Mel Walsh
About
Melbourne "Mel" Walsh picked up his first guitar at fifteen years old. Inspired by his father’s love of guitar, Mel's natural musical aptitude ensured local success in his hometown of Marathon, Florida. He started his formal musical education in Gainesville, Florida at Santa Fe Community College but was quickly lured away by the opportunity to to study at The Players School of Music. There he took part in weekly jazz ensembles with the inimitable Jeff Berlin, learned to play through jazz standards with a chord tone approach, learned to read chord charts and sheet music, received one-on-one guitar lessons, ear training, and harmony classes. He has twenty two years experience playing guitar, studying music, performing, and recording studio albums. Planned lessons according to student skill level and learning ability. Built trusting rapport with students and facilitated communication with family members when needed. Led guitar lessons for students of diverse demographics. Supported students in audition and performance preparation. Multiple tours through Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Currently teaches private lessons and runs rehearsals at School of Rock St. Petersburg since 2019 and works as a giging musician in the Tampa Bay Area.
Teaching philosophy- To teach the theory necessary to make learning an instrument exponential while still keeping it fun by working with the students interests (songs they are interested in learning). Approaching the instrument with a fundamental understanding of what's happening musically instead of just playing "shapes" on the guitar. Internalizing it so the instrument doesn't become a crutch. Focusing on the ability to spell scales, arpeggios, recognizing chord relationships, technique, reading, and to use that knowledge to play through music pieces. Then showing how to apply that knowledge to songs they want to learn. It's important to learn the fundamentals while also learning songs. Learning the fundamentals gives you the correct foundational knowledge while learning songs teaches you how to use that knowledge in interesting ways.