Bryan Albert
Guitar
Where did you receive your education? I received a B.M. from Northeastern Illinois University and M.M. from Northwestern University.
What is your hometown? I grew up mostly in Vernon Hills, IL.
What is your preferred age to teach? I enjoy teaching all ages.
What is your preferred student level to teach? It is always more fun to focus strictly on musical interpretation without having to discuss technique.
How long have you been at Sherwood? I began teaching at Sherwood in 2010.
What do you want to impart to your students through your teaching? I want my students to understand the unique abilities of the guitar, and then acquire command over the instrument. I try to relate overcoming obstacles on the guitar to doing the same in everyday life.
What do you most enjoy about teaching? The most enjoyable part of teaching is seeing qualities that I would consider unique to myself appear in my students.
Describe your musical pursuits outside of Sherwood. Outside of Sherwood, I teach at the McGaw YMC in Evanston and Southport Performing Arts Conservatory, as well as maintain a studio at home. I am an active performer, transcribe music for Procustomtracks.com, and write arrangements of pop music for the classic guitar.
What is your earliest musical experience or best musical memory? The greatest memory I have, not just musical but in my entire life, is my day of commencement from Northwestern University. Never have I felt such a sense of accomplishment, not to mention was the beginning of a much needed vacation.
Please describe one of your favorite teachers or mentors. Jack Cecchini is who all teachers should aspire to become. Never have I witnessed such passion for and devotion to the instrument and students. Jack teaches only four days a week so that he can spend the other three entire days studying scores and practicing. He calls from time to time to not only make sure I am still practicing every day, but to discuss my students’ progress and the methods by which they will achieve success.
Who is your favorite composer or what is your favorite musical period? The greatest music in existence is Italian opera. It is a perfect model for anyone who wants to learn the classic guitar. In stark contrast to that genre, I am a big fan of punk, 80’s rock, 90’s alternative, R & B, metal and hip hop. The best concert I’ve ever been to was Erykah Badu at the House of Blues circa 2002. As far as guitar is concerned, my favorite composers are Fernando Sor and Francisco Tarrega. They are best interpreted by Andres Segovia.
About you: I currently live with my hound dog, Xiola, in Albany Park on the north side of Chicago. The majority for my free time is spent practicing music, studying scores, playing chess and scrabble, reading, going to the market, and cooking.
