Christopher Farias

From as early as I can remember, I was aware of the magic and power of sound. Harmony, melody, and rhythm were constant companions growing up — whether I was syncing footsteps to imaginary beats on the sidewalk or singing harmonies to ’70s radio hits from the back seat of my parents’ AMC Gremlin, music was always there.

I come from a long line of musicians. My grandparents played in a country band together, and my father and uncles were always forming groups and chasing gigs. Music wasn’t a hobby — it was our family business. Some kids inherit a family store; I inherited a guitar. Those family jam sessions and backstage experiences with my dad’s band, Alive N’ Pickn, fueled my love for performing and learning.

In high school, my ear training and passion for improvisation led me toward jazz and classical music — sounds my grandfather “Red” Fennelley introduced me to through Mozart, Frank Sinatra, and Benny Goodman. That inspiration led me to study formally at Rhode Island College, where I dove into music theory, classical guitar, and jazz harmony. During that time, I performed with the R.I.C. Chamber Orchestra, co-wrote and premiered an original composition titled Water, and earned both the Bicho Memorial Scholarship and a Special Talent Award.

Since then, I’ve continued writing, recording, and performing — including opening for the Spin Doctors with my trio — while constantly exploring new ways to blend classical fingerstyle, jazz harmony, and groove-driven rhythm into my playing. Today, I perform and record with my partner, violinist and fiddler Alicia Ruggiero, as the duo Virginia James. Our latest album, Time nad Time Again, reflects our shared passion for storytelling through sound.
Whether on stage or online, my goal as a teacher is to help each student connect deeply with their instrument and themselves, discover their unique musical voice, and find the creativity and confidence that music has given me throughout my life.

From a teaching perspective I use an organic approach with each student. The lessons are tailored to each person and develop over time as we get to know one another personally and musically. I can teach using traditional methods of standard notation and music theory, or by ear for those who appreciate a more experiential, less formal, atmosphere. In my experience the best results are born of a combination of both traditional and practical teaching styles which include elements of theory, ear training, technique, and performing. Practice always determines results but at the same time there is no rush. We travel at the students' pace. I also prefer to teach these fundamentals of music through the students' musical preferences. It's always beneficial for the student to learn music that is relevant to them. Nothing is a more powerful motivator than the desire to be able to make those sounds that we most love. I supplement with pdf documents as well as custom recordings for each student.