INSTRUCTORS
Landon Mattox
Hans Fahling
Scott Shafer
Benjamin Perry
Emiko
George-Perry
Mel Kay
Darryl Pellegrini
Brian Lindersmith
Peter Meyer
Nick Gertsson
Landon Mattox
Acoustic and Electric Guitar, Ukulele and Bass
Bio
Landon Mattox is the owner of Honolulu Music Lessons Workshop and he also teaches the Guitar and Ukulele Classes at Kapi’olani Community College. Landon has more than 20 years experience teaching guitar, ukulele and bass lessons. Landon has received a Master’s Degree in Music Education and a Master’s Degree in Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas. He taught for 4 years at Xinghai Conservatory of Music in Guangzhou, China helping them to establish the first Jazz Studies degree program offered by that Conservatory. Also, during that time, he taught guitar at the British School of Guangzhou and Utahloy International School of Guangzhou. Since moving to Honolulu, Landon has taught Guitar, Ukulele and Bass Lessons at Easy Music Center and taught ukulele and guitar at various schools and churches around Oahu and performed at many locations for events and weddings such as Honolulu Museum of Art Art After Dark, Bishop Museum, Halekulani Hotel, Orvis Auditorium, Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall, Spalding House and Loulu Palm Estate.
Teaching Philosophy
Most students start from scratch as beginners, but if you have previous experience and you want to develop further, even better. Landon utilizes the most cutting edge technology, apps, multimedia, digital music resources and music notation software in order to provide students with a modern method that meets their needs immediately. If a music chart isn’t immediately available, that’s ok, we can make one, which is great, because that creates additional music resources…
Various styles is no problem and most of Landon’s students end up exploring many different styles from acoustic fingerstyle guitar, electric rock, blues and improvisation and even classical and jazz if that’s what inspires you. Landon encourages his students to develop independence, resourcefulness, creativity and all the skills they need to pursue a fulfilling musical journey for the rest of their lives.
Hans Fahling
Acoustic and Electric Guitar and Ukulele
Teaching Philosophy
Hans Fahling has published two books on guitar improvisation and taught ensemble workshops for several years. He enjoys teaching great habits and beginning technique to young players and he can teach music lessons in both English and German. And by ‘young players’ he is referring to both children as well as beginning adults. Proper posture and good habits set the stage for a more fun and effortless playing experience. There is a ton of great literature out in the ether. But most of it targets the grown-up demographic and offers musical repertoire that often lacks appeal for children. Kids prefer to play melodies and studies that they can relate to, not Greensleeves right out of the gate. Hans uses a very well designed classical guitar series written by Jay Traylor, called “Classical Guitar for the Young”. For teaching great habits and technique, he prefers to use either the Christopher Parkening method or the series by Julio Sagreras.
Bio
Hans has earned a Bachelor of Music in guitar performance and composition from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, WA after attending the Musicians Institute Guitar Institute of Technology in Hollywood, CA. He initially focused on teaching and coordinating jazz ensemble workshops – at first in Seattle at the Seattle Drum School of music and later, after 2001, in Hamburg and Berlin.
Having taught extensively in private lessons as well as coordinating and teaching adult/adolescent music ensemble classes, Hans has developed a real interest in curriculum and the implementation thereof. A deep understanding of music theory from his study of music composition has helped him profoundly with writing two instructional books on music improvisation. Hans is currently working on revisions of both his books (“Introductory Studies for the Improvising Guitarist” and “Bebop Improv Concepts”.
Scott Shafer
Drum Set and Percussion
Scott is a teacher with over 32 years experience, Scott is considered by many a ‘chameleon’ of music, he’s able to adapt to many styles convincingly.
