Kelly Pratt

Kelly Pratt is a seasoned musician, composer, and educator with years of experience teaching students of all levels—from young beginners to advanced musicians. He has taught at the University of North Carolina and worked one-on-one with students across the world, tailoring lessons to help each individual develop both technical skill and creative confidence. As a multi-instrumentalist, Pratt has performed, recorded, and arranged for renowned artists such as Arcade Fire, Coldplay, Beck, LCD Soundsystem, and The Decemberists. He was a full-time member of Beirut, music director and arranger for David Byrne & St. Vincent’s Love This Giant album and tour, and currently serves as an arranger, conductor, and instrumentalist for Father John Misty. His compositions have been featured in films (Midsommar, Gimme Danger), television (Bob’s Burgers, The Great North), and performances by orchestras including the LA Phil and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Kelly’s teaching style is hands-on and tailored to the student’s interests and goals. Whether your child is learning brass or woodwinds, composing their own music, or refining their arrangements, he provides clear guidance and engaging lessons that build confidence and skill. He helps students strengthen foundational techniques—like tone production, breath control, and articulation—while encouraging creativity through composition and arranging. He also integrates music technology, such as notation software and digital audio workstations (DAWs), to enhance learning and bring musical ideas to life. With a deep passion for both music and teaching, Kelly fosters a supportive and inspiring learning environment where students can grow at their own pace. Whether your child is picking up an instrument for the first time or looking to take their musical abilities to the next level, Kelly’s lessons provide expert instruction from a musician who has worked at the highest levels of the industry.

In one-on-one lessons, my teaching style for brass, woodwinds, composition, and arranging is personalized and focused on the individual’s specific goals and strengths. For brass and woodwinds, I start by assessing the student’s technical abilities, addressing foundational skills like tone production, breath control, articulation, and embouchure. From there, I tailor exercises to their instrument and level, helping them refine their technique and expand their range.

In composition and arranging, I focus on helping each student develop their unique. I guide them through understanding each instrument’s range, timbre, and idiomatic techniques, and I challenge them with small composing tasks that progressively increase in complexity. We study relevant works, analyze orchestration, and apply lessons directly to their own compositions, fostering creativity alongside technical skill. I also promote the use of technology, such as notation software and DAWs, to help students simulate their ideas and refine their arrangements.

Lessons are interactive, with plenty of discussion and feedback. I also encourage students to use music notation software to experiment with their ideas. Whether working on solo pieces, arrangements, or compositions, I offer guidance that helps the student build both their technical proficiency and their artistic expression. The goal is to create a supportive, focused environment where the student can thrive and grow at their own pace.