Contact: gio@truerockage.com
Bio: I first picked up the bass at age 12. I took lessons for 4 years from a wonderful teacher at Tall Toad music, where I myself teach today. Ah yes, the circle is now complete.
I studied music and Jazz Studies at Sonoma State where I had the good fortune to learn under the brilliant bassist and composer Mel Graves. I studied composition as well from Will Johnson, and graduated with my B.A. in Jazz Studies and Performance on the Double Bass.
I have played in metal bands, orchestras, jazz combos and big bands, jam bands, country bands, bluegrass bands, rock bands, worked as a studio musician in the area, and have performed and toured all over this fine West Coast of ours. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I have a love for all musics, an experience with most every style, and the real-world know-how of what a working musician needs, both on one’s instrument and in this mysterious digital world of music business.
In addition to teaching privately, I was the Director of Music Education at the not-for-profit Phoenix Theater here in Petaluma for 2 years. While there I established and implemented a program of free music education and performance opportunities for at-risk youth in our community.
Currently I am the Jazz Band Director at Saint Vincent High School where I am working on developing the first Instrumental Music Program the school has had in it’s long and illustrious history.
I volunteer at San Antonio High School once a week, giving musical guidance and guitar lessons to students – a program I began as part of the Phoenix Theater’s musical outreach programs.
In addition to these ventures, I also pursue my original musical projects with the 5-piece, rowdy, old-time string band The Brothers Comatose. We’re always out and about, touring, playing, and having rip-snorting good times across the land.
I’ll also be found around the county and Bay Area with the instrumental group The Wind Up Quartet, and the occasional small combo Jazz gig with a varying cast of characters.
At the time of this writing I have been blessedly and happily married for 4+ years to the lovely Jennifer, and we are expecting our first child (don’t know if it’s a boy or a girl yet…) in just 5 short weeks!
I hope you learned what you needed to know here. If not, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I look forward to meeting you!
gio@truerockage.com