Hello! I am Andrew McDonald and I have been playing guitar for the last 12 years, as well as teaching guitar and bass for the last 4 years. I have a bachelor’s degree in worship studies from Liberty University. I have taken 4 years of guitar instruction from Jerry Sims at Sims Music, with an emphasis on jazz studies, and music theory, as well as studying the Berklee School of Music curriculum. I have also taken lessons from Don Russo and Drew Medlin of Freeway Music, with an emphasis on improvisation, playing by ear, and musical development for live music performances. 

I have played many private and public gigs around Columbia, including full band, duo, and solo gigs. I have also led worship and played guitar at different churches within the Columbia area. 

When I first started playing guitar I knew that I loved playing and listening to many different genres, and since then my love for music has grown even deeper. These genres include Pop, Rock, Blues, Reggae, Funk, Electronic, Jazz, and Worship music. I knew going into guitar lessons that studying Jazz would help me play all types of music as well as improve my teaching abilities. 

I firmly believe that everyone’s musical goals, dreams, and aspirations are unique and important to identify. After we establish these, I help my students create a plan and show them how to get where they want to go. I believe that the most important part of music is enjoying the process and having fun!