A J Mele
About
Hi I'm AJ, What I like to teach is all the basics (if your a beginner I got you), theory, getting around the fretboard, breaking down rhythm/lead and a lot about Hardcore music.
I also do a little with other styles offering you just the basic insights though select riffs, licks and song form studies based on the styles of players like Jimi Hendrix (Red House style), Angus Young, Chuck Berry, Kirk Emmet, Alexi Laiho, Dave Mustaine
Teaching since December 2020
I offer online lessons and inperson lessons in Apopka Florida (amp and cable provided).
Teaching Style
From day‑one basics to ripping lead. My style is patient, direct, and built on small, bite‑size steps that get you playing fast.
You learn tight rhythm, strong technique, full songs, and how to write your own heavy music — without getting overwhelmed.
Curriculum
My approach is built on real experience — writing songs, playing shows, recording at home, and learning from musicians across different scenes. Lessons are practical, hands‑on, and tailored to your goals. Whether you want to shred, write your own music, join a band, or just get better at the styles you love, I help you build the skills and confidence to get there.
Credentials & Affiliations
Guitars with Do Not Push, straight edge hardcore from Orlando. FLHC. Check out Bandsintown for our upcoming shows.
-Fundamental's of Drum Tuning and Recording - by Cris Kurmmet covering topics like drum tuning, selecting drum for a certain sound, mic selection, mic placement and recording. (In progress)
-Mastering Metal Songwriting - by Eyal Levi and special guests Ryan Clark (Demon Hunter), Todd Jones (Nails, Terror), and John Browne (Monuments) as they instructed a 10 hour in-depth exploration of what it takes to craft great songs. Via- Creative Live. 2020
- Composing Metal Melodies and Harmonies - by Eyal Levi and guest Ryan Clark (Demon Hunter) for their half-day follow up to Mastering Metal Songwriting. As they cover more songwriting ground – teaching the basics of melodies, how to write them, place them and evaluate them. Via- Creative Live. 2020
- Guitar Tone Mastery - by Chernobyl Studios. Scott Elliot instructs his unique method of creating professional guitar tones using plugins. 2021
As well as taking guitar lessons with: Paul at Play It Again Sam Music in Amsterdam NY, 90's. Chris at a Wilmington De music store, mid 90's. Vinny at Vishnu Music Gloversville NY, 90's
Currently I play guitar with and founded Do Not Push a straight edge hardcore band from Orlando, writing hardcore tunes and performing in Orlando. Most recently at Uncle Lou's entertainment hall, 2024. We have a live recorded releases available to be listened to on any streaming platform called the Tascam sessions vol 1 and soon Florida Straight Edge..
To assist in recruiting members for Do Not Push. I put together a tune called hardcore demo, using double tracked live guitars and programmed bass and drums. Recorded, arranged, programmed, mixed and mastered on my home computer. Then released to streaming, giving potential players something to listen to.
Prior to Do Not Push, I've played in bands along the East coast. Playing shows at various venues. Supporting everything from back yard celebrations to touring bands to festivals.
My teaching starts with playing in bands, sharing riffs with players and players sharing their riffs with me, learning something from everyone along the way. From there a friend of the band to now where I been offering and teaching guitar lessons since 2020. My students range beginners to advanced player as well.