Get to Know Our Groove Shack Instructional Staff
Andrew Walker | Guitar, Bass, Uke, Band Program Director
How long have you been playing music?
Since I was 7, so almost 30 years.
How did you first get into music?
When my family moved from VA to FL, since I had no friends in a strange land, my parents bought me a state of the art CD playing boombox, a handful of CDs, an Ibanez electric guitar and a little Peavey amp and I went to town, the rest is history!
What’s your favorite kind of song or style to play to?
Definitely enjoy making people move to the grooves me or my band is putting out there, so “dancy songs” would be my answer.
What’s your favorite snack food?
Cheese-Its!!!
Who’s your favorite musician?
Jack Johnson - mainly because when I started playing a LOT, I learned a lot of his songs, which I still play. They are both fun to play and meaningful to me.
What bands and/or countries have you played in?
Two Towns Over, Midnight United, Drew Barry & Moore, Barry & the Crunch, The Friction, Island Ties, 23 Treez, Higher the Mountain, and now High Five! I have never played abroad, although I have run sound for eight Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruises in about 20 different Caribbean Islands and Central American countries.
What’s your favorite kind of student to teach?
The ones that PRACTICE and improve!
Why do you like playing music?
Because it makes people smile and dance, which the world needs a lot more of.
Why do you like teaching? Do you have a favorite moment from teaching that you would be willing to share?
Imparting my knowledge to the youth of today is the most rewarding thing I’ve done in my 35 years on this Earth. Obviously the concerts are momentous occasions, seeing months of our hard work come to fruition for all the families to see. But recently, a student of mine named Carson who is very young, played and sang an entire Jack Johnson song, “I Got You” for Brock and I, it was very impressive to see the improvements he has made in a short while since taking it more seriously.
Al Broduer | Guitar, Piano, Bass, Uke
How long have you been playing music?
35 years I started piano lessons and saxophone when I was a kid and picked up guitar when I was in college.
How did you first get into music?
My dad was an amazing pianist and a music enthusiast. He exposed me to a lot of jazz and classical music at an early age. I also have 4 sisters (3 are older) and they were always playing top 40 radio in the house growing up. Playing sax in high school jazz band definitely helped spark my interest. That laid the foundation and once I picked up guitar, I was hooked.
What’s your favourite kind of song or style to play to?
I enjoying listening and playing nearly any style I am familiar with. My favorite thing to do is write my own original music.
What’s your favourite snack food?
Dark Chocolate.
Who’s your favourite musician?
Too many favorites to count. To name a few, Beethoven, Jimi Hendrix, Mozart, The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Andre Previn, Dave Grohl, The Police, Wes Montgomery, Miles Davis, Jack White, Debussy, Marvin Gaye, Duke Ellington, The Strokes, Django Reinhardt, and many many more.
What bands and/or countries have you played in?
I've played mostly gigs within the US, although I toured Japan playing in a jazz fusion band called Local 518.
What’s your favourite kind of student to teach?
Of course enthusiasm and self motivation is a major plus for any student. But other than that, everyone is different, as they should be. I enjoy teaching many types of people, and I end up learning something new each time I teach a student with different musical interests than myself. I also try to gear my lessons to connect with how a particular student learns best.
Why do you like playing music?
It's who I am, like a calling. It's what I do best, and it also feels like a positive contribution to society.
Why do you like teaching?
Teaching is a challenge that keeps me on my toes, it forces me to practice playing and to stay on top of things.
Do you have a favourite moment from teaching that you would be willing to share?
I especially appreciate it when I run into former students years later, and they thank me for having a positive influence on their lives. It has happened a few times and is especially rewarding.
Randy Crouch | Drums
How long have you been playing music?
Since I was twelve years old.
How did you first get into music?
I started in the school band when I was in 7th grade.
What’s your favorite kind of song or style to play to?
My favorite styles to play are jazz and funk, but I can enjoy playing just about any style-even polka!
What’s your favorite snack food?
Fig Newtons
Who’s your favorite musician?
Billy Cobham, but I have many “favorite” musicians, from Loudon Wainwright to John McLaughlin.
What bands and/or countries have you played in?
I have played in countless local bands over the decades, but have former students who’ve played all over the world.
What’s your favorite kind of student to teach?
Anyone who is there because they want to be and not because someone is making them.
Why do you like playing music?
It’s my identity. All I have ever been is “Randy the drummer”. I’ve never been anything else. It’s who I am!
Why do you like teaching? Do you have a favorite moment from teaching that you would be willing to share?
I enjoy helping to create both self-esteem and some fond memories from taking lessons, whether the student plays professionally or not, or if they drop the instrument completely. As for special moments, I am lucky enough to have been teaching long enough to have former students that I taught as kids bring their kids to me for lessons! That’s pretty special!
Billy Chapman | Guitar, Bass, Uke
How long have you been playing music?
40 years.
