guitar instruction book “Guaranteed Guitarist” in which he uniquely breaks down concepts into the simplest form for his students. He attended SUNY Oneonta where he received his Bachelors in Music Industry. Trevor briefly worked at a music publishing house and a youtube monetization company in Hoboken and Brooklyn, respectively, before deciding to focus on teaching and playing music full time.

Trevor has produced multiple records and countless videos for schools, bands and his own projects. When he isn’t running around Band Aid teaching and producing projects you can see him playing all around Austin either solo or with his bands.

Current Bands:  Bag Lady, Dr Scientist

Eric Lyday + Voice / Drums / Piano / Guitar / Songwriting / Bass / Ukulele / Recording / Bands

Eric Lyday, a native Austinite, has been a musician since the age of 10. Starting on the drum set with teacher Stephen Belans (Kacy Crowly, Alejandro Escovedo), he performed percussion, mallet keyboards and was center snare drum on the Dripping Springs High School drumline. Eric has since explored making music through voice, guitar, electronics and piano.

After high school Eric attended the University of Texas at Austin as a music educator and performer. There he worked with the UT Concert Chorale, Hispanic Caribbean Ensemble, UT Jazz Combos and the Electronic Composition Department. His work in electronic composition provided the opportunity to premiere his pieces at the NYCEMF conference in New York City, LaTex conference in Baton Rouge and New Orleans and Ears Eyes and Feet in Austin. He also studied private voice with John Aielli and Leonard Johnson, and graduated with a performance certificate in classical voice. Outside of school Eric has played with the band Tinnarose on drums for SXSW in 2013, the blues outfit T.P. Tom and the Sliders, and currently creates his own music as lead guitarist and singer with the band Food Group.

As an educator he has taught many students as a piano teacher and vocal coach at 26 Music, as well as having had public school music positions at Hill Country Middle School, Oak Meadows Elementary and Sims Elementary. Eric is now pursuing playing and performing with the band Food Group as his main focus, havingperformed on KVRX and KUTX radio stations and touring across the country.

Current Band: Food Group

Marshall Jackson Lowry + Saxophone / Piano / Bands

Marshall Jackson Lowry is a musician, multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer and recording engineer born and raised in Austin, Texas. His primary instruments are saxophone, flute, and piano––however, he also plays the drums, bass, guitar, and sings.

Marshall is a two-time recipient of the Eleanor Stribling Award for Excellence in Jazz Studies from The University of Texas at Austin, where he earned his Bachelor of Music. He majored in Jazz Composition under the tutelage of Dr. John Mills, and wrote and performed with the University of Texas Jazz Orchestra and AIME (Alternative Improvisational Music Ensemble). As a member of the UT Jazz Orchestra, Marshall had the privilege to perform with prominent jazz artists including Joshua Redman, Jeff Tain Watts, and John Clayton among others.

Marshall has led multiple bands, including the MLSO (Marshall Lowry Soul Orchestra) and his current project Papa Mongoose. He is a composer, producer, saxophonist, and keyboardist for the electronic soul and dance band CAPYAC. Marshall has also performed with various musicians from the Austin music scene including White Denim, Magna Carda, Huggy & The Feel Goodz, Grizzly Adams Family, and Brazilian Space Program among others.

Marshall was recently featured on White Denim’s new single, Magazin, off their upcoming album entitled Performance.

Marshall is proficient in Ableton Live, Logic, and Finale.

Current Bands: the MLSO, Papa Mongoose, CAPYAC

Andrea Mazzenga + Voice / Piano

“That Girl Dre” is a singer, pianist, actor and songwriter originally from New York City. She made her off-Broadway debut at age 19 and worked as a professional singer for the BMI Musical Theatre workshops. She honed her skills at Emerson College (Boston, MA), Circle in the Square on Broadway (NYC) and HB Studios (NYC). Upon moving to Austin in 2012, she has formed a soul-pop band “That Girl Dre” and was awarded Top Unsigned Artist of 2015 by The Recording Conservatory of Austin. Andrea works closely with her students to help them connect with songs and bring star-quality to every live performance.

