Travis Sykes

5 Years Teaching on Lessonface
Background checked
Guitar, Songwriting, Blues Guitar, Bass Guitar, Music Theory for Producers, Ableton Live, Electric Guitar, Songwriting Melody, Piano, Audio Recording and Music Production, Ear Training, Music Directing, Composition, Instrument/FX Programming, Ukulele, Acoustic Guitar, Drums, Collaborative Production, Electronic Music Production, Genre-based Production, Demo Production, Songwriting Arrangement, Songwriting Form, Songwriting Harmony, Audio Recording, Music Theory, General Mixing and Mastering, Metal Guitar, Rock Guitar, Jazz Guitar, Rock Piano, Pop Piano, Piano Composition, Keyboard, Drum Rudiments, Snare Drum, Arts, Storytelling, Commercial Music, Contemporary Composition, Electronic Music Composition, Pop Arranging, Rock Arranging, Writer’s Block, Music Direction, Performing with Ableton Live, Artist Management, Project Management, Drum Programming, Electronic Music Arrangement, MIDI Programming, Production Workflow, Sound Design, VST/AU Plugins, Lyric Writing, Audio Editing, Arranging, Band, Music, Music History, Artist Development, Audition Prep, College Audition Prep, Audition Prep from Berklee Alumni, Conducting
5.0
(6 lesson reviews)
100+ lessons booked on Lessonface
Lesson Fees
$40.00 / 30 Minutes
Promotions Available
Free trial lesson for new students

About

Hi, I’m Travis Sykes — a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and music educator with over a decade of real-world experience. I hold a Bachelor of Musical Arts in Songwriting from Berklee College of Music, where I studied under department chairs in Songwriting, Harmony, and Bass Guitar, and attended masterclasses with legends like James Taylor, Paul Simon, and Victor Wooten.

Right after graduating in 2011, I signed a recording contract with Equal Vision Records and began touring nationally. In 2015, I joined New York rock pioneers Glassjaw as their bassist, further sharpening my live and studio skills.

Since 2019, I’ve served as Music Director at The Contemporary Arts Network in Virginia, where I lead community-based arts programs, mentor local talent, and run professional recording studios. I’m proud to be endorsed by ESP Guitars, EMG Pickups, Mesa-Boogie Amplification, and GHS Strings.

My teaching approach is grounded, practical, and shaped by a wide range of real-life music experiences. I offer lessons in:

  • Bass, Guitar, Piano

  • Songwriting & Music Theory

  • Ableton Live & Production

  • Creative Development & Coaching

Whether you're a beginner or a working artist, I’m here to help you sharpen your craft and achieve your musical goals.

Teaching Style

I'm a life long music lover who is always rediscovering music with teaching (and learning from!) students.  I like to use a blend of practical Music Theory from the classical academic approach mixed with real world experience from touring, recording, playing live and being musical out in the world to help students find their unique way into music.

Curriculum

Methods are determined based on students unique approach to music.  Requirements are a tuner, a metronome and blank paper or staff paper for basic lessons (metronome and tuner apps available for free on any smart device. I recommend PRO Metronome and Tuner T1).  Specific subject material requirements may vary.