LESSONS

During this time, a number of the members of the GroundUP

and Snarky Puppy family are offering private lessons online!

See who is currently offering lessons below and click their pictures for their full bios. If you are interested, please send an email to lessons@groundupmusic.net

Jason 'JT' Thomas

JT is a 3-time Grammy Award winning drummer hailing from Weatherford Tx. Known for his ability to authentically adapt to whatever genre/style of music he’s put in, JT has become highly sought after by an array of different artists such as Roy Hargrove’s RH Factor, Fred Hammond, CeCe Winans, Marcus Miller, Mark Lettieri, FORQ, & Phillip Phillips to name a few. His high level of preparation for each artist he works with, along with being a consummate professional on and off stage, is what continues to keep him busy performing on stages and in studios all over the world. JT is proudly endorsed/sponsored by Yamaha Drums, Meinl Cymbals and Percussion, Vic Firth Drumsticks, Evans Drumheads, and MatTea Inc. Vocal Luxury.

Keita Ogawa

Hailing originally from Nagasaki, Japan, Keita Ogawa is Grammy Award winner (as Snarky puppy member) and one of the most versatile and sought-after percussionist and drummer in New York City.He started his music career on drum set at the age of 15.After performing regularly in Tokyo for several years, Keita decided to pursue his musical studies overseas. He was accepted into the prestigious Berklee College of Music in fall of 2005 where he studied with legendary musicians and educators Manuel “Egui” Castrillo, Jamey Haddad, Tito De Gracia, David Rosado, and Mark Walker. Seeking full immersion into the world of Brazilian percussion, Keita relocated to Rio de Janeiro for 3 months and studied with the some of the country's most respected musicians- Jorginho do Pandeiro, Celsinho Silva, Kiko Freitas, and Marcio Bahia among others.Since his arrival in America, Keita has worked with some of the biggest names in modern music including Yo-yo-ma, Assad Brothers, Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra, Romero Lubambo, Clarice Assad, Jaques Morelenbaum, Osvaldo Golijov, Les Nubians, Charlie Hunter, Benny Green, Eric Harland, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra and more.

Currently he works several projects like, Snarky Puppy, Banda Magda, Bokantè, Charlie Hunter, JSquad, Camila Meza and the Nectar Orchestra, Clarice Assad and more.

In 2016 He wrote opening Theme for National TV Program in Japan. Program Called “Hodo Station”.

In 2017 He became the Ambassador of Tourism of his Hometown, Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan.

He is endorsed by Canopus Drum, Meinl Percussion, Sabian Cymbal, Vic Firth, Evans Drumhead, Cooperman Company, Dem Sticks, Parka Percussion and Decora 43.

Keita can virtually play any percussion instrument and musical style with fluency and unparalleled musicality. Despite his youth, he has set an example for the next generation of world-class musicians. Keita's passion for crossing musical borders and uniting differences in cultures is a rare talent which he exhibits with a smile and an open heart.

Marcelo Woloski

Representing South-America in the Snarky Puppy family, Marcelo Woloski is a Grammy and Latin grammy winning percussionist, drummer and composer from Buenos Aires based in New York City. His broad array of sounds, versatility, masterful skill, charismatic personality and unique approach to percussion setups and orchestration has made him the to-go person for recording artists, producers and arrangers throughout the globe. Voted “Percussionist of the year 2017” by Bateristica Magazine, Marcelo’s performing and recording credits include Ruben Blades, Susana Baca, Marta Gomez, Laura Mvula, Lalah Hathaway, Banda Magda, Sofia Ribeiro, Chris Potter, Roberta Sá, and The Kronos Quartet among others. Marcelo’s most recent work as a composer can be heard on his new album Mundo Por Conocer, released in 2018, as well as Snarky Puppy’s last release Culcha Vulcha that includes his composition Palermo. Marcelo is a Latin Percussion, Vic Firth, Evans drumheads and Garrahand drums endorser.