Current Bands:  That Girl Dre

Glynn Wedgewood + Guitar / Voice / Bass / Drums / Songwriting / Bands + Event Production

Glynn relocated to Austin, TX from his native England after spending several years touring the world, supporting such artists as Oasis, The Bravery, Paul Weller, The Pretenders, The Editors, Jet and more. He has played countless festivals including CMJ, ACL, SXSW and Coachella, as well as numerous arena shows. An accomplished songwriter, he has penned songs that have featured on the ABC network and that have received substantial airplay in the US and Europe. Having performed on CBS’s The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Fearless Music, XFM, BBC Radio 2 and The Current 89.3, he is no stranger to TV and Radio either. Glynn has 17 years’ worth of guitar/vocal experience.

Alex Werner + Drums / Guitar / Bass / Songwriting / Bands + Event Production

Alex was born into a family of musicians. At the age of 10, Alex began playing guitar at and soon after percussion. He was high school drumline captain and a four year Texas State high level solo competitor. Mr. Werner has played in numerous churches and bands. He currently plays with White Leaf along with Zac Kellogg, another Band Aid School of Music staffer, and is perusing a music education degree. Alex loves all music and is passionate about helping kids find and harness their musical gifts.

Mike Zeoli + Latin Percussion / Drums

Mike can be heard on all DEL CASTILLO albums, multiple soundtracks with film maker, Robert Rodriguez (and his “Chingon” band), touring world wide with DEL CASTILLO (since 2000) and was voted “Best Drummer” for the Austin Chronicle Music Poll (2002).  Mike also has over 15 years of experience as a drum, percussion and world music instructor.

Mr Zeoli began hitting pots and pans with old ‘Lincoln-Log’ sticks to Beatles records when he was 3 years old.  His grandpa noticed he enjoyed hitting things around the house, so he got Michael a toy drum for his fourth birthday. His parents then took him to see Kiss for his first concert ever on his fifth birthday and that pretty much sealed the deal.

Mike always have loved rock ‘n’ roll (and always will). However, when he first heard the entrancing rhythm of Afro-Cuban drumming as a young teenager, something stirred deep within him and he wanted to listen and study it over and over. That’s what music is all about – being inspired to create, learn and have fun.  He hopes to inspire others to take their own musical journey. “Living in Austin, TX is a very inspiring city for all kinds of music,” says Mike. “We are all blessed and very lucky to live here.  Rock on amigos!”

Mike Zeoli is sponsored by Pro-Mark drumsticks, Evans drumheads, Zildjian cymbals, Gibraltar hardware and “LP” Latin Percussion.

Chris Cline + Recording Program

Chris Cline has seen well over a decade of action as a recording engineer and producer. A musician for most of his life, he decided to take the recording engineer/sound arts route as his area of study. Since entering the professional world of audio, he has worked on numerous projects in the independent music scene, including but not limited to: And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead, Scrabbel, Seventeen Evergreen, Deerhoof, the Society of Rockets, STEREO IS A LIE, Explosions in the Sky, elephone, The Ebb and Flow and many others. A number of his projects have graced the College Music Journal charts (CMJ) and have received critical acclaim all over the world. Chris’ work has been reviewed and mentioned in Pitchfork, New Musical Express (UK), Rolling Stone, Option, The Big Takeover, The Onion AV Club and countless other periodicals and blogs around the world. He is the personal engineer for the world-renowned violinist Daniel Kobialka. He is also a member of the Audio Engineering Society, National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (Producers and Engineers Wing, Grammys, voting member) and is a certified Pro Tools HD 8 Operator and in Waves Audio Processors .

As a musician Chris has played in both the studio and live arenas with a wide array of bands and artists. Projects that he has been involved with as a drummer includeScrabbel (Three Ring Records/Kittridge Records), IV Thieves (New West/One Little Indian), We Is Shore Dedicated (Huevo Imaginary), Seventeen Evergreen (Pacific Radio Fire/Lucky Number U.K.), Mentallo and the Fixer (Metropolis Records) and ASP (Three Ring Records). Chris has also had the honor of sharing the stage with Architetcure In Helsinki, the Decemberists, American Analog Set, Snapcase, Cake, Money Mark (Beastie Boys), Rogue Wave, Jonathan Richman, Clan of Xymox and a slew of others.

