faculty

Our faculty is comprised of professional musicians, performers and educators. Each instructor brings his or her unique experience and teaching style to the table to execute what we like to call “purpose driven lessons.” There are two schools of execution when it comes to private lessons in Baton Rouge. One is the approach most rock n roll musicians take to lessons. This approach is basically: teach the student some theory, teach the student main riffs and pieces of songs that they are interested in. Repeat this process over and over again with no clear vision or performance goals. The other approach is what most piano teachers take to lessons. This approach is basically: use a rigidly structured curriculum to bring the student from the beginner level to the advanced level, step by step through a series of books. Many piano teachers also prepare their students for performances, therefore providing more purpose to the lessons.

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Based on our experience with students who come to us from previous teachers, we find that there is little opportunity in the Baton Rouge area for students to learn how to “jam” with other students, or for them to learn how to read lead sheets armed with the theoretical knowledge to play chords and melody lines without music in front of them. BRMS takes an eclectic approach to our teaching mission. While providing our students with an education in technique, reading, and music theory, we also teach them how to jam, we teach them ENTIRE SONGS, not just riffs. We prepare them for no less than 3 performance opportunities per year, not in stuffy recital settings, but in exciting Concert settings in venues such as The Manship Theatre, or cool local hang outs such as Brew Ha-Ha Coffee Shop, or at festivals such as Fest for All and now the legendary New Orleans Jazz Fest. Music should be a tool that helps students learn self-discpline and accountability, but music should be FUN! BRMS seeks out the highest quality educational methods and the coolest and most fun ways to execute the knowledge and skill sets gained. Meet the faculty who make up the educational foundation of Baton Rouge Music Studios, South Louisiana’s PREMIER school of contemporary music education.

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Chad at local Baton Rouge music club, Chelsea's Cafe

CHAD TOWNSEND

Chad Teaches: Snare Drum, Bells, Drum Set

With 20 years of experience as a musician, Chad first began to play drums at age 9. “My dad bought a set and I would play before he got home. I would mimic the drummer of Guns and Roses until I learned November Rain on my own.”

Norbie in Action!

NORBERT REDMOND

The Music Guru, Billy Callaway

“MR. BILLY” CALLAWAY

Our sweet Janine!

JANINE MAGIN

Janine teaches: Voice

Janine Magin grew up in Waterford, New York, a small upstate town near the capital of Albany. Her vocal talents earned her admission to the Crane School of Music at the State University of New York at Potstam, where she received her undergraduate degree in Music Education. She taught general music for two years in the New York State public school system while also providing private voice lessons. Janine’s many public performances include participation in a concert at Carnegie Hall in New York City and traveling throughout Europe as a member of the Northeast Honors Choir. She was also a member of the prestigious New York State Youth Chorale for 4 years and performed the National Anthem at many events in up state New York. In 2007 she moved to Baton Rouge to pursue her Masters Degree in Music Education with a concentration in voice at LSU. She now teaches music at Spanish Lake Primary School in Geismar, LA.
Curriculum: Structured but flexible
Make up Policy: Sometimes
Special Skills: Lion Taming, and Alligator Wrestling
Favorite Snack: Pizza
First Time Singing: “As soon as I could speak!”
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Dan Rocking the Bass!

DAN CALLAWAY

Dan teaches: Most school band instruments, Bass, Guitar, Piano

Dan started playing piano at a very young age and moved into French Horn. He’s been playing horn gigs with orchestras, symphonies, and a number of chamber ensembles since high school. Dan has two degrees in music: a Bachelor of Music in Horn Performance from Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and a Master of Music in Horn Performance from Louisiana State University Dan has 4 years teaching experience and holds other teaching jobs in addition to Baton Rouge Music Studios. He was a teaching assistant at LSU and is currently Horn Professor at Southeastern Louisiana University. In addition to preforming and teaching, Dan was percussion Manager at  the Aspen Music Festival for 4 years. He was also Co-principal Horn in the Hollywood Concert Orchestra performing movie music and going on a three week tour in China! You can see Dan playing Horn and Bass in local rock bands as well as Classical oriented ensembles: England in 1819, Principal Horn – Louisiana Sinfonietta, sub with BRSO , Louisiana Philharmonic. The most influential artists and bands that inspired Dan to be a musician are: his dad, his brother,  the National, Classical Music! Stravinsky, Brahms, Barber, and last but not least: “My first album ever was Nirvana- Nevermind – wore that tape out!”
Curriculum: Structure but flexible
Make up Policy: Sometimes
Favorite Snack: Coffee
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Sweet pic.

Adam was given his first hand me down guitar circa 1998 from his sister. He was surrounded by guitar players in his circle of family and friends and was absolutely obsessed from day one. Adam played electric guitar in the middle school jazz band, then the high school jazz band at Central High. He then went on to study under the legendary Hank Mackie at Southeastern University. He has been a musician for 15 years, and has 7 years teaching experience including a stint at LSU teaching leisure learning guitar classes. You can see Adam playing around town with local bands, most notably the band After 8. Adam has recorded with various local artists. The most influential artists and bands that inspired Adam to be a musician are: Metallica, The Mars Volta, Robben Ford, Eric Johnson, SRV, and Joe Bonamassa.
Curriculum: Structured but always flexing
Make up Policy: Sometimes
Special Skills: Hunting, Fishing, Frisbee Golf, Ping Pong
Favorite Snack: Cake and milk
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Sauve Andy

ANDY CALLAWAY

Andy teaches: Piano, Guitar, Bass, and Drums from beginner to advanced. Any instrument at the beginner level. Also, song writing, composition, and recording engineering.

Andy got a drum for his 1st birthday then started playing piano at age 3. With 25 years experience as a musician, Andy received his Bachelor of Music from Oberlin Conservatory in Compostion with TIMARA emphasis (Technology in Music and Recording Arts). Andy has 8 years teaching experience, and can currently be seen playing in England in 1819. He’s the mastermind behind the madness! The most influential artists and bands that inspired Andy to be a musician are: Billy Callaway and then Coldplay, Radiohead, Keane, Muse (all of these bands’ earliest albums – latest releases barely listenable).
Curriculum: Mostly structured, but can be flexible
Make up policy: Sometimes, but very limited
Special Skill(s): knitting, basket weaving, snorkeling, spelunking.
Favorite snack: Hummus and Pita
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Additional Teachers: 
Jason Wilson: Beginner Guitar
Steve Gustafson: Piano, Beginner to Advanced