School founder and guitar/vocal instructor Jim Brown is a full-time professional, touring musician with 15 years of experience. He specializes in making performing look easy, and has worked with dozens of students over the past several years, helping them set, manage and achieve their personal music goals. The father of a young son, Jim's focus is on fostering a sense of achievement and giving positive feedback to keep the process fun and fulfilling. He specializes in helping vocal students identify their strengths and style, and focus on what works for them. He also helps them master how to play and sing at the same time.
A veteran of the music business, Jim has played at well-known venues such as the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, Tipitina's, and House of Blues. He can teach students the ins and outs of every aspect of performing, including equipment selection, songwriting, how to form a band, how to book gigs, how to promote yourself as an artist, and how and where to record your music. His current band, Big Jim Brown, regularly performs throughout the Southeast.
Bass instructor and studio recording engineer Sean Peterson is a professional musician with 10 years of performing experience. He has previously toured the country with both Colonel Bruce Hampton and the Codetalkers and the Cripple Lilies, as well as playing for local favorites Lyndsey Battle, Sweet Pea's Revenge and Big Jim Brown. He is also a father.
Drum instructor Brandon Warren has 10 years of experience playing as a professional drummer, including touring the country with the Cripple Lilies; he also plays for Big Jim Brown and Paper, Scissors, Rocketpack. Brandon has teaching in his blood; both parents served for years as music teachers in the public school system in Northwest Florida.
Piano, keyboard, synthesizer, organ, bass and guitar instructor Rodney Dodd has 10 years of experience traveling the Southeast as a professional musician with several different bands. He also has expertise in songwriting and DIY recording.