Chris is the co-founder and co-owner of Austin-based independent record label MONOLATHE Recordings. In its first year, MONOLATHE had four releases and has been featured at the South by Southwest music conference in Austin as well as the College Music Journal’s Music and Film Festival in New York. MONOLATHE is distributed digitally worldwide, and physically throughout North America and parts of Europe. Chris is also the co-owner of San Francisco’s award winning independent record label, Three Ring Records. Three Ring has released over 90 LPs and EPs to date along with its subsidiaries Snowstorm Music, Mission Freak Records and 500 Records. Three Ring’s releases can be found all over the world both digitally and physically. He is also on the board for the label Wonder Of Sound/LiSem Enterprises.

AJ Vincent + Piano / Voice / Songwriting / Bands

A.J. Vincent is an award winning keyboardist and vocalist that was born and raised in Austin, TX. He started playing, writing and creating original music on the stage at a young age. He has toured the entire contiguous United States, touring coast-to-coast and in Canada as well. He won “Best Keyboardist of Austin” at the Austin Music Awards in 2011 and 2012. He opened for Aerosmith at Festival d’ete in Quebec City, and has played festivals including ACL Fest, SXSW, NXNE, Miami Music Festival, Ottawa Blues Fest, Wakarusa and more. He performs solo and with rock bands, including Brooklyn-based Black Taxi, and previously worked with Bright Light Social Hour. He has an enchanting stage presence that enthralls the audience.  With his powerful keyboards and chilling vocals, it’s hard not to get drawn in.

Current Bands:  Scorpion Child, AJ Vincent

Chris Konte + Piano / Guitar / Bass / Percussion / Voice / Songwriting / Bands

Chris is heavily rooted in the Austin music scene as a performer, producer and songwriter. In addition, he has enjoyed teaching all ages and skill levels since 2010. His trademark is keyboard, but he has also instructed guitar, bass, drums/percussion and vocals. His original songs have been placed on television and radio throughout the US and Europe.

After finishing a bachelor’s degree in communications at California State University, Fullerton in 2013, he joined Elijah Ford & the Bloom in the live music capital. Since then he has played with a score of local acts and on dozens of records.  Notable local performances include KUTX, KLBJ, Sun Radio, SXSW and Euphoria Festival. He has performed in 26 states, five countries and counting! Above all, Chris wants to honor the weird ways of Austin.

Current Bands: Elijah Ford and the BloomThe Naked Maja, Sharks in the Deep End, Erez, Marshall Moon & Friends, Miro, Jonny Burke, Londale, The Magpie SaluteRed Shahan

Dalton Jackson + Guitar / Bass / Piano / Drums / Voice / Songwriting / Bands

Born and raised here in Austin, Dalton has been involved in music for his entire life. Influenced by classic rock and the blues, he began taking music lessons at age seven. He created his first professional band at age 10, High on Hot Dogs, which performed at many venues around Austin such as Antones, Threadgills, the Belmont, The Paramount Theater and The Backyard before he could drive a car. Dalton attended Westlake High School where he was a member of the Madrigals (Honor Choir) and won first place in the Battle of the Bands. A month after graduating he hit the road as the drummer for Tucker Jameson. After two years of traveling and recording he co-founded The Naked Maja as singer and guitarist. He can be found performing with local acts That Girl Dre and Elijah Ford, as well as The Lobby Boys (a side project of Bob Spalding from the Ventures). Dalton has sat in with many bands over the years on guitar, drums, piano and bass. He is excited to share his love for everything music with the next generation of rock ‘n’ rollers, whether it is by teaching an instrument, songwriting or putting together a band!

Current Bands: The Naked Maja, That Girl Dre, Elijah Ford and the Bloom, The Warplanes, The Wild Now, and The Lobby Boys (fronted by Bob Spalding of The Ventures)

Sam Thompson + Guitar / Bass / Songwriting / Bands

Sam Thompson began playing music at a very young age, starting with piano and picking up the electric guitar at age 11. He has been playing professionally in bands since age 15. His first major push into the musical world was with his band The Steps, who toured the US and overseas, and played multiple festivals including two Austin City Limits Festival performances and regular SXSW showcases. Sam is currently playing and touring with the brand new Austin group Sharks In The Deep End. Other associated acts include Austin’s The Sweet Nuthin’, Los Angeles based Dame, and Brit-rockers Jonny 8 Track. He has a heavy influence in rock, blues and country music, and is a versatile player that can adjust to any student’s needs. Sam is also well versed with other instruments including piano, trumpet and bass.

