Instructor Spotlight: Jonathan Stanley

This week, we're excited to introduce Jonathan Stanley, a dedicated instructor who's been part of The Center of Music and Art family for 12 years! Fun fact: Jonathan was once a student here himself and is now inspiring the next generation of musicians. Be sure to read his Q&A below!

Q: What instrument(s) do you teach?

A: I teach both acoustic and electric guitar, bass and ukulele.

Q: How long have you been teaching?

A: September of 2024 will be 12 years.

Q: What inspired you to start teaching?

A: Wanting to give back to the place that gave me my start. I don't believe I'd be doing the things I'm doing with music had I not taken those 4 years of lessons.

Q: What genres or styles of music/art do you enjoy most?

A: My main genre is 70s/80s rock. Bands like KISS, Def Leppard and Bon Jovi. I also really enjoy Blues. Guys like Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix and Joe Bonamassa.

Q: What is your favorite thing about teaching at The Center of Music and Art?

A: The connection you build with certain students. I still get students that no longer take lessons stop in the store and talk to me. It's a cool feeling.

Q: Do you have any memorable moments or success stories from your teaching career?

A: There's two. I had a student named Mason who on two occasions played Get The Funk Out by Extreme with me at shows of mine. The other is Daniel. Really good player and now he works here with us and has his own band. Super proud of those two.

Q: What advice do you have for students just starting out?

A: Practice and Patience! It may seem like a cliché answer but it's the truth. You can't expect to put in minimum effort with maximum results. I used to be that student but one day I knew what I wanted to accomplish and I worked towards it. It's worth the effort though. Trust me!

Q: What do you like to do outside of teaching? Any hobbies or interests?

A: Outside of teaching and performing I love to cook. I enjoy gaming and working out.

Q: Is there a particular artist or musician who inspires you?

A: That's so hard to answer! Ace Frehley (KISS) and Angus Young (ACDC) were my first inspirations. As I got more into technical playing my top guys were Paul Gilbert (Racer X & Mr. Big), Eddie Van Halen, Reb Beach (Winger) and Steve Vai (David Lee Roth, Whitesnake and Solo)

Q: What’s your favorite piece to play or teach?

A: My favorite piece to teach was Get The Funk Out by Extreme. My favorite piece to perform is Bark At The Moon by Ozzy Osbourne