I’m originally from Bowdon, Georgia, a rural area about 45 minutes west of Atlanta. It was there at age 13 I first began taking private guitar lessons from several individual instructors and at West Georgia University in Carrollton, GA.  Throughout the eighties I was musically influenced by Van Halen, Yngwie Malmsteen, Joe Satriani, Vinnie Moore, Steve Vai as well as bands such as Queen, Rush, Yes, and the Police. My next biggest influence came along in 1993 when I heard Dream Theater on a radio station in Norfolk, VA and immediately went to buy the album. From that point on, I enjoyed progressive rock more and more and now really enjoy musicians and bands and artists such as Andy Wood, Ron Bumblefoot Thal, Virgil Donati, Andy Timmons, Freak Kitchen, Symphony X and Meshuggah. I also enjoy classical music such as J.S. Bach and Vivaldi and classical artists such as Christopher Parkening.

Teaching music has been an enjoyable part of my guitar playing and development. After teaching guitar and music theory privately and in music stores for many years, in 2002 I started the Raleigh Music Academy in Raleigh, NC, which is a music academy that offers instruction in guitar, bass, drums, piano, banjo, mandolin and other instruments.  While running the Raleigh Music Academy, I’ve had the opportunity to work with fantastic artists such as John Petrucci, Paul Gilbert, Guthrie Govan, Mattias Eklundh, Ron Thal, Andy Wood, Jennifer Batten, Greg Howe, Chris Poland, Vinnie Moore, Andy Timmons, Tom Quayle and Doyle Dykes.  I’ve also been able to do some touring and shows as the rhythm guitarist for Andy Wood and Ron Thal.

In addition to teaching, I create music for many purposes. I write and record jingles, record voiceovers, and create unique music for corporate videos.  I also manage johnpetrucci.com, and do all web design for www.raleighmusicacademy.com.   If there is a special music or voiceover project you would like me to consider, please contact me so we can discuss it in detail.

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