Current Bands:  Sharks in the Deep EndJonny 8 Track

Alexander “Z” Lynch + Drums / Guitar / Bass / Piano / Bands

Z Lynch grew up in Austin, TX and has been playing music professionally since the age of 16. As a multi-instrumentalist, his musical journey started with the drums before expanding to guitar, bass and piano. Before finishing high school, Z was already touring internationally with The Steps, including performances at Austin City Limits Music Festival two years in a row and regular SXSW showcases. Since then, he has performed with countless musicians including Wayne Kramer (MC5) and legendary drummer Hunt Sales. He currently records and tours with various artists, including Austin based band Leopold & His Fiction and songwriter Rob Baird, among others. Z teaches drums, bass and guitar and has heavy influences in rock, blues and country music. Whatever your skill level is, Z is ready to share his experience and his passion for music with you!

Current Bands:  Elijah Ford and the Bloom, Leopold and his Fiction, Rob Baird

Elijah Ford + Guitar / Bass  / Drums  /Bands / Recording

Elijah Ford is a California native turned Austin-based musician, songwriter and producer, who began his solo career after breaking from touring with Oscar and Grammy award winning musician Ryan Bingham. Elijah is no stranger to the industry, as his parents have been life-long musicians. He is the son of former Black Crowes’ guitar heavyweight Marc Ford, and toured as part of Ford Sr’s Fuzz Machine at the age of 17 before getting the gig with Bingham, where he stayed until 2012. Since getting off the road with Bingham, Elijah has been busy at work in Austin’s music scene both in the studio and on the stage. He started teaching guitar, bass, band, recording and production at Band Aid School Of Music in the fall of 2015.

Current Bands: Elijah Ford and the Bloom

Adam Nurre + Percussion / Bass / Guitar / Piano

Adam Nurre is a 2011 graduate of Northern Kentucky University, where he earned a BM in Instrumental Music Education with a minor in Percussion Performance. While at NKU, Adam studied orchestral percussion and drum set under Dick Jensen (Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra) and Dan Dorff (Jim James, Ray LaMontagne). A native of Cincinnati, OH, Adam relocated to Austin in 2012 where he quickly became busy in the local scene, working as both a drummer and bassist. Averaging 200 performances a year, Adam’s current projects include work with David Ramirez, Rod Melancon, Nathan Hinojosa and Rollfast Ramblers. As a bassist, Adam has recently toured with Jeremy Pinnell and Christy Hays. In addition to live performance and studio work, Adam also keeps busy with composition and arranging projects, with multiple commissions for chamber percussion recital pieces, writing for marching band percussion & winds, and wind/string arrangements for various recording sessions. Past teaching work includes Conner HS (Hebron KY), Colerain HS (Cincinnati OH), and Rouse HS & Wiley MS (Leander TX). Adam joined the Band Aid teaching staff in spring 2018.

Current Bands: Adam NurreDavidramirez, JeremypinnellRodmelancon

Eric Baker + Piano / Guitar

Baker is a Chicago-born pianist and singer-songwriter who has quickly been making a name for himself after recently moving to Austin in the summer of 2017. Baker first took piano lessons at 8 years old where he quickly discovered his ability to improvise and play by ear. At 12 years old he taught himself guitar by utilizing his knowledge of the piano and understanding of music theory.

As a songwriter and frontman, Baker lets his charisma as a performer shine in his band “Wrongbird”. This piano-driven alternative rock band put out their first full length album “Epitome of the Opposite” in 2016. The group’s latest collection of songs is an EP titled “Who is Wrongbird?”, and will release in the summer of 2018. Baker also lends his talents to a number of other local Austin projects (Pearce the Band, The Capitol, Mike Schoenfeld).

