Christopher Brown (born March 22nd, 1992) is a cellist, composer, and music educator with a diverse musical background. He graduated from Los Angeles County High School for the Arts in 2010, where he studied Cello Performance. In 2015, he obtained a Bachelor’s degree from Baldwin-Wallace University with a double major in Cello Performance and Music Composition. He furthered his education by completing a Master’s degree in Cello Performance from California State University, Long Beach in 2018.

From 2016 to 2020, Christopher served as the principal cellist for the West Coast Symphony, showcasing his talent and skill. He also held the position of principal cellist for the Santa Monica College production of Carmen in May 2017. Additionally, Christopher has contributed his cello playing to numerous rock and pop records as a session cellist, appearing on releases by artists such as Katya Grasso, Nightdrive, and Osi and the Jupiter, among others.

Mr. Brown has been teaching cello privately since 2014, initially starting while he was still an undergraduate student. His qualifications extend beyond cello instruction, as he is also proficient in teaching music theory, composition, and songwriting, drawing heavily from his background as a trained composer. Furthermore, he possesses additional experience as an English and history tutor.

Christopher firmly believes in providing his students with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of their instrument and craft. He also emphasizes granting them the necessary tools for self-expression. As a result, he is open to teaching students how to create music in any genre of their choosing, while simultaneously building a solid base of classical training and repertoire.

My goal as your teacher is to present music in a way that is fun and engaging. I have an innovative approach to understanding music and I enjoy tailoring this approach to each individual student. I do this by utilizing popular method books, by using examples from your school music, and by creating worksheets customized just for you. I can take a beginning student through intermediate and advanced levels, or take an advanced student into the world of professional musicianship. I believe the key to success in music lies in forming proper habits. Whether your goal is to become a pro musician or to just have fun playing music, I offer a supportive and enlightening environment to encourage your personal development.
Biography

Multi-woodwindist Gary Gould developed his passion for performing and teaching over a long and successful career in music. He holds a masters degree in Music and has performed throughout the United States, Western Europe and Japan, as well as aboard cruise ships to Mexico, Alaska, and the Caribbean Islands. As an instructor, he has won top awards conducting bands at the high school, college, and community level. Currently, Gould writes and performs educational presentations to audiences of all ages on a variety of subjects including: Folk Music from Around the World, Beginning Your Career in the Arts, Improvisation for Jazz and Classical Music, and Practicing for Success.

Hometown: Detroit, Michigan & Scottsdale, Arizona

Musical Background: I began as a drummer in a Michigan elementary school and began taking private lessons right away. In middle school I heard my band director play the saxophone and loved the sound so much that I decided to take it up, with him as my private sax teacher. In high school I took private lessons that taught me to improvise jazz on saxophone, clarinet and flute, and I received the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award... twice. I attended college on a music scholarship and in my final year was awarded Most Outstanding Jazz Musician. After college graduation, a saxophone contest was held by a radio station in Los Angeles and, out of hundreds of participants, I won first place. This opened the door to a career in music and I have performed ever since booked by some of the largest entertainment agencies in Los Angeles. My music career is all due to the guidance of fine teachers and I am now honored to guide my students on their own musical journeys.

School: California State University, Fullerton

Years Teaching: I've been teaching for 15-plus years, including speaking at educational conferences, music festivals and clinics, and leading bands at the Orange County School of the Arts, Irvine Valley College, Cal State Fullerton, and as Concert Master for the Laguna Concert Band.

Hobbies: I play several instruments and styles from around the world. The instruments include: soprano, alto, C Melody, tenor, and baritone saxophones; soprano, alto, and bass clarinet; silver flute, bansuri, ocarina, and penny whistles; and the world's first electronic instrument, the theremin. The musical styles include: classical, jazz, pop, rock, klezmer, Celtic, Brazilian choro, Hindustani, Dixieland, the Great American Songbook, and early American folksongs. I draw upon all of this when I teach, and I am always searching for interesting new ways to explore and perceive music.

Bio coming soon!