Background

Chris grew up just outside of London, in Southeast England. He began playing guitar at age 11 and it soon became an all encompassing passion, replacing a penchant for judo and tree climbing.

Early inspirations included Jimi Hendrix, Mark Knopfler and the rock icons of the time-Steve Vai, Yngwie Malmsteen and Joe Satriani. Having obtained vinyl from the local record stores, (remember those?), and oblivious to his parents shouts to, "turn that thing down!", Chris set about his goal of jamming with the Jimi Hendrix Experience.This would take some serious practice. Later he found out that Jimi had died in 1970, 7 years before Chris was born. Oh, well, those records would have to do...

After studying electric guitar with various local instructors, (strange musician types who sported shades and leather jackets, and the occasional mullett-this was still the 80's!), Chris joined the County Youth Jazz Orchestra.

The charts were difficult and unfamiliar, but soon Chris became acquainted with the music of Miles Davis, Duke Ellington and Count Basie- his chord knowledge vastly improved as his rock-style bar chords and 'power chords' just wouldn't cut it. The band leader was a stickler and early on, if Chris paused to find the right shape, he would demonstrate with a metronomic strumming motion what he should be doing. It was the birth of air-guitar.

Chris later attended the Spanish Guitar Center in London, where he studied Classical guitar with Lawrence Tendler, a quiet virtuoso who showed him there's more to being a musician than speed and flashy technique. Thanks Lawrence.

Chris went on to major in Classical Guitar Performance and Composition at Kingston University, where he graduated with Honours in 2000. His teachers at this time were Grahame Klippel and Paul Gregory.

Instruction 

With an extensive teaching background, including being the Guitar Coordinator for Surrey County Arts East, Chris is able to communicate to all ages and ability levels. Chris is extremely proud of his students, past and present, and many have achieved excellent results in music examinations. Some have even gone on to pursue their own careers in music.

Chris can teach a range of genres from Rock, Metal, Jazz and Blues to Classical- but that's only part of the picture...

Students are encouraged to keep an open mind as tastes change and develop.A varied musical 'diet' is also recommended, (Bach, Bartok, Miles Davis, Hendrix, Dylan- its all music!).Of course, if the student has a particular interest in a certain style or player, then this is used as a starting point.

Incidentally, did you know that Jimi Hendrix loved Classical music?.I've had students come in wanting to learn Metal who are now studying Jazz chords and scales...knowing what to play over a 7#9 chord doesn't mean you can't 'rock out' if the mood takes you!

A range of techniques are explored in the lessons with a view to making the student adaptable to various musical situations. Success is achieved by addressing three key areas:

Mind - 'intellectual' aspects such as note reading, theory etc.;

Body - posture, physiological and technical issues related to playing; 

Spirit - how the music makes you feel when you play/listen. Selecting songs or pieces that 'speak' to you.

At present Chris teaches at Music Connection in Forest Lake, MN and at his new private teaching studio in St.Paul, MN, (please see contact page for details). This is the fulfillment of a long held dream of having a space for his students, where they can learn in a low pressure environment, well stocked with sheet music, guitar method books, DVDs and exquisite teas!

To read Chris' blog please visit this site: http://www.learningmusician.com/cjcmoody

Performing

Chris performs on a variety of instruments, including electric, acoustic and classical guitars.  

His eclectic tastes and diverse skills have put him in a variety of settings, including Big Bands, Rock groups, duos (2 guitars, guitar & flute, guitar & voice), as well as solo guitar performances on electric, acoustic and classical instruments.

He has performed many times with top UK Jazz guitarist Shane Hill in both formal and informal settings and also has extensive studio experience as a session guitarist.

Musical Inspirations and Interests 

Ranging from Classical to Jazz, Rock to Fusion, Chris’ method and music has been influenced by a wide variety of musicians. These most notably include Classical masters such as Narcisso Yepes, Jullian Bream, and John Williams.

In the Jazz genre, his influences are Wes Montgomery, Joe Diorio and Joe Pass,  among countless others.

Allan Holdsworth and Frank Gambale round out his Fusion influences while players such as Robben Ford, Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan contribute to Chris’ Rock and Blues background.

Composing/Songwriting

Chris has always had a strong interest in composition. He has written and arranged music for a variety of media including string quartet, chamber ensembles and guitar. His influences in this area include everything Chris has ever listened to/read/seen/thought etc. including, but not limited to Rock, Jazz /improvisational forms and 20th century Art Music. 

Recently Chris has been developing his skills in the area of songwriting, while improving his command of technology and recording/production techniques.