How did you first get into music?
I started singing in the children's choir in church at 5 years old.
What's your favorite kind of song or style to play?
I love to play rock n roll! Americana funk reggae...
What's your favorite snack food?
Boston cream donut.
Who’s your favorite musician?
Glenn Campbell
What bands and/or countries have you played in?
BC & the Dinosaurs 1988
Jesse James 1991/2
the Karmic Tricycle 2003-2008
A Million Tiny Fingers 1991-2008
Billy Chapman Band 2008-present
What's your favorite kind of student to teach?
A fun loving hard worker!
Why do you like playing music?
I play music live because performing is the most fulfilling thing I have ever done.
Why do you like teaching?
I love to teach because I can share the joy of playing music with our next generation!
Barry Canfield | Group Drums
How long have you been playing music?
I started teaching myself around 2nd grade, but I started taking lessons in 5th grade.
How did you first get into music?
I found my uncle's old snare drum at my grandparents' house and just started banging away.
What's your favorite kind of song or style to play?
I like to play folk rock on acoustic guitar and funk/rock on drumset.
What's your favorite snack food?
I typically have some variety of fruit in the fridge I tend to snack on, or the occasional Snickers, if I'm really going wild.
Who’s your favorite musician?
I've always been a big Jeff Buckley fan, but that's a tough one.
What bands and/or countries have you played in?
There's quite a few, so I'll just stick to the most current ones.
Aquinas
Billy Chapman Band
Rokslyde
Reggae Juice
Modoc River
Lights Out Project (on occasion)
What's your favorite kind of student to teach?
Students who are happy to learn, and have the drive to practice at home (woodshed).
Why do you like playing music?
For the big bucks, of course! I enjoy collaborating with other musicians. I love it when something is so good that you get goosebumps.
Why do you like teaching?
It's great to see progress and those moments where something clicks. I think teaching actually makes me a better musician as well.
David Creel | Guitar, Bass, Uke, Piano
How long have you been playing music?
I've been playing music for 6 years.
How did you first get into music?
I first got into music in a guitar class at my school in 7th grade.
What's your favorite kind of song or style to play?
My favorite styles to play are funk and jazz.
What's your favorite snack food?
My favorite snack food is goldfish.
Who’s your favorite musician?
John Frusciante from the RHCP
What bands and/or countries have you played in?
The first band I played in was called Brain Junk Funk, which started at the Groove Shack. Now I'm in the Mean Violets.
What's your favorite kind of student to teach?
My favorite students are the ones who are excited to learn.
Why do you like playing music?
I love playing music because its challenging, there is always something to learn, it is a great tool to express how you feel, and connect with others.
Why do you like teaching?
I like teaching because I get to share something that I love with others who are just as excited to learn about music as I am.
Trey Nestor | Guitar, Piano, Bass, Uke
How long have you been playing music?
Pretty much my whole life! I was raised in a musical family so I was exposed to music as a toddler, but started taking formal guitar lessons at age 7!
How did you first get into music?
My mom was a music teacher before I was born and always had music on In the house, so music has been there all my life. As I got older, my dad would show me his CD’s and that’s when I really started to take interest!
What's your favorite kind of song or style to play?
Anything with a good melody and honest emotions!
What's your favorite snack food?
Its gotta be Nature Valley bars.. my go to snack.
Who’s your favorite musician?
This is a hard one. I’m gonna say Chris Martin (Coldplay)
What bands and/or countries have you played in?
I’ve played in various praise bands at church and also original bands! Currently I play in Skyclub, the band I started In 2017. I sang and played guitar on a trip to Peru in 2010!
What's your favorite kind of student to teach?
Students that practice ;)
Why do you like playing music?
I love playing music because its something that transcends the physical world. How certain notes grouped together can evoke such strong emotion is beyond our comprehension!
Why do you like teaching?
I love to help the next generation of musicians get started! Its a humbling thing and it reminds me of when I was a kid taking lessons!
Zamira Marquez | Voice
How long have you been playing music?
I started singing around 14 years old.
How did you first get into music?
My family has always been into music one way or another. Most of my family members play an instrument. I actually started with the flute in elementary school.
What's your favorite kind of song or style to play?
I like many styles and genres, but it depends on the individual song. If I like it, I'll sing it .
What's your favorite snack food?
My favorite savory snacks are pickles, olives and cheese. My favorite sweet snacks are strawberries, gummies and peanut M&Ms.
Who’s your favorite musician?
I love so many performers so I couldn't pick just one. But check out Xia Junsu and Miyavi.
What bands and/or countries have you played in?
I've always been a solo artist, but I've performed in Japan.
What's your favorite kind of student to teach?
I respect any student who appreciates a variety of music and is not afraid to sing.
Why do you like playing music?
I enjoy performing for others and myself because of the amazing energy produced and received. The human voice is capable of spectacular sounds that produce a wonderful spectrum of emotions.