Nate Werth

As the undeniable secret weapon of Snarky Puppy, Nate Werth is both rooted in tradition and constantly innovating in the percussion world. His creative approach to sonic possibilities and rhythmic interplay has been integral to the sound of the group, and has earned the respect and support of percussion big-wigs like LP founder Martin Cohen. Performing and recording credits include Myron Butler & Levi, The Lee Boys, Jovino Santos Neto, Michael Spiro, Eric Krasno's Chapter 2, and many more. Having studied Indian, African, and Latin American traditions extensively abroad, Nate brings a unique sound palette to every musical environment. He currently lives in Brooklyn, NY and plays regularly on the NYC and DFW music scene.

Justin Stanton

From Tennessee to Texas to New York, Justin Stanton has allowed the infinite opportunities found in the world of music to lead him across the globe. As a trumpet player, keyboardist, and composer, Justin has developed a reputation as a multi-faceted musician who can serve an essential role to whichever artist he is contributing, both onstage and in the studio.

Justin attended the prestigious University of North Texas, where he performed for two years in the One O'Clock Lab Band, recording three albums as well as performing at major festivals throughout Europe. While at North Texas, Justin joined Snarky Puppy and, since then, has recorded eight albums with the group and has appeared on the majority of their numerous live recordings.

In addition to maintaining a very active schedule with Snarky Puppy, Justin maintains an active schedule performing, recording, and writing with a variety of original artists and groups, including Banda Magda, whose debut album, “Amour T'es La,” was featured in NPR's top ten list of “World Music” albums of 2013. Justin appears on recordings with artists as diverse as David Crosby, Donald Fagen, Harry Shearer/Derek Smalls, Larry Carlton, Robert Glasper, Trombone Shorty, Musiq Soulchild, Kirk Franklin, Laura Mvula, and Salif Keita. He has also shared the stage with Joe Walsh, Derek Trucks, Terence Blanchard, Chris Potter, Eric Harland, and Fatoumata Diawara, to name a few.

Justin resides in Brooklyn, New York, and is in constant demand for his ability as a multi-instrumentalist, knowledge of synthesis and sound design, familiarity with a broad spectrum of musical realms, and abundant creative energy. He is slated to release a debut solo record of all new original material in early 2019.

Justin endorses Sequential (formerly Dave Smith Instruments), Yamaha trumpets, and Donat mouthpieces.

Bob Reynolds

Bob Reynolds is an American jazz tenor saxophonist and Grammy Award-winning member of the band Snarky Puppy. Widely known for his work with both Snarky and John Mayer, he has released 9 top-selling solo albums of original music. The New York Times called Reynolds “a self-assured saxophonist and an unassuming yet effective composer.” Born in Morristown, New Jersey, Reynolds grew up in Jacksonville, Florida, where he started playing saxophone at age 13. Although he listened to a range of music as a kid, by his late teens he was a dedicated jazz student. After high school, he honed his skills at Boston's Berklee College of Music, mentored by George Garzone, Hal Crook, and others. Besides working with his own group, and performing with legends like Jeff Lorber and Larry Carlton, Bob is a passionate educator and an in-demand clinician. Through his web-based Virtual Studio, he teaches musicians from over 20 countries. Bob lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two children. He shares insights on balancing a music career with raising a family to over 46,000 subscribers to his popular YouTube channel.

Chris Bullock

Chris Bullock is a saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist, and composer. The expressive nature of his music and playing is a testament to his artistic diversity. Chris is a longtime member of the genre-bending ensemble, Snarky Puppy. With this group, he has received three Grammy awards and maintains an active schedule performing for audiences all over the world. Chris resides in Brooklyn, NY where he balances his time leading his solo project, playing live shows with a diverse range of artists, and performing in studio sessions.

Originally from Asheville, NC, Chris' musical obsession began as a child with early interests in the Beach Boys, hip-hop cassettes, and learning the clarinet and electric guitar. Over time the saxophone became central to his music making.

Chris is currently finishing his first solo album of all new, original music. This album is a hybrid of sorts that combines elements of Chris’ woodwinds, live jazz, and electronic music and production. His interest in hip-hop and electronic music has pushed him into exploring new creative ventures that include DJ’ing, beat making, and production.

