Guitar teacher and musician, Jim “Shredder” Mattrazzo has been playing, performing, and teaching guitar for over 40 years. Jim has played in multiple Rock, Blues, and Top 40 bands. He has also performed as a soloist, playing classical and smooth jazz at special events such as weddings, art galleries, and wine tastings.
Jim has taught hundreds of students not only giving private lessons, but also has taught at various music teaching studios through out the capital district. Jim has also taught adult continuing education classes both at Shenendehowa Central Schools and State University of New York (SUNY) Adirondack.
Jim first studied with guitar instructor Rick Bruno, and furthered his education by studying classical guitar at SCCC and Skidmore Colleges. He then continued his studies at American Institute of Guitar in NYC with Classical and Flamenco guitarist Dennis Koster. Furthering his education, Jim studied Jazz and Contemporary genres at Berklee College of Music in Boston.
Some of Jim’s accolades include honorable mentions awarded in John Lennon and Billboard Song Writing Contests, Honorable Mention in Marshall Amplification Guitar Solo Contest being in the Top 10 Percent. He is also author and creator of Beginning Rock Guitar instructional DVD, the Basic Building Blocks of Good Guitar Playing.