Award-Winning Berklee College Expert gives Vocal Coaching, Singing Technique, & Vocal Pedagogy sessions.

Find out more about John

• 1) When did you first develop a passion for music and your favorite instrument?

  Music is everything to me! My passion for music truly ignited when I was a child. I was captivated by the sound of the guitar and the way it could be both melodic and powerful. I began studying classical guitar, vocals, music theory, harmony, composition, and electric guitar at a very young age. I then shifted my focus to songwriting, vocal performance, composition, and music production. That led to scholarships and awards from Berklee College of Music, Awards in International Songwriting Competitions, and amazing collaborations. My two favorite instruments are vocals and guitar, but I also love piano.

• 2) Is there a particular type of music or artist that you listen to on a loop without it driving you crazy?

  All genres have something unique to give, but my favorites are pop/rock, alternative, rock, indie rock, classic rock, funk, and classical. I love discovering new music and poetic, meaningful lyrics.

• 3) Explain to us the most difficult or riveting course you could personally give to a student of music.

  I would love to teach a course I call "The Art of Subtlety: Sound Design and Emotion in Composition." In this class, students wouldn't just learn about chords, techniques, and melodies, but about how to use non-traditional elements—like silence, a single sustained note, or a barely audible texture—to evoke powerful emotions. We'd analyze film scores and ambient music to understand how subtle choices in sound can be more impactful than a loud, complex arrangement. The final project would be for each student to compose a short piece of music for an unedited, silent film clip, focusing entirely on telling the story through sound design.

• 4) What do you think is the most complicated instrument to master and why?

  Each instrument is unique and has its level of difficulty to master. Mastering the habit of consistency is the most essential key to excelling on every instrument. However, if I had to choose the most complicated to master, it would be the violin. The reason is two-fold. First, there are no frets or keys to guide you, so achieving perfect intonation—playing the notes exactly in tune—relies entirely on your ear and muscle memory, a process that takes thousands of hours. Second, the bowing technique is incredibly nuanced. The slightest change in pressure or speed can completely alter the sound, and mastering the subtle variations needed to create a beautiful tone is a lifelong pursuit.

• 5) What are your keys to success?

  Creativity, consistency, persistence, and determination are my keys to success. Creativity is the spark that gives an idea life. Consistency is the daily practice that turns that idea into a skill. Persistence is the ability to keep going even when you hit a wall, and determination is the conviction that your vision is worth pursuing, no matter the obstacles.

• 6) Name three musicians you dream of meeting in your favourite bar in the early hours of the morning. Explain why.

  Mozart, Bach, and Beethoven. Classical music laid the foundation and paved the way for nearly every genre that is common today. The harmony, theory, counterpoint, and all these essential elements are rooted in classical works. They would have a fascinating perspective on how music has evolved since their time.

• 7) Provide a valuable anecdote related to music or your days at music school.

  My days at Berklee College of Music gave me invaluable insights and connected me with great people from the industry. One of my favorite memories isn't from a class or a performance, but from a late-night jam session in a practice room. I was working on a new song when a friend—a bass player I'd just met—walked in with his instrument. He didn't say a word, just plugged in and started laying down a soulful groove that perfectly complemented my chord progressions. Another musician soon joined in on the drums, and then another with a keyboard. What started as a solitary exercise turned into a beautiful, unplanned collaboration. We didn't even have lyrics, but we played that instrumental for over an hour, communicating purely through music. It was a perfect moment of creative synergy that taught me the immense joy and power of collaborative creation.

• 8) What are the little touches that make you a Superprof in music?

  Excellent communication, understanding, and a supportive environment are the little touches that make me a Superprof. That means I'm not just here to teach you notes and scales; I'm here to listen to your goals and tailor every lesson to help you achieve them. I strive to create an atmosphere where you feel safe to make mistakes and ask any question, big or small. My goal is to be a mentor who not only teaches you the "how" but also helps you discover the "why" behind your passion for music.