As a multi-instrumentalist, Chris has performed with a variety of artists including David Crosby, Michael McDonald, Lalah Hathaway, Charlie Hunter, Chris Thile, Eric Harland, Phish, and Soulive. In addition to his work as a live musician, Chris is also an educator and clinician. He received music degrees from East Carolina University, Michigan State University, and studied at the University of North Texas. Chris Bullock plays D’addario reeds, Yamaha Saxophones, and Earthquaker Devices FX pedals.

Mike 'Maz' Maher

Mike ‘Maz’ Maher is a trumpeter, singer, composer and educator. He has been a dedicated member of Snarky Puppy since the band’s inception and has written two songs for the group (Skate U, Sleeper). As a freelance trumpeter he has performed/recorded with the likes of Soulive, Diane Birch, Laila Biali, Lucy Woodward, Banda Magda, Myron Butler & Levi, Andrew Rose Gregory (of the Gregory brothers), George Porter Jr., and a host of others.

In 2009 Mike started the group Maz to exercise his singing and songwriting abilities. Maz has released two albums (‘Maz’ in 2012, and ‘Idealist’ in 2016) and toured the U.S. and abroad as well as regularly playing in New York City.

In 2017 Mike was asked to write lyrics for the debut album of Alina Engibaryan (produced by Michael League for GroundUP Music, released 2018), marking his first engagement as a freelance writer.

Jay Jennings

Jay Jennings has been a member of Snarky Puppy since 2004. Before meeting his Snarky family at the University of North Texas, Jay grew up in the small town of Grapevine, TX. He was lucky to have a piano in the house growing up, which he considers his introduction to music education. Jennings started playing the trumpet at age 11, and by 15 he was already playing professionally. In high school he was selected to the Texas All-State Jazz Ensemble both sophomore and senior years and was selected for the High School Grammy Jazz Ensemble, which performed at the 44th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, CA. Jennings auditioned as a college freshman and was selected for a jazz soloist chair in the world renowned One O'clock Lab Band at UNT. When he was 22 he joined the Dallas based, symphonic rock band The Polyphonic Spree. He recorded and toured with them until moving to Brooklyn, NY in 2009. Jennings eventually began touring with capital records artist Eli "Paperboy" Reed in 2010 and over his career has backed up some of the world's finest artists such as Aretha Franklin, Michael McDonald, David Crosby, David Bowie, Lalah Hathaway, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Lee Fields, Bobby Rush, Harry Shearer (Spinal Tap), The O'Jays, Jimmy Buffet, James Taylor, Jon Bon Jovi, Billy Joel, The Four Tops, and many more. Currently, Jay is touring with country music star Toby Keith and is currently living in Los Angeles, CA. He continues to record and tour with the Grammy Award winning band, Snarky Puppy.

Upon his move to Los Angeles in February of 2017, Jennings began composing for his own band, The YAYennings Quartet. This marks the beginning of Jay’s solo career as a band leader. The bebop driven quartet began during the Snarky Puppy recording session for Culcha Vulcha in 2016. Jennings and fellow Snarky Puppy band mate, Bob Reynolds(tenor), spent much of the session’s “off time” jamming in a room with a grand piano playing duets. After realizing they share a similar interest in early 1950’s west coast bebop, Jay started composing for his own band. Jay called upon his west coast UNT alumni Jose Perez (Pancho Sanchez, Bokanté) on drums and Ross Schodek (Pancho Sanchez) on bass to be the back bone in the “chordless” quartet. The YAYennings Quartet album “Scott Ave” will be released in February of 2019. Jay Jennings is a member of the Yamaha artist family and proudly plays Yamaha trumpets.

Zach Brock

Zach Brock is a Grammy Award-winning violinist and composer who has been critically acclaimed as the "pre-eminent improvising violinist of his generation." He was named "Rising Star Violinist" of 2013 by Downbeat Magazine and is currently an "Artist in Residence" at Temple University. Zach has performed with his band at Carnegie Hall in New York, “Tudo é Jazz” in Brazil, and in the Solomon Islands on behalf of the U.S. Department of State. His credits as a musical collaborator include Stanley Clarke, Snarky Puppy, Phil Markowitz, Wycliffe Gordon, and many more. He has also made ten recordings as a leader or co-leader and is a featured soloist for two Sundance Festival feature film scores.