Why do you like teaching?
Helping someone make progress is very comforting. I like teaching things that I like to other people because it keeps those certain things alive and remembered, and hopefully shared with the next generation.
Tracey Hnat | Piano, Guitar, Uke, Voice
How long have you been playing music?
I started playing the violin at age 3 so…42 years!!
How did you first get into music?
My parents introduced me to the violin and every year they would take me to Ithaca college for the Suzuki camp. I then found a love for the piano and as I got older the guitar and singing. Growing up we always had music playing in our house and It was a huge part of my childhood.
What's your favorite kind of song or style to play?
My favorite songs are the ones that evoke some kind of emotion in me. I really enjoy playing acoustic style music and singing harmonies with my daughter.
What's your favorite snack food?
Dark chocolate with sea salt
Who’s your favorite musician?
I really resonate with the indie band Wild Child. They incorporate many different instruments and have a style that inspires and interests me.
What bands and/or countries have you played in?
I sing and play with my daughter at yoga studios and different local events.
What's your favorite kind of student to teach?
I really enjoy when students are eager to learn, accept new challenges and practice!
Why do you like playing music?
Playing music has alway fed my soul. I find it is a creative outlet for me and I enjoy all of the challenges it brings.
Why do you like teaching?
I love sharing the gift of music, especially to those that really want to take it in. It's a beautiful skill to learn and will last a lifetime.
Hallie Peterson | Group Piano
How long have you been playing music?
I’ve been playing piano for 25 years & picked up the acoustic guitar along the way.
How did you first get into music?
My dad sang and played guitar in bands around the 60’s and 70’s. I was lucky enough to grow up listening to him cover all of the classics, as well as watch him write his own music. My grandpa was a strong Italian man, professional jazz keyboardist & accordionist… while my father taught me the greats of Rock and Roll, my grandfather introduced me to the sweet era of jazz and the Big Bands… the rest is history!
What's your favorite kind of song or style to play?
I love anything that we now classify as “The Golden Oldies” and playing around with movie scores/theme songs.
What's your favorite snack food?
Fruit dipped in Nutella
Who’s your favorite musician?
Nat King Cole
What bands and/or countries have you played in?
I’ve professionally played solo piano gigs around the state.
What's your favorite kind of student to teach?
A student who comes to music class… EXCITED !
Why do you like playing music?
Playing music makes me feel like I have a special super power. I have the power to make people feel tons of different emotions through sound.
Why do you like teaching?
Getting students to learn and advance is exciting, but getting students to fall in love with music is the real thrill of it all.
Lauren Curri | Guitar, Piano, Uke, Bass, & Drums
How long have you been playing music?
As long as I can remember I was making music (whether it was good or not. Lol!) I started playing piano when I was 7 and transferred over to drums and guitar around the age of 11. It's been my safe place and stress reliever ever since..
How did you first get into music?
My mother had a rule where my sisters and I had to be involved in one artistic activity and one sport, but I did not need much convincing
What's your favorite kind of song or style to play?
This is tough! I go in phases but as of late I've loved soul and funk. Some classic rock and jazz never goes out of style though!
What's your favorite snack food?
My favorite snack is veggies and hummus or all things peanut butter.
Who’s your favorite musician?
Flea and Dave Grohl
What bands and/or countries have you played in?
Always just been some local jam sessions with friends and the occasional family party performances
What's your favorite kind of student to teach?
Students who are curious and passionate
Why do you like playing music?
I like playing music because you become a part of the experience while you listen and the way you can get in a flow feels like magic
Why do you like teaching?
I like teaching because there is something so fulfilling about creating the best learning experience you can for an individual. When they accomplish that goal they have been working towards for months, their reaction is priceless.
Rich Garrahan | Group Guitar & Uke, Private Bass
How long have you been playing music?
I've been playing music for 27 years now.
How did you first get into music?
Watching my older brother's group of friends play in various local bands made me wanna join in the fun.
What's your favorite kind of song or style to play?
I have the most fun playing metal/rock and funk.
What's your favorite snack food?
Junior Mints.
Who’s your favorite musician?
Paul McCartney
What bands and/or countries have you played in?
Aquinas, Spearfish, Zeddemore, The Satellite Killers, Reggae Juice, The Billy Chapman Band, Brace for Impact, and I sit in with lots of local bands when they need a back-up player to fill in.
What's your favorite kind of student to teach?
One that asks lots of questions.
Why do you like playing music?
Music is pure magic. You can express yourself without words, conveying emotions that words cant describe, and everyone can relate to. Or invoke those emotions in others by simply pushing sound waves through the air. Pure magic.
Why do you like teaching?
The amazing moment when a student gets the concept you are attempting to teach them. You can see their eyes light up, and the gears start to turn, as they begin to see the possibilities of what they can do with what they've learned.
Its a wonderful feeling to help be a part of that moment.