Receiving his bachelor’s degree in music from the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston he’s been a highly sought after musician since returning home to the islands. His work experience is extensive to say the least. His theatre work includes Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar, Song and Dance as well as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. His spectrum of ensemble work includes but is not limited to : Sean Naa’au, (reggae), Naleo Pilimehana, (island contemporary), Hula Joe and the Hutjumpers (swing, jump swing), Jazz Hawaii Big Band, Bad Mojo, Resistors (hard rock, classic rock), Gilbert Batangan quartet (bepop, modern jazz) as well as tribute shows : Stars in Concert and Blue Hawaii, playing the music of Elvis, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Little Richard, Elton John, and The Blues Brothers. Currently working with Hawaii’s hottest R&B/Soul band Eight-0-Eight, 16th Ave. Jazz Quartet, The Fat Cats Blues Band, and folk music with The Art of Whimsey not to mention countless freelance work, it is evident the broad stroke of his passion.
Scott prides himself on recognizing an individuals learning strengths to help design each lesson to utilize those strength to their fullest.
Scott strives to tailor lessons to each students’ needs and goals. He is proficient in all styles of music and after covering basic fundamentals students can customize lessons to learn music that they want to learn while also focusing on developing proper technique to help reach their goals quickly and efficiently while being provided with the basic skills and study materials they need to be successful.
Learning to play music is about more than just attaining proficiency on an instrument. It’s about building self-esteem, a strong work ethic, learning to effectively set and achieve goals. As a teacher, Benjamin is always making an effort to be a positive and motivational force in each of his students’ lives. He strongly believes it is his responsibility to learn as much as he can about every student that comes his way, in order to tailor his classes for individual needs. He seeks not only to teach his students to read and play classical music, but to encourage them to be all round good musicians, which involves training their ear and inviting them to bring what excites them about music to their lessons.
Benjamin Perry
Violin, Viola, Cello, Upright Bass and Piano
Benjamin first taught at the British School of Bahrain, then Umoja Music School, a US non-profit in Tanzania, and taught privately in Spain and in the UK where he is originally from.
Benjamin is a classically trained musician, who majored in classical violin performance at the University of Southampton, UK. He was born and grew up in Belgium, learning to play violin with the Suzuki Method, but also learning any kind of music he got his hands on outside of class, from Irish folk music through his Irish grandmother, gypsy jazz from fellow Belgian born Django Reinhardt, to the string parts in the background of heavy metal songs. Benjamin can teach music lessons in both French and English and currently teaches music at Noelani Elementary School.
While at university, he got involved in the local music scene, playing in folk bands, jazz bands, heavy rock bands, and soon noticed how friends from his classical university course were usually very shy and unwilling to perform on stage and branch out from their usual repertoire. He realized that a huge part of music was missing from the traditional classical violin class he and most of his university friends had grown up with. This was a belief that any music can be good music, and even if you are a total beginner, you have the ability to get up on stage and perform either as an individual or in a group.
Benjamin started developing a teaching style that, while firmly rooted in the solid foundations that classical music and theory allow you to build upon, prioritizes the student’s vision for what kind of musician they aspire to be.
He believes that versatility and having a good general knowledge of every aspect of music produces more than just well trained performers, it gives students the tools they need to become truly great musicians. With his time living and working in the Middle East and Africa, he can offer his students a unique view into world music and culture that extends beyond traditional western styles. He has years of experience teaching the Suzuki Method, the UK’s Royal School of Music exams, but also how to improvise, how to listen to your friend playing their favorite song and play along with them, how to create music with whatever instruments and people are around you.
Learning to play music is about more than just attaining proficiency on an instrument. It’s about building self-esteem, a strong work ethic, learning to effectively set and achieve goals. As a teacher, Benjamin is always making an effort to be a positive and motivational force in each of his students’ lives. He strongly believes it is his responsibility to learn as much as he can about every student that comes his way, in order to tailor his classes for individual needs. He seeks not only to teach his students to read and play classical music, but to encourage them to be all round good musicians, which involves training their ear and inviting them to bring what excites them about music to their lessons.
Emiko George-Perry
Voice
Bio and Teaching Philosophy
Emiko does lessons uniquely tailored to each of her students and currently teaches music at Waikiki Elementary School. Whether you’re interested in singing pop music, jazz, blues, vocal technique, performance preparation or something else, finding what sparks passion for each individual student is an integral part of Emiko’s teaching philosophy. Since moving to Honolulu in 2018, Emiko has performed regularly at many popular venues such as Maui Brewing Co. and Duke’s Waikiki.
