Daniel Brennan

I began playing guitar in 1987 and have been teaching privately since 1993. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music in Guitar Performance from Tulane University in 1997, where I studied classical guitar with Elias Barriero and performed a full classical recital to complete my degree. While at Tulane, I was also a member of the university jazz band and performed in numerous concerts in New Orleans. In 1997, I competed in the Pine Belt Classical Guitar Symposium.
Prior to university, I trained through the Royal School of Church Music at Christ’s Church in Rye, New York, and studied privately with Fred Covino from 1987–1993. Over the years I have studied with and learned from a wide range of respected teachers and professionals including Justin Jacob, Marty Jacob, Glenn Alexander, Howard Morgan, Bryan Collin, Mike Blum, Beth Marlis, Jean-Marc Belkadi, Tom Kolb, Virginia Luque, Les Wise, John Dilkey, John Barron, Barbara Jazwinski, Anthony Cummings, Steven Rapp, and Gatemouth Brown. I studied songwriting with Jamie Lulla at Musicians Institute in Hollywood and with Kat Cohen at UCLA.
Professionally, I have performed extensively in New Orleans, Los Angeles, New York, Europe, and Poland. In New Orleans (1993–1997), I played regularly at venues including The Maple Leaf, Muddy Waters, and Pat O’Brien’s. In Los Angeles in 1998, I performed at The Blue Saloon and The Voodoo Lounge. I toured Italy in 1997, playing in Florence, Rome, Naples, and Venice, including performances at Central Park Club in Florence. Additional performances include Donovan’s Pub in Queens (New Year’s Eve 2013) and Crypt Bar in Elbląg, Poland (2004).
My original song “Thinking ’Bout You” was used in a Bank of America commercial in 2002. I have also worked as a studio and session guitarist and appeared as a performer on the television show Ally McBeal in 1998.
From 1993–1997, I worked at Mike Blum Guitars in New Orleans, where I taught private and group guitar lessons while repairing and selling vintage instruments and amplifiers.
I have over 30 years of teaching experience. In addition to my private studio, I have served as a guitar instructor at The Rye Arts Center (Rye, NY), Anita Ehler’s Dance Extensions (Park Ridge, NJ, 2004–2005), LSCI Butner (North Carolina, 2023–2024), and FPC Montgomery (Alabama, 2025), where I taught guitar, music theory, and songwriting.
I am a member of the American Federation of Musicians (Locals 802 and 47) and have been a member of the Screen Actors Guild and AFTRA since 1999.

My teaching style is structured, direct, and supportive. I believe fundamentals matter deeply, and I help students understand not just how to play something, but why it works. I am comfortable setting clear expectations around rhythm, technique, tone, and preparation while remaining patient and encouraging.

I primarily work with beginner to intermediate students, serious hobbyists, and singer-songwriters. I emphasize steady progress, musical understanding, and long-term skill development rather than quick shortcuts. I am particularly experienced in helping students learn to accompany themselves while singing and in developing original songs from early ideas to finished pieces.