NEIL ALLEN
Guitar: Acoustic, Electric, Bass
A staple of the local music scene, Neil Allen has been teaching guitar, both private and group lessons, in Charlotte since moving to the area in 1999. Neil has also organized and taught various summer camps in guitar, piano and songwriting. From 2006-2008 Neil served as the Director of the music department for Lincoln Charter Schools, and teaching music for grades K-5. Neil holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Queens University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude.
Neil began playing drums and percussion at age 11 but soon became proficient on guitar and bass. He began writing and making home recordings while honing his string skills with the local symphony orchestra, jazz and pep bands, and at Appalachian's Canon Music Camp. Now a regular recording artist and performer, Neil has toured nationally with various groups. His songs have been distributed internationally, and he has written, recorded, and produced several albums of original material and is a session guitar and pedal steel player on many North Carolina artist albums.
Neil brings over a decade of experience and a passion for music that shows in his teaching. With an emphasis on learning the essentials of music theory within the context of songs, Neil creates lessons that are both fun and worthwhile. When he's not teaching you can most likely find him at a show, in a rehearsal, or at home with a guitar in hand.
Neil is a good guitar teacher because he keeps it fun and relaxed. He encourages me to try my best. He likes all different types of music and has me try different types of music too. Neil doesn't expect me to get it right away when I try something new. He helps me figure out why I'm making mistakes and shows me how to do it right. He's very patient with me.
~Sammie, Academy Student