Emiko was fortunate enough to grow up in a musical household where both parents were also music educators and started music lessons at age two. After discovering her own passion for vocal performance and music education she traveled, taught, and performed in New Orleans, and Arusha, Tanzania. Emiko has 5 years experience working with all ages, from young children just beginning to develop an interest in music to adults who want to try something new. Having worked as a music educator in a variety of capacities, Emiko’s experience includes early childhood development, classroom instruction, musical theatre, choir direction, and private instruction.
Mel Kay
Voice
Teaching Philosophy
Every student is different & Mel Kay goes by the philosophy that finding what makes your voice unique to you is your power. “No one is you and that is your power.” Mel aims to help each student find their voice so that they can sing comfortably without strain and learn how to grow their own natural sound as a singer. Each person learns differently so Mel adapts her teaching to fit each student’s learning style. She uses elements of speech level singing, jazz, and pop technique to unlock the muscles and help each student find their inner power. “To the surprise of many, singing is often about a lot more than the craft itself. It often brings up a lot of road blocks internally for many about self worth, confidence, and helps people to work through the inner turmoil so they can reach their potential. I aim to help students on that journey so they can heal & learn how to own their unique sound again with power.”
Bio
Singer-Songwriter Mel Kay studied vocal performance and received a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. She was unfortunately diagnosed with Lyme disease and so took the year off after graduation and focused on healing and writing. Consequently her focus on writing ended up in her single Upside Down Town being signed to the Artists and Repertoire Department in Sydney and played internationally while also scoring local commercial airplay. Mel Kay has since played her original music for the heads of Silicon Valley, on Channel 7 Australia, and Foxtel as well as being broadcast in York , Rio, South Carolina and around the globe. She wrote her show “Personality Disorder Catalyst” focused on trauma, mental health, and escaping the cycle of abuse the next year which sold out to a captive audience at The Ellington Jazz Club. Her single Let It Burn also received the attention of producer Backfall in the U.K. who asked her to collaborate. Two of her singles (Phoenix and You) have been nominated for multiple awards. She is passionate about her music reaching those who have been hurt and in being a voice for the voiceless. Her band Liberté was founded in 2015 and is focused on music aimed to motivate people to know their own inner power. With a mix of funk, pop, electronic and indie music the band likes to describe their sound as a mix of Lorde, The Browhorn Orchestra, Meg Mac, and Jarryd James. She is currently working on her new album After The War and teaching voice students.
Darryl Pellegrini
Drums and Percussion
Bio
Darryl Pellegrini has been nominated for multiple Grammy awards for his work recording with Amy Hanaiali’i. He currently plays in The Mike Lewis Big Band and the Tommy James Trio and is a frequent performer at the Blue Note. He has a Masters Degree in Music Performance from Manhattan School of Music and a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and Jazz from Youngstown State University. Throughout his career in New York City Darryl has toured and performed with numerous jazz greats such as the Woody Herman Orchestra, Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie, John Faddis, Larry Corryell, Don Grusin, the Village Vanguard Orchestra, Milt Jackson, Clark Terry, Frank Foster, Gerry Niewood, Joe Lovano, Ralph Lalama, Lew Tabackin, Toshiko Akiyoshi, John and Bucky Pizzarelli, Harold Danko and Sean Jones to name a few. He has also toured and recorded with Chuck Mangione, Mike Longo and the New York State of the Art Jazz Ensemble, Scott Whitfield Big Band East the Mighty Rob Scheps Core-Tet , Gunhild Carling and the Bill Cunliffe Trio. After 20 years of freelance performing, subbing and touring for Broadway in such hits as The Lion King, Fosse, Swing, Kiss of the Spider Woman, 42nd Street, West Side Story, City of Angels and recording for numerous commercials, TV shows, Movies, and Cartoons, Darryl now happily teaches, performs, records and resides in Hawaii with his wife and child.
