Brendan grew up with a fiddle in his hands. at the tender age of three, Brendan picked up the violin, and has since never put it down. After learning a tune and a scale, and basic form from Mom (Dolores), Brendan with his family (who are all musical too), began playing with the local Oldtime Fiddlers group. It was with the Fiddlers on stage at their numerous jam sessions that Brendan gained his first large repertoire of tunes, from waltzes to hoedowns and most everything in between. Brendan's six older siblings had already become quite proficient on their various instruments of choice (piano, guitar, mandolin, bass and fiddle) and along with Brendan, younger brother Gabe, and parents Mike and Dolores, they began entertaining the public at local events. They were often joined by musical grandparents Charles and Dorothy, who encouraged and inspired the family whenever they got the opportunity. In time, Brendan's family began traveling the States and western Canada, performing at fairs and conducting public school assemblies, and eventually had the honor of performing before the President of the United States, and on Garrison Keillor's Prairie Home Companion show. Branson Missouri (Silver Dollar City) was often frequented by Brendan's family, where they performed numerous times, and they also had the privilege of travelling and performing in Europe (Poland and Austria). At six years old, Brendan won 1st prize in his division at the Oregon State Fiddle Contest. Brendan would continue to win many awards at various contests in Oregon, California and Idaho over the next 12 years. Many of Brendan's brothers and sister also competed and continue to compete (older brother Rudi won the highest award at the Oregon State Fiddle Contest many times, along with taking 1st place in the open division at the U.S. National Fiddle Contest, and brother Justin took first place in the U.S. National Fiddle Contest in his division). At the age of ten, Brendan took up the mandolin, finding in it a nice change from the violin, and the pick could do some things that the bow just could not do. Expressing his heart through multiple instruments had become a desirable pursuit because of the varied sounds and creative opportunities each instrument proposed. Guitar shortly followed, then the tenor and plectrum guitar, which naturally led to the tenor banjo. In his early teens, Brendan became interested in jazz, and was improvising with gusto and creative skill, winding his way with experiential confidence through the dynamic and fascinating chord progressions of many old jazz favorites which strongly captured his interest. Brendan's playing has been largely influenced by many jazz greats, including Benny Goodman, Oscar Peterson, Svend Asmussen and Western Swing fiddle and mandolin extraordinaire Johnny Gimble. Brendan has performed with Johnny more than once, once with Asleep at the Wheel, and had the rare opportunity to join various members of king of Country Music George Strait's Ace in the Hole band. Brendan's music teaching career includes: 19 years private instruction experience. 16 years class instruction at The Oregon based Booher Family Music Camp. One quarter mester as a Fiddle/Violin and Mandolin teacher at the John G. Shedd Institute For the Arts in Eugene Oregon. Three semesters at Sisters Charter Academy of Fine Arts as the school music teacher. Brendan Resides in Oregon with his lovely and beautiful wife Sarah, and their two precious children, Tyler and Abigail. Although Brendan has been generally self taught, he has been given tips to benefit his skill by a variety of renowned musicians who recognize Brendan as a great player himself. You can expect to learn to be and do what you want with Brendan, who seeks out the individual needs of his students, customizing his education program for every student. You won't be disappointed with Brendan's teaching style, but challenged, encouraged and inspired by his fun, creative and practical teaching method. Brendan has an easy and relaxed manner with his students, while at the same time setting high expectations goals for them, which he knows that they can meet. Within 3 months, Brendan's students can expect to understand fundamental form and technique on their instrument of choice, the basics of learning by ear, be somewhat adept at playing songs, and understand basic practical music theory. Brendan is very interested in the individual direction that each student wants to go, if they have a preference, and helps them to get to their goals as soon as possible. Brendan is a stickler for proper and accurate performance. He continually strives to bring out the best of each student, not just settling for anything, but aiming for the best performance. *** Specialties *** Western, Western Swing, Bluegrass, Jazz, Blues, Country, Cajun, Gospel, Contest Fiddling, Oldtime Fiddling, Irish

• published: 29 Apr 2014
• views: 328