CJ T.

CJ is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, producer, songwriter, and educator based in Dallas, Texas. Raised in Royse City, TX, CJ began studying music at a young age. In middle school, he began playing the clarinet, for which he won many accolades as he continued to play throughout his high school years. While studying clarinet, CJ picked up other woodwinds for doubles in his school's jazz band. CJ picked up a guitar in high school, and immediately realized that it would be a lifelong passion. From that moment, the guitar consumed every free moment he had, and he worked hard to learn as many songs, riffs, licks, and solos as he could. Thanks to the guitar, the world of harmony was opened up for CJ, and he soon began studying jazz and improvisation.

Alongside his undergraduate studies at Southern Methodist University, CJ played saxophone in the marching band throughout all four years. During this time, he began meeting other musicians in the Dallas jazz and neo-soul scene. He went on to study jazz guitar with Pete Weise at Collin College, where he earned his degree in Jazz Performance. He also became more active as a pianist, completing six semesters of intensive piano courses.

Following his education, CJ established a career in performance and audio production. He has extensive experience on the stage, but he looks back particularly fondly on his participation in The Greater St. Louis Jazz Festival. There, CJ received two annual Outstanding Jazz Guitar Awards in a single year, for performances in both large and small ensembles. He continues to freelance as an internationally performing musician (both live and in the studio) and producer.

In his many years as an educator, CJ has taught hundreds of students, including both in-person and online lessons. He currently offers guitar, bass, and woodwind lessons to students of all skill levels. Additionally, he has been playing the piano for nearly a decade and teaches piano to students at the beginner through intermediate levels. He is also happy to work with any student who would like to try his or her hand at the banjo or mandolin. His teaching method focuses on equipping his students with the knowledge, ear training, and confidence to teach themselves anything they want to learn. CJ's ultimate goal as an educator is to demystify music and give students the tools to be lifelong musicians and lifelong learners.