My formal music training began at the age of 11 in the Cobb County school district band program. The following year I transferred to Marist School where I immersed myself in their music program. I received Outstanding Soloist awards twice at festival for Marist's jazz program, and I also received the Louis Armstrong Award - an award given to one student per graduating class for excellence in music. Following high school, I received my degree in Music and Recording Industry Management at MTSU, where I completed four semesters of classical theory, and an additional semester of jazz theory. Since graduation in 2005 I have worked as a guitarist for hire in many settings including weddings, musical pits, studio sessions, worship services, live bands, etc. I have been teaching since 1999, and in 2009 I launched Cordell Music with the aim of providing Atlanta with premier music instruction. Former students include current metro Atlanta band directors as well as professional touring musicians.