The Learning Center
Teachers
Ben Berumez has been studying music through private lessons and various classes for over nine years. He has been giving private music lessons since June 2004, while pursuing a career as a musical performer. As a teacher, Ben uses well-tested methods to present his students with a clear picture of the whole of music. His instruction emphasizes concepts that can be used by the students beyond the lessons, as opposed to mere imitation.
Matt Blanton: Guitar, Bass Guitar, Piano
Matt Blanton has been involved in music since he began playing trombone in his middle school band. He soon discovered a passion for guitar and went on to study classical guitar/music theory and studio recording at Shenandoah Music Conservatory. He currently teaches folk guitar, rock guitar, classical/finger style guitar, improvisation, bass, piano and songwriting.
Daren Buchanan: Guitar, Violin
Daren is a native of Mechanicsville and has been teaching at the Mechanicsville Music Learning Center since 2005. At age 10, she began studying violin; starting classically and expanding to the styles of bluegrass and celtic. Soon after, Daren began private study of the guitar and piano. Daren holds a Master Certificate in Songwriting and Guitar from Berklee College of Music.
Allen Cole: Clarinet, Sax, Flute
Allen has been a working musician in the Richmond area since 1978. He has worked as a sax player in a number of jazz/pop bands including Spectrum, as a woodwind doubler in various theatre venues, and as a clarinetist in orchestral, chamber music, Dixieland, German Klezmer and Western Swing groups, He toured the US and Europe in 1999 in the road company for Blackbirds of Broadway. A private instructor for 16 years, he has taught privately in a number of local schools and is active as a clinician at Chickahomony and Stonewall Jackson Middle School.
Dave started playing at age 4. He is vastly experienced in teaching and performance in wide parameters of music, including: Jazz, Blue's Dance Bands, Pit Orchestra's, Church Ensembles, Orchestral, Solo. Currently performing with "Soul Providers." Educational highlights: Studied with Neal Dunlap noted session and show musician (Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles). Indiana State Scholar. BS-Music Merchandising Valpaniso University.
A native of Richmond, Corey has performed as a professional vocalist and actress in the area since returning home after graduating from James Madison University. Corey holds a Bachelor of Arts from JMU where she majored in Theater and Dance. Corey has performed in musical theatre, concerts and cabarets around Richmond as well as up and down the East Coast. She also performed as a soloist on the Annabel Lee River Cruise while the boat cruised the James and was also seen in the "School of Rock" show for two summers at Paramount's Kings Dominion. She has a great love for music and looks forward to sharing that love with you.
Mike Davis: Guitar, Bass Guitar
In twenty plus years of playing guitar and bass, Mike has studied rock, metal, country, blues, funk, soul , jazz and classical, as well as various folk traditions from around the world. Whether you are in absolute beginner, or an advanced player looking to explore new techniques and delve deeper into music theory, Mike will tailor your lessons to meet your specific needs.
Charles "Bubba" Farmer is a 21 year veteran of drums and percussion. Rudimental drumming, concert, marching, aux percussion, mallets and drum set. Beginner to advanced.
Matt Koon: Guitar, Bass Guitar, Piano, Banjo, Mandolin
Matt Koon is the longest tenured teacher here at Mechanicsville Music teaching piano, guitar and bass. He is one of central Virginia's most well known guitarists. He has played professionally for over 20 years and has worked with youth in several mentoring capacities for the past 16 years. All ages, all levels, all styles.
My educational experience is varied, ranging from orchestral brass experience through the public school systems, as well as private lessons. I was a Jazz Studies Major at VCU. I also have been actively playing and teaching music professionally since 1990 with many different types of musical ensembles. I cater to each of your individual needs and interests, provide a firm foundation in music theory and functional harmony, and hopefully make your education fun as well as informative.
David Tetlow has been playing guitar since 1966, and teaching for 5 years. He can teach beginners to advanced. Rock is his specialty, although he is familiar with other styles. While at VCU, he majored in classical guitar performance, and is now currently playing in 2 bands - Spectrum, a variety horn band, and the Fourth Generation, a progressive rock band.