The founder of Sticks N Strings, Ray has been a professional musician most of his life.  After serving our country in the United States Army, Ray began playing guitar and performing professionally.  With a specialty in Jazz, and early Rock n Roll, Ray has had the priviliedge of performing with some of modern music's founding fathers.  Performers such as Joe Pass, Frank Sinatra, and Dean Martin have shared a stage with Ray, and even the Batman, Adam West, studied guitar with him.  

His personality and wealth of experience are priceless as he helps asipiring musicians develop the skills necessary to play and perform.  Focussing on repertoire, Ray teaches playing and performing technique by filling practice time with playing songs in various keys, time signatures, and tempos.  In addition to his expertise on guitar Ray also offers lessons for steel guitar, banjo, and mandolin.

Contact Ray at: (520) 296 - 3479

Guitarist/Writer Darren Kerr has been playing guitar for 26 years.  The last four years he has expanded his music career to teaching guitar. Darren has also been writing music and performing in Tucson for 15 years with the bands Ockham’s Razor, Seven Days Of May and Nevershine.  While performing with Nevershine, the band won “Best Alternative band for the 1999” for Tucson Area Music Awards (Tammies) and made radio rotation on 92.1 KFMA.  Darren regularly collaborates with other musicians throughout Tucson performing and recording his original music. 

Although most of Darren’s earlier influences came from rock and punk, he has expanded his love for music in the classical, blues, pop, country and metal genres.   Darren enjoys teaching the art of guitar playing with his students no matter the style.

Contact Darren at: (520) 977 - 3933 or deker@cox.net

Born and raised in the Washington D.C. suburbs, Tristan privately studied both classical and jazz guitar for ten years under the guidance of Bill Flexsenhar and Paul Pieper.  After acquiring his B.F.A. from Antioch College in Ohio , Tristan returned to the D.C. area to teach at Capone Music for a brief period.  In 2003 he relocated to Tucson and began teaching at Sticks n’ Strings shortly thereafter.  

The contents of his private lessons are both dynamic and personalized.  Styles of music that can be addressed range from Classical to Jazz, to Blues, to Rock and even a little Country and Global music.  Tristan’s priority is largely to maintain the interests of his students.  This means that while a classical education and learning to read music are both encouraged, they are not mandatory.  While music theory and ear training are encouraged, Tristan’s priority is to convey a love of the instrument and the creation of music. 

His primary texts include Solo Guitar Playing by Frederick M. Noad, The National Guitar Workshop series and The Real Book. 

Contact Tristan at: (520) 245-9607 or tcowner@gmail.com

John has been a well respected guitar session player and teacher for almost 20 years. He has consulted and designed sound systems for large arenas as well as engineered CD projects for many individuals and bands. In addition, he has conducted various songwriting, live and recorded music and technical workshops. He has written and produced many songs for video and commercial work. He is currently a Technical Director of a mega church site and manages audio, video, data presentation and lighting.

Contact John at: (520) 326 - 7559 or poestreet@cox.net

Kathi has been singing professionally for over 30 years. She has taught voice and keyboard privately for over 12 years and has served as music director at several large churches. As a songwriter, she has received several ADDY awards for commercials written and has written music for film and video productions. She is owner of Time Harmony, a consulting firm that assists individuals and small businesses (including musicians) with time management and project coordination. For more information visit: www.TimeHarmony.com.

Contact Kathi at: (520) 326 - 7559 or Kathi@timeharmony.com

Chip Ritter is a professional drum instructor, musician, author, clinician and entertainer who has toured the U.S.A., Russia, Romania, Holland, France, Spain, Mexico and Canada with various bands. He currently performs with Neon Prophet in Tucson Arizona, and teaches drums at Sticks N' Strings Music Center. An exiting and charismatic performer on the drums, his solos immediately bring people to their feet! His name is synonymous with the word drum solo, if you type "mp3 drum solo" into any internet search engine in the world, including video sites such as youtube etc,  you will find Chip Ritter as the number one result. He has been highlighted on The Late Show w/ David Lettermen, as well as admired and revered for his talents by the likes
of Tommy Lee of Motley Crüe and Travis Barker of Blink 182 to name a few.
For more information visit www.ChipRitter.com.