Current Bands: Wrongbird

Jonathan Fox + Guitar / Bass / Bands

Jonathan Fox is a singer/songwriter and multiple instrumentalist performing in his own project, Foxtails, as well as Sharks In The Deep End with fellow Band Aid teachers Sam Thompson and Tucker Jameson. His last album released as “The Jonathan Fox Band” in July 2016, received favorable reviews including in The Austin Chronicle naming Fox as “a rare talent, one that’s able to work a variety of styles in a manner that’s self-assured and charismatic.” He has also been included on KLBJ FM’s Best Local Licks of 2015 and 2016, as well as Austin.com’s Most Loved Music of 2016. Jonathan graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in 2012 with a degree in Radio, Television and Film as well as a minor in Recording Technology, and continues to perform around the state solo, with his band, and as a utility player with other groups. Jonathan teaches guitar, bass, and rock band lessons. He also plays piano, sings, writes, produces and engineers.

Current Bands: Foxtails, Sharks In The Deep End

Zach Gunn + Bass / Guitar / Bands

Born and raised in Austin, Zach has been playing guitar since the age of 11. He focused on classical guitar and music theory in Austin before studying opera at the University of Georgia. Zach has played the bass guitar since high school and has played with local bands Aftermath, The Delegation, Edison Chair and Chasing After Alice. He has performed at Austin’s New Year at Auditorium Shores, several SXSW events and in the Chuy’s “Children Giving to Children Parade.”

Current Bands:  Chasing After Alice

Rachel Thompson + Voice / Administrative Coordinator

Rachel Thompson is a classically and rock trained vocalist and has been teaching voice for four years. She majored in music with a concentration in music production at the University of Texas at Austin.

She has been performing and fronting bands in Austin since she was ten years old. In 2010 Rachel was awarded the title of “Best Teen Vocalist” at the School Jam USA contest during the NAMM show in Anaheim, California. Her band Aftermath was awarded “Best Teen Band in America.” Her training and vocal background ranges from rock, pop, broadway, classical and jazz, to name a few. She began studying voice at age 7 under the instruction of James Mays. She has also studied under University of Texas Professor Gary Powell and soprano Ruth Ann Swenson.

She is currently singing in Austin bands Edison Chair and Chasing After Alice. Rachel has played a variety of music festivals and venues, including Stubbs, Paramount Theater, Empire Control Room, SXSW and more. Rachel wants to help give you the proper tools and confidence to be the best performer you can be.

Current Bands:  Chasing After Alice,  Edison Chair

Chris Payne + Piano / Bass / Drums / Guitar / Bands

Born of two professional pianist/vocalists, and with musical superstars in the family tree, Chris has been performing and composing from an early age. While most accomplished on the piano, he is a true multi-instrumentalist, having played and recorded professionally in diverse genres and locales as a vocalist/frontman, guitarist, drummer, and keyboardist. Chris is currently working as a session player, arranger, and producer for other artists, as well as wrapping up a decade long journey of making a solo album. Chris is a passionate teacher, striving to communicate a deep understanding and love for the art of making music.

Kelli Tucci + Voice / Piano / Songwriting

Born in Seattle, Kelli Tucci started taking piano lessons and music theory at the age of 5, followed by vocal lessons at age 9. When she moved to Austin, she became more interested in singing and found her passion for performing when she was introduced to a local summer rock camp. She wrote and recorded her first song at the age of 14. Kelli graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Oklahoma in 2013, where she was classically trained as a vocalist. Kelli began performing operas at university and professionally at Cimarron Opera Company in Oklahoma, winning several awards in various vocal competitions and scholarships from patrons for her performances. In 2011 miss Tucci made her international debut in Rome, Italy as an Operatic Soprano. Kelli teaches vocal and piano lessons as well as songwriting and plays the guitar, piano and melodica.

Wes Haynes + Piano / Keys / Songwriting / Bands

Haynes teaches piano lessons in Austin to all ages and levels. His teaching methods, like the Band Aid School of Music philosophy, are tailored towards each student, enabling them to have fun while progressing towards their own personal goals in music. He also tutors music school students in music theory, sight-reading and audition preparation. Students at all levels find Haynes to be very patient and insightful towards their challenges. Kids love him too! He plays piano, keyboards, and organ regularly in bands around Austin, Lakeway, Bee Cave, Driftwood, Dripping Springs and all around Texas, covering an array of styles ranging from jazz, funk, rock, pop, reggae, hip hop, and country. Haynes moved to Austin in 2008 and since then his jazz trio “J. Wesley Haynes Trio” has been signed to local label Township Records and has had two separate releases. Haynes grew up in Raleigh, NC where he started taking piano lessons at the age of 13. Haynes graduated college with a BA in music from the University of NC in Asheville. He has a concentration in jazz piano, composition and arranging. Since graduating from college in 2005 Haynes has taught piano and loves it! Take a few lessons with him and find out why!