Bob Lanzetti

Bob Lanzetti is a Brooklyn, NY based professional guitarist, composer, producer, and educator. He has performed and recorded with many artists throughout the NYC area as well as played in over 40 countries with the three time Grammy Award Winning jazz/funk collective, Snarky Puppy.

Originally from New Jersey, Bob moved to Denton, TX in 2000 to study jazz guitar at the University of North Texas. In addition to his studies he was fortunate enough to get involved in the thriving R&B and Gospel music scene in the DFW area as well as meet the musicians who would go on to form the core of Snarky Puppy.

As a member of Snarky Puppy Bob has had the opportunity to contribute as a writer, arranger, and guitarist, playing on every recorded release and performing all over the world. The Pups have earned three GRAMMY Awards to date. Best R&B Performance in 2014 (“Something” featuring Lalah Hathaway), and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album in 2016 and 2017 (“Sylva” with Metropole Orkest and “Culcha Vulcha”, respectively).

Since 2006 Bob has been residing in Brooklyn, NY. There he has become an in-demand session guitarist performing and recording with many artists including Tommy Sims, Jerry Granelli, Robben Ford, Bokanté, Michelle Willis, Cory Henry, Ghost-Note (Robert “Sput” Searight/Nate Werth), Lucy Woodward, Musiq Soulchild, Bilal, Banda Magda, Underground System, and many others.

As a composer/artist Bob writes, records, produces, and performs his own original compositions with his quartet. His debut record, Whose Feet are These That are Walking, was released, to positive reviews, in September 2017. He is now touring the record as well as writing new music for a follow up recording. Bob has composed and recorded the score for two dance films for the Allendance Company as well as performed improvised solo guitar music for yoga and dance classes.

As an educator Bob teaches music and guitar out of his Brooklyn studio, has given clinics around the world, and has worked in outreach programs through Carnegie Hall for underprivileged teens to write, record, and perform their own original music.

Bob uses Fodera Guitars, Supro amps, DʼAddario strings and accessories, Pigtronix and MXR effects, and Fralin Blues Special pickups.

Chris McQueen

Chris McQueen has been playing, writing, and recording music since 1994. Aside from Snarky Puppy, he also plays in fellow GroundUP groups Forq and Bokanté. He has worked with Lizz Wright, Banda Magda, Lucy Woodward, Nikka Costa, Myron Butler & Levi, Alejandro Escovedo, and other artists in Texas and New York. He has been featured in several rock musicals over the last decade, most recently David Bowie’s Lazarus at New York Theatre Workshop (featuring Michael C. Hall) and The Rocky Horror Show at The Dallas Theater Center. He also designed and built the Guitar Note Atlas, an app for iPhone and iPad to help guitar and bass students learn the fretboard.

Chris grew up in Austin, TX and started playing guitar and recording songs on a 4-track Tascam around age 10. At 13 he joined RedHeaded Stepchild, a western swing kid band, and started gigging around Austin and learning how to solo from bandmate and guitar prodigy Will Knaak. This interest in improvisation led Chris to jazz; he joined and wrote for his high school jazz band, and later attended the University of North Texas to study with Fred Hamilton. He eventually played in the One O’Clock Lab Band and wrote a piece that was recorded for Lab 2006.

Chris remained in the Dallas area for four years after college, co-leading the regionally popular rock band Oso Closo with singer/songwriter Adrian Hulet, and studying music with Bernard Wright and other members of the Dallas R&B/jazz/Gospel scene. Oso Closo performed on stage in The Who’s Tommy at the Dallas Theater Center and released two albums. After Oso Closo, Chris and fellow band member Danny Garcia joined with singer/songwriter Cade Sadler to form Foe Destroyer, which produced a self-titled album, toured for several years, and performed on stage in Dallas and NYC in the musical Fly By Night.

Chris lives in Austin, TX with his wife Erin. Aside from gigging and recording he writes sheet music for Snarky Puppy and others, and he created arrangements and sounds for the new musical Bunkerville. He has also been working on an upcoming solo album, and he plays in an original acoustic guitar duo with fellow Austinite, Matt Read, that released its debut album Western Theatre last year.