Brad Conroy

Guitar Faculty

Instruments:

Guitar (acoustic & electric)

Classical Guitar

Electric Bass

Ukulele

Program Area:

Private Instruction

Group Lessons

With Music Institute of Chicago since:

2011

Education:

M.M. Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University

B.M. Northeastern Illinois University (Cum Laude)

Significant teachers and mentors:

Sergio Assad, Denis Azabagic, Dr. Brian Torosian

Teaching philosophy and areas of expertise:

I base my teaching method around classical guitar technique, being very good note readers, while also stressing the importance of improvisation and creativity. I work to help students understand the importance of having a relaxed technique while also giving them the tools that they will need in order to eventually study on their own.

Awards and achievements:

Brad Conroy is a versatile guitarist, pedagogue, and performer who specializes in the art and scholarship of the classical guitar. Brad performs from a diverse repertoire which begins at the Renaissance and goes through to the 21^st century, often including his own compositions, improvisations, and new works which have been dedicated to him.

Brad is an accomplished and in demand performer, lecturer, adjudicator, and has given concerts and clinics across the United States and abroad at festivals like the Western Illinois University International Guitar Festival, International Guitar Festival in Brno, Czech Republic, and for the Chicago Historical Society, the Chicago Classical Guitar Society, and the Czech Guitar Society.

Since 2009 Brad has been making a name for himself in the field of music journalism as a staff writer with Guitar International where he writes lessons, reviews, and interviews with some of today’s leading artists.

Professional affiliations & activities:

Staff writer for Guitar International Magazine, Guitar Foundation of America, Society of American Musicians

Interests outside of music:

Aside from the music world, Brad enjoys running, philosophy, investing, and snowboarding.

Favorite quote:

"Do or do not, there is no try." Yoda

Favorite practice tip:

Relax, take your time, develop your patience, and strive to do it right from the very beginning.

Favorite composer or piece to play:

I really love to play the keyboard transcriptions of Domenico Scarlatti and Isaac Albeniz.

Favorite musical moment:

There are so many, but giving a private concert for Caroline Kennedy and her entourage, as well as performing in the Czech Republic were pretty amazing experiences that stand out.

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