Cristopher Leigh + Guitar / Bass / Songwriting / Bands

Cristopher Leigh’s professional career began when he was 11 years old, performing at school dances, birthday parties and his grandma’s bar, in Houston, TX. Since then, he has been singed to both Island Def Jam Records and Justice Records, with his band Electric Touch. He has worked with some of the industry’s top producers (Frenchie Smith, Howard Benson and Espin Lind), songwriters (Raine Maida, Zac Maloy) and has toured North America with bands like Heart, Bon Jovi, The Fratellis and JET. Cristopher had played major festivals like Austin City Limits, SXSW, Coachella and Lollapalooza. Cristopher looks forward to sharing the skills and techniques you need to play whatever style of music interests you, and to helping you tap into your own creative talents as a musical amateur or pro.  He also loves sharing a little practical knowledge of the industry along the way.

Josh Googins + Guitar / Bass / Voice / Songwriting / Bands + Event Production

Guitar player, singer and Austin native, Josh Googins studied at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (LIPA) in Liverpool, England. The school was founded by Paul McCartney, and housed in Sir Paul’s grade school building. There he studied music theory, popular music history, recording and live-sound tech, while continuing to write and record his own music. Josh has released two of his own records both recorded with well-known producer, Chris “Frenchie” Smith at The Bubble. His current band, Cause In Effect’s debut EP, was released in September 2012. Being from Texas, Googins takes heavy influence from the blues, and while he is proficient with the bass and drums, his forte remains with lead guitar and vocals.

Amy Mallalieu + Piano

Amy’s numero uno passion in life is teaching one-on-one piano instruction to all ages. She began piano lessons at age 9 and never looked back, continuing her studies in college and beyond. She has over 10 years experience teaching private piano lessons as well as accompanying vocalists/instrumentalists/theater groups on piano/keyboard. She enjoys songwriting and recording in her spare time and is currently working on her EP. Amy is excited to be in Austin, TX, live music capital of the world, where she will continue to hone her teaching, performing, and artistic skills with the help of her talented co-workers at BandAid and beyond.

Shawn Jones + Bass / Guitar / Sax / Songwriting / Bands

“I play music because I find it to be one of the few simple truths in life. If I couldn’t play music, I’d paint.
If I couldn’t paint, I’d sculpt. And so on.” – Shawn Jones

Bands: The Lovely Sparrows, The Eastern Sea

Kudos: Music Performance Degree with Jazz Emphasis – Oklahoma City University
Take Your Hats Off You Godless Bastards – The Lovely Sparrows – 7″ – February 2006
Pulling Up Floors, Pouring on (New) Paint – The Lovely Sparrows – CD/EP – October 10, 2006
Bury the Cynics – The Lovely Sparrows – CD – September 9, 2008
Official Showcases – Pop Montreal, SXSW, and CMJ Festivals – 2008

Shawn Jones thoroughly loves his profession and seeks to pass on that enthusiasm to his students – be it in instruction in theory, improvisation, technique, or simply learning songs. Shawn holds a Degree in Jazz Performance from Oklahoma City University, and has taught saxophone, bass, and guitar since 2002.
Shawn’s band, The Lovely Sparrows, has received critical praise by publications such as Spin Magazine, Paste, Harp, and Pitchfork, naming them as an “important band”, “inventive and ornate”, and drawing comparisons to songwriters such as Paul Simon and Leonard Cohen. They were a featured band in the 2008 Pop Montreal, SXSW, and CMJ festivals.
Recent work includes a novel, documentary soundtracks, a saxophone quartet, and trying to find time to walk his dogs.

