GUITARS / SONGWRITING / MUSIC THEORY

Owner/Operator Austin Barrett started on guitar at the age of 5. He’s got a minor degree in Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music from East Tennessee State University as well as a Master of Arts in Music Business from Berklee College of Music. Barrett has been a Semi-Finalist twice in the International Songwriting Competition as well as a finalist in the Tennessee Songwriters Week. He has written, recorded, produced, performed, and toured with bands and his own solo project all across the Southeast. Barrett specializes in Advanced Acoustic Guitar - focusing on Fingerstyle Acoustic, Flatpick Bluegrass, Lead Electric Blues, and more, but he’ll tell you that his favorite subject to teach is Songwriting and Music Theory.

CLAWHAMMER BANJO

Bobby has been playing Guitar and Bass for nearly 20 years, performing in bands that spanned the entire spectrum of rock and roll from the ‘60s to the 90’s. Recently, he’s explored new instruments such as old-time banjo and mandolin, which has opened up a world of discovering new genres. Bobby’s ability to continue learning and challenging himself with new instrumentation gives him a constant and fresh insight into the beginner’s journey. This blend of experience and familiarity with the learning process makes Bobby a patient and engaging teacher ready to guide students of all levels.

ACOUSTIC / ELECTRIC GUITAR / SLIDE GUITAR

Travis “Rabbit” Corcoran has been playing guitar for 25 years and performing in bands since the age of 17. He continues to push his guitar playing abilities to the limit, specializing in genres like Blues, Soul, Southern Rock, and more. In addition to Electric and Acoustic Guitar, Travis also has 20 years of experience on the Slide Guitar, with influence from greats such as Duane Allman, Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix, and Eric Clapton. While actively performing, writing, and recording in various bands such as Pinkish Floyd and his own creation, the ALR Trio, Travis is dedicated to passing on his knowledge to students of all ages and levels.

PIANO / KEYBOARD

Julian Mistretta started playing music in middle school band, and ever since the first note he knew being a musician was the path he was meant to follow. Recently graduating from UNCA with a bachelors in Jazz Piano Performance, he is an active performer in the area with the Jazz Trio, Industrial Coffee Pot. His personal experience with various professional and academic environments have informed his deeply compassionate and gentle teaching style. With a focus on seeing the whole person, and understanding that “getting the gig” doesn’t come from raw talent alone, but also professionalism, punctuality, and flexibility. Julian specializes in Jazz and Contemporary Piano, Piano and Keyboard Technique, Improvisation, Theory, Songwriting, and finding joy in the Music- wherever it appears!