Meet The Instructors

Michael Daves
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Over 25 years of teaching experience in bluegrass and roots traditions.
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Grammy-nominated musician with a reputation as a “renegade traditionalist.”
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Tailored lessons focused on ear training, harmony singing, and building confidence in your playing.
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.
Email: michael@michaeldaves.com
Website: www.michaeldaves.com

Ross Martin
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Benefit from over 25 years of teaching experience at prestigious music camps and workshops.
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Enjoy personalized lessons tailored to your goals, available in-person or online.
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Learn from a versatile musician with expertise across jazz, bluegrass, country, and more.
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
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Steve Kaufman’s Acoustic Kamp
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Sorefingers Summer School (UK)
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Montana Fiddle Camp
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Great Lakes Music Camp
His lessons are tailored to each student’s goals, focusing on:
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Flatpicking technique
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Improvisation strategies
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Expanding fiddle tune repertoire
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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.
Email: ross@rossmartinguitar.com
Website: https://rossmartinguitar.com/

Matt Compito
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Gain insights from a Berklee-trained musician with over 25 years of guitar expertise.
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Explore a wide range of genres, from jazz to country, tailored to your interests and goals.
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Learn from a passionate and empathetic teacher who makes every lesson engaging and fun.
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.
Email: matt@stringsandfingertips.com
Website: StingsandFingertips.com

Wayne Fugate
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Study with an experienced mandolinist who has performed on Broadway and at Carnegie Hall.
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Benefit from personalized lessons that focus on your unique musical goals and interests.
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Learn efficient practice strategies based on neuroscience and performance psychology.
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.
Email: wayne@waynefugate.com
Website: www.waynefugate.com

Joan Harrison
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Study with a talented musician who has performed with Too Blue and Grass Valley on stages across the Northeast.
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Learn a variety of banjo techniques, including Scruggs, Melodic, and Single-String styles.
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Benefit from personalized lessons that focus on timing, tone, and building confidence for jam sessions.
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.
Email: banjoan@optonline.net
Website: www.toobluemusic.com

Austin Scelzo
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Study with a versatile teacher and award-winning mentor, nominated by the International Bluegrass Music Association.
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Learn bluegrass fiddle and other instruments, including guitar, mandolin, bass, and banjo, as well as harmony singing.
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Benefit from his innovative teaching style, which blends classical techniques with a deep love for bluegrass music.
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.
Email: Austin@Austinscelzo.com
Website: www.Austinscelzo.com
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