Gray Parsons + Drums /Guitar / Bands

Gray Parsons has been teaching Drums and Classical Percussion for over 15 years. He has performed in dozens of bands and ensembles, playing Rock, Jazz and Classical, among others. He received Bachelor and Master of Music Degrees from Cameron and East Carolina University, respectively, as well as being accepted into the prestigious Performance Residency Program at Carnegie-Mellon University. While pursuing his education he played in symphonies, musical theater productions, and bands. Since moving to Austin in 2001, he has primarily played drum set, working with local acts The Jellydots, Glover Gill, Sheboygan, The Lovely Sparrows, and Sara Hickman.
Gray strives to integrate rudimental drumming, reading, and technique into the idiom of drum kit. Offering instruction to all ability levels, he has developed a reputation for bringing creativity, patience, and a desire to see his students bloom in their own light.

Jason Blank + Drums / Bands

“I love the power of music and enjoy the reward of helping musicians find there’s too! Mahalo” – Jason Blank

Jason Blank is a drummer and drum teacher born and raised in Austin Texas. He was inspired early by the incredible musicians who recorded in his father’s recording studio. This access allowed Jason to study with drummers like Phil Bass (Jeff Beck, Frank Zappa and Prince).  Jason grew up playing in blues, reggae, funk, rock, and Spanish bands. He has toured and also spent 3 years in Kauai Hawaii, playing R&B, jazz, hip hop, reggae, singer songwriter, Spanish rock and sound healing concerts.

He is experienced with using Montessori philosophy in his drum, skateboarding and swimming lessons.  He has a great understanding of what is possible for a drummer.  Austin drum lessons with Jason are structured around what each student wants and needs to learn.

Coby Tate + Guitar / Voice / Bands

Coby Tate has been playing music for the better part of his entire life, learning to read music in Kindergarten, beginning trumpet at age 10 and guitar at age 15. Since learning guitar he has branched out to other stringed instruments, including bass guitar and mandolin. With Ben Morris & The Great American Boxcar Chorus from 2007 to 2013, Coby played over 500 shows in all corners of Texas, recorded 2 full-length albums, and got to hear himself on the radio a few times. The band took home the Live Band of the Year award in 2009 and Coby received the Band Musician of the Year award in 2012, both given by the Academy of Texas Music. Since moving to Austin in 2013, Coby has been a member of Harvest Thieves and “sidekicking” with talented Austin area singer/songwriters, among those Band Aid School of Music teacher Claire Domingue and alt.country standout Chris King. Coby is also a graphic designer and specializes in album packaging, manufacturing, and digital distribution.

David McComb + Guitar / Bass / Bands

David McComb writes and records music by playing bass, guitar or any noise making device you put in front of him. He played bass in mrandmrsmays and toured as a bassist for Ola Podrida. He has experience with experimental bands in Austin and Brooklyn. David enjoys building effects pedals, repairing guitars and tinkering with all sort of electronic devices. His goal is to help students play what they feel and give them the tools to carve out what ever sound or song they hear inside them.

Shanti Schweizer + Music Production / Event Production

Owner of Kana Music LLC, Label Manager for Flyer Records, and Co-Director of Kids In A New Groove. In May of 2005, with a degree in Music Business in hand, Shanti left the mid-west for Austin to take on the Live Music Capital of the World. From stage managing events (SXSW, NAMM’s School Jam Texas) to managing artists (Pictures of Then, Minneapolis ; Modoc, Nashville), to label management (Alpha Rev, Flyer Records/Hollywood Records) “Organizing Musicians,” her business slogan, is truly what she does best.

Charlie Baker + Intern

Charlie Baker is just plain Awesome! What else can we say?

Cameron Shepherd + Voice, Piano, Guitar, Drums, Trumpet Cameron is a multi-instrumentalist originally hailing from Nashville, TN. He is a vocalist, and plays piano, guitar, drums, and trumpet. After studying trumpet and vocal performance at Lee University, Cam served 4+ years in the Army Band, including a 12-month deployment to Afghanistan. During this time he traveled extensively playing morale and welfare shows for all international coalition forces. Since moving to Austin, Cameron has toured nationally playing guitar with Miami-based rumba punks, Askultura, recorded keys and vocals for The Mother Vibe, and is the frontman for one of the Hill Country’s favorite variety groups, the Flatbed Ford Band. He aims to be a musical Swiss Army Knife, playing styles ranging from jazz, soul, and funk to hip-hop to rock n’ roll and country. Current Bands: Flatbed Ford Band, Rough House ATX

