Melvin

I've been playing guitar for over 30 years, and teaching over 20 years. I studied jazz guitar with Casey Mallow (Berklee grad), Hugh Douglass, and Mark Burin (Berklee Grad).

I studied Classical and Jazz guitar with Dr. Matthew Slotkin and earned a BM in Guitar Performance from Mansfield University in 2006. At Mansfield, I studied ear training, sight reading, classical guitar repertiore, performed and toured with Mansfield University Guitar Ensemble. While at the University, I also studied Form and Analysis with Mrs. Gregorich, and Jazz Improv, Jazz Arranging with Dr. Galloway. 

While at the University, performed in several masterclasses with renowned guitarists, such Grammy award winning David Russell. 

I've played in Jazz ensemble while studying at Mansfield University. We toured throughout PA and Baltimore, MD. Our Jazz ensemble recorded a CD. 

 I earned a MAWS - Master's in Worship Studies with a specialization in Ethnomusicology at Liberty University in 2013. While at Liberty, I studed ethnomusicology with Dr. Benham, and developing a Worship Theology with Dr. Vernon M. Whaley. While there I also studied homilectics and song writing with Dr. Steven Newby. 

I played festivals such as Musefest and other venues in the indie Rock band Push Dawn in 2006, and 2007. We recorded and released our self produced CD in 2007. 

I've also led many jazz combos in college, and over the years, . I've also played in Rock groups, Pop, Country, Bluegrass, Italian, etc.

I've played in groups such at the Lucky Ducks - which as an R&B group. The 1st Street Band that played old time music from Irish to folk tunes, Bluegrass, Patriotic, etc. 

I performed around the Great Lakes in NY with Ben Borkoski and friends.

I've played live Contemporary Christian Worship with the Generations band in 2025.

Recently, in 2025 the band I was in Beaver Dams boys played rock and country, for some gigs, and bluegrass and old time music for others. We played for the Conklin Fair, the Windmill, and the Bath VA in Bath NY. 

Most recently, the Waymakers performed Conteporary Christian worship and Gospel for Twin Tiers church in Gang Mills, NY, and Jesus in the Park in Binghamton, NY, and the Nazarene church in Corning NY in 2026. 

Some of my students I've had for over a decade. I've worked with kids to older adults. My favorite students are those who can play a little, but are stuck somewhere in the middle of their journey. I love to clarify problem areas, and help their finally "get it" and start reaching their goals. Since I'm a busy dad, I love working with other busy dads and helping them to realized that even if they don't have a lot of time, they can make a lot of progress on the guitar!