Brian Lindersmith
Piano
Bio
For the past 15 years Brian has been teaching piano lessons to both kids and adults of all ages. With many years of experience teaching, he has curated materials to have the most effective impact on his students and their learning process. Whether you want to dive into classical music or learn the art of improvisation and jazz, making every lesson fun and engaging is the key. Educating students on how to practice and become functioning musicians in this modern era is important. Brian studied music and classical piano at BYU, and is currently working on his degree in jazz and music production at Diablo Valley College in California. Brian is originally from the SF Bay Area, and also teaches online classes with students across the Mainland. Aside from teaching, he produces music for local musicians and DJs, and plays with local bands here on Oahu. He has plans of releasing his own music late next year.
Peter Meyer
Upright Bass, Bass Guitar, Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Bassoon, Oboe, Piano, Violin, Viola, Cello
Teaching Philosophy
Peter Meyer grew up in a musical household with both parents working as professional musicians, so he began to learn musical skills from an early age. In this environment, he grew to love music through an immersive approach rather than by following strict teaching methods. Peter uses this way of learning about and loving music simultaneously as the vehicle for introducing students to the world of musical performance.
As a highly experienced educator, Peter has worked with students of all ages, from preschool-aged students to adults who are well into their 80s. He is motivated by helping students find a love of music, and their goals for playing, whether it is an introduction to the instrument or preparing for a music school audition, can always be served through the mindset of recognizing the joy of a life filled with music.
Bio
Peter Meyer earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the Jacob’s School of Music at Indiana University as well as a Master of Jazz Performance degree at the Jamey Aebersold jazz studies program at the University of Louisville. During his musical career, he has worked in several areas of the music industry, including performance, education, and musical instrument repair.
While his primary instrument is the bass, Peter is a skilled multi-instrumentalist who plays and teaches strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. He is fascinated by many genres of music, and this passion has led him to join the Musicology program at the University of Manoa as a graduate teaching assistant to further research music in an academic setting, as well as teach university students in Honolulu about the history and cultural development within music. Peter is currently writing a thesis on the compositional style and techniques of film composer, John Williams.
Nick Gertsson
Electric Guitar, Metal, Resident Shredder
Teaching Philosophy
Nick has worked with Nicko McBrain (Iron Maiden), Dave Spitz (Black Sabbath), Dan Spitz (Anthrax), John Macaluso (Yngwie Malmsteen, T.N.T, Ark), Bob Brennan(V.O.X) Don Chaffin(V.O.X), Randy Coven (Steve Vai), Patrick Johansson (Yngwie Malmsteen), Bjorn Englen (Yngwie Malmsteen, Dio Disiples), Chris Risola (Steelheart), Robert Marcello (Danger Danger) Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Sons Of Apollo, Whom Gods Destroy) Michael Tanenbaum (Lucie & The Perfect Wave) Tavana, Kamuela Kahoano and more.
His playing has brought him recognition in many professional arenas and he’s endorsed by D’addario strings. He currently using D’addario NYXL 11-52 gauge.
Bio
Swedish born and raised with a guitar in his hands from early childhood, Nick has gone on to compose and play with many great musicians. Nick is a graduate of the Musicians Institute Of Technology (originally Guitar Institute of Technology) in Los Angeles and has been teaching guitar for over 20 years all over the world. He’s the former guitarist of V.O.X (Voicesofextreme), Ritual Factory and is now with the Hawaii-based quartet Lucie & The Perfect Wave and currently working with Fingerstyle Celtic and Slack Key player Michael Tanenbaum called The Perfect Wave.
He released his first instrumental solo album called “Beyond Fear is Beauty” in 2021. His first single “Give it Time” can be watched below and features Bob Brennan of V.O.X on Bass, Pierre Grill on Keyboards and drummer John Macaluso of Yngwie Malmsteen/T.N.T/ARK. Both albums are on full rotation on Krock101.5fm.com in Honolulu Hawaii.
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