Jeff Norby + Drums / Piano / Voice / Guitar / Bass / Songwriting / Bands

Jeff began taking piano lessons at age 8, and drum lessons at age 12. He took private lessons in voice, bass and guitar throughout middle school, high school and college, and even began teaching drum lessons while he was still in high school. He’s been performing live music in Austin for the past 20 years, playing a range of styles including classical, R&B, rock, country, jazz and pop. Jeff studied Sound Recording Technology at Texas State University and has an Associate’s degree in Music Business, Performance & Technology from ACC.

Current Bands: Cody Bryan Band, The Soap Boxers

Tucker Jameson + Guitar / Bands

Once upon a time, in a sleepy Connecticut town, you could find a 13 year old Tucker Jameson singing and writing songs way into the wee hours of the night — far past his bed time. Bit by the music bug early on, Tucker knew he had to chase the dream. All through high school he wrote, recorded and performed his own songs, setting his sights on Berklee College Of Music. It was at Berklee where he studied as a vocalist, majored in songwriting, and founded his first band, The Hot Mugs. Between semesters they would tour the country eventually landing him in Austin, TX.

After settling into Austin, Tucker formed indie/rock band Sharks In The Deep End. On their debut album Killin’ Machine, they worked with Grammy nominee Mark Needham (The Killers, Imagine Dragons). Their songs have been featured in both film and television and they have toured all over the country playing venues and festivals such as SXSW and Middle Of The Map Fest. While continuing to write, record and tour with Sharks In The Deep End, Tucker has also formed a brand new politically charged punk project called The Blowies.

Current Bands: Shark In the Deep End, The Blowies

Sophie Werkenthin + guitar / flute / songwriting

Sophie was born and raised in Austin, TX and has been involved in music since she was six years old. While starting with guitar when she was eight, she also has developed a background in vocals, flute, and songwriting. Sophie was a student at Band Aid School of Music from 2011-2016, and is excited to share her passion for music from the other side. Currently, Sophie is a student at The University of Texas at Austin and makes music with fellow students in her free time.

Austin Burns + voice / guitar / piano /songwriting

Austin Burns is a singer, songwriter, guitarist, pianist, and producer. He has been writing and performing music for over ten years, and has been recording music for six years. Once a Band Aid student himself, he began teaching at Band Aid in 2020. Outside of music, Austin is a filmmaker, writer, and poet.

Kate Turner Mays + Voice / Career Vision / Songwriting

Pat Lattin + Guitar

When Pat was 12 his friend played him the opening riff of “Manic Depression” by Jimi Hendrix on his older brothers guitar. Shortly after that his Dad, a singer and blues harmonica player, showed him Stevie Ray Vaughn’s version of “Little wing”. He was hooked. Pat and his father picked up his first guitar at a pawn shop near Houston and he went home and played Manic Depression about a million times! Something for you parents reading this to look forward to!

In eighth grade he and his friends formed thier first band which continued through high school, playing Jimi Hendrix, Talking Heads, Phish, and Grateful Dead songs. Pat went on to receive a scholarship to Berklee College of Music in Boston MA in 2006. He studied with Tomo Fujita, accredited for teaching John Mayer his famed “slap” technique, David Gilmore (Boz Scaggs, Joss Stone, Wayne Shorter), and Joe Walsh’s cousin Marty Walsh (Supertramp, Kenny Rodgers, Neil Diamond), and others. After Berklee and between tours, Pat began teaching and found how fulfilling sharing the gift of music with others can be.

Among the most memorable people in his life are the great teachers and mentors that he has been lucky to know and learn from. It’s a spiritually rewarding experience to share his talent and knowledge with someone who is excited about learning, and this explains why his teachers were available to him. He has been teaching since 2008 and it’s a joy. He moved to Austin in June of 2017 to be a part the live music capitol of the world, the overall great vibe, and to share his knowledge and talent with as many people as he can.

Current Bands:

We feel proud to have some of the best music teachers that you could hope for.  All Band Aid School of Music Staff are not only accomplished first class musicians, but also outstanding people who are superb mentors for you and your family.