Meet The Instructors

Michael Daves, hailed as “a leading light of the New York bluegrass scene” by The New York Times, brings unmatched passion and expertise to his teaching. A Georgia native who grew up immersed in the soulful traditions of bluegrass, Michael’s music blends the heart of the South with the vibrant energy of New York City.

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With over 25 years of teaching experience, Michael is committed to helping students uncover their unique musical voice while exploring the rich traditions of bluegrass and American roots music. His lessons emphasize harmony singing, ear training, and refining your natural musical sensibilities—whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your playing to the next level.

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As a Grammy-nominated artist, Michael has shared stages and recorded with some of the most iconic names in music, including Chris Thile, Steve Martin, and Tony Trischka. His albums, such as Sleep with One Eye Open (with Chris Thile) and the innovative double album Orchids and Violence, showcase his ability to honor tradition while pushing creative boundaries.

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Michael’s students benefit from his deep knowledge of bluegrass combined with his innovative teaching methods. In 2016, he launched an online bluegrass vocal school through ArtistWorks.com, where students worldwide learn from his expertise.

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If you’re ready to elevate your bluegrass skills—whether it’s on guitar, vocals, or exploring harmony singing—Michael Daves is here to guide you on your journey.

Based in New York’s Hudson River Valley, Thomas Heany is a singer, songwriter, and fingerstyle guitarist whose music evokes the spirit of American roots traditions and the golden age of songwriting. His playing is deeply influenced by legendary guitarists like Doc Watson and Mississippi John Hurt, as well as the master composers of the 1930s and ’40s—artists such as the Gershwins, Irving Berlin, and Cole Porter. With a background in arranging these timeless songs for solo guitar, Tom brings a deep understanding of harmony and melody to his teaching. He is also the author of First, Learn to Practice, a practical and widely praised guide that helps musicians develop more effective practice habits.

 

Whether you’re just getting started or refining your craft, Tom offers thoughtful, customized instruction with a focus on musical storytelling and solid technique.

Ross Martin, a highly accomplished guitarist, composer, and educator based in Queens, NY, brings decades of experience to his students. With a rich background in both roots music and jazz, Ross has performed and recorded alongside renowned artists such as Grant Gordy, Matt Flinner, Jacob Jolliff, and Darol Anger. His ability to seamlessly blend styles and innovate within traditions makes him a sought-after collaborator and instructor.

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Ross has an extensive teaching portfolio that includes private lessons and instruction at some of the most respected music workshops and camps, such as:

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• Rockygrass Academy

• Steve Kaufman’s Acoustic Kamp

• Sorefingers Summer School (UK)

• Montana Fiddle Camp

• Great Lakes Music Camp

 

His lessons are tailored to each student’s goals, focusing on:

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• Flatpicking technique

• Improvisation strategies

• Expanding fiddle tune repertoire

• Practice techniques for effective learning

 

Ross’s teaching style emphasizes creativity, exploration, and developing a deeper connection to the music. Whether you’re an aspiring flatpicker, interested in improvisation, or simply looking to refine your skills, Ross’s wealth of knowledge and approachable teaching style make him an ideal guide for your musical journey.

Matt Compito is a seasoned music instructor with over a decade of teaching experience and a lifelong passion for music. A graduate of Berklee College of Music with a focus on Voice and Guitar performance, Matt combines advanced musical training with a genuine dedication to helping students grow. His teaching expertise spans a wide variety of genres, including jazz, rock, pop, blues, funk, and country, making him a versatile and adaptable mentor.

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Matt’s journey as a musician began at the age of eight, and he has since dedicated more than 25 years to mastering the guitar. Along the way, he has led music therapy groups for individuals with special needs and performed extensively as a solo artist and with local bands. These experiences have shaped his empathetic and innovative teaching approach, helping students overcome challenges and achieve their musical goals.

 

Matt’s lessons are tailored to each student’s individual needs, blending technical instruction with encouragement to explore and create. His boundless curiosity and enthusiasm for learning make every lesson engaging and inspiring. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player looking to refine your skills, Matt is committed to helping you discover the joy of music.

Wayne Fugate is a mandolin virtuoso and dedicated instructor with over 40 years of experience playing and teaching the instrument. Based in Orange County, NY, Wayne offers private lessons both in-person and via Zoom, catering to players of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced mandolin enthusiasts. His diverse musical expertise spans American roots styles such as bluegrass, blues, swing, and old-time, with additional influences from Classical, Quebecois, and Scandinavian traditions.

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Wayne has performed on Broadway with Steve Martin in Bright Star and has shared stages across the country with some of the finest string players in venues ranging from intimate coffee houses to Carnegie Hall. He has studied under mandolin legends Barry Mitterhoff (Hot Tuna) and Mike Marshall (David Grisman Quintet) and is the author of two mandolin instructional books.

 

Wayne’s teaching philosophy emphasizes personalized instruction, tailoring lessons to each student’s goals, learning style, and musical interests. He incorporates the latest research from neuroscience and performance psychology to help students practice more efficiently, memorize material faster, and perform confidently, whether at jams, concerts, or auditions. For online students, Wayne’s multi-camera setup ensures a clear and engaging learning experience, with the option to record lessons for future reference.

Joan Harrison is a seasoned banjo player and lead vocalist known for her work with the acclaimed swing/bluegrass band Too Blue and the Hudson Valley-based Grass Valley. A former student of renowned banjo innovator Tony Trischka, Joan combines a deep appreciation for bluegrass traditions with an understanding of progressive techniques, making her a well-rounded and inspiring instructor.

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Joan provides personalized, in-person lessons tailored to the goals and skill levels of each student, whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine advanced techniques. Her teaching covers essential bluegrass banjo styles, including Scruggs, Melodic, and Single-String methods, while focusing on timing, tone, and the confidence needed to shine in a jam session.

Austin Scelzo is a highly respected bluegrass fiddler, singer, teacher, and musical entrepreneur based in New England and New York. A former orchestra teacher in Darien Public Schools, Austin took a bold step to focus on his passion for bluegrass music and education, creating a thriving career as a performer, instructor, and advocate for roots music.

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As the founder of the Connecticut Bluegrass Association and a Connecticut Arts Hero Award recipient, Austin is deeply dedicated to fostering bluegrass communities. His teaching methods combine his classical training and bluegrass expertise, offering engaging lessons for students of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re a fiddler looking to expand your repertoire, a guitarist exploring harmony singing, or a banjo player working on technique, Austin’s approach is inclusive and tailored to individual goals.

 

Austin also teaches at camps and retreats, including Silver Bay Bluegrass Camp and The Ashokan Center, and runs the Wernick Method Bluegrass Jam Classes, where students can learn to play, sing, and harmonize in a relaxed group setting. For educators, his resources and professional development sessions provide innovative ways to integrate bluegrass and roots music into classrooms.

Scott Hopkins became interested in bluegrass and banjo music by listening to recordings of Flatt & Scruggs and The Stanley Brothers that his dad played while he was growing up. At 15 years old, Scott started taking private banjo lessons and joined the school band on the tuba to fully immerse himself in the study of music. As a tubist, Scott received a bachelors of music education degree from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam and a masters degree of music education from the University of Connecticut. He won the Crane Concerto Competition on tuba in 1995, and since his college days, has played banjo in a variety of bands and collaborations.

 

In 2013, Scott released his first, self-titled, solo banjo recording project featuring guest artists Mike Compton, Stephen Mougin, Casey Driessen, Andy Hall, Jesse Cobb, Randy Kohrs, and Becky Buller among others, and released his second project in 2023 - an album of duets with music friends and heroes titled “Just You” - featuring the likes of Tony Trischka, Joe Newberry, Smokey Greene, Ellen Carlson, and Bob Amos among others. Both projects garnered critical acclaim.

 

Scott currently teaches 5-12 Band at Duanesburg Central School District just west of Albany, NY and performs on banjo with his own trio featuring originals, roots, bluegrass, jazz and latin styles of music. He also teaches jamming and banjo privately, at Wernick Method Bluegrass Jam Camps, Banjo Camp North, The Ashokan Center, and at Fiddleheads Jam Camp throughout each year. Scott started the Ashokan Banjo Weekend in 2023 and it continues to grow each year!

 

Scott Hopkins has certainly proven he deserves to stand with the best instrumentalist in progressive bluegrass, and his debut CD gives fans of hot picking a chance to hear some of the best young players around stretch out and interact on some challenging and interesting new tunes. - Ivan Rosenberg, Bluegrass Unlimited