Todd’s extensive study of music theory (including classical/traditional Western music theory, counterpoint, jazz theory, and 20th-century harmonic theory), combined with his experience playing piano, guitar, bass, and saxophone, make him an excellent resource for helping students gain a deeper understanding of the hows and whys of music, no matter what instrument they play.

His first love is jazz, but his musical taste spans a wide range, from 90s grunge to folk music and symphonic metal. His musical inspirations include artists like Dar Williams, Ghost, Ellis Paul, Ani Franco, Davis Sanborn, Miles Davis, and Pearl Jam.

Todd works to introduce the fundamentals of music theory in a way that’s approachable for all skill levels, helping students understand intervals, how they relate to basic major and minor scales, and how to construct and understand basic chords and their functions within a piece of music.

Todd runs our weekly Rock Band program with Mario, but his schedule availability for private lessons is limited, so most lessons with him are substitute sessions only.