Alex Mauney grew up in the birthplace of America's music - Mississippi. His first musical heroes were folks that played around campfires and on porches. Everybody just called them "pickers". Most of them were the neighbors or family. Throughout school, he played the recorder, violin, guitar, alto saxophone, baritone saxophone, and he even led his high school marching band as the drum major the same year he starred in The Music Man. Later, Alex got his BFA in Acting from Ole Miss.
He formed a folk duo with fellow actor Anna Donnell called Chauncey and The Beast. They sang outside most of the time. Later, in Chicago, the duo would record a live album of all original material interwoven with fictional storytelling. Also while in Chicago, Alex joined the rockabilly band Old Grand Dad, mostly on harmonica, occasionally on banjo over 5 years, a few tours, and 3 recordings. All these curiosities can be found on Bandcamp.com.
Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Children's Theatre, Old Town School of Folk Music, and The Red Kite Project are among Alex's credits. He's written songs for musicals, adapted music for Shakespeare, created live and recorded sound design for the theatre, and taught performers how to play homemade instruments.
I want to follow the curiosity and goals of each student. Along the way, we'll experiment with style, technique and intention to find the place where they and the music meet. I'll share what I've learned from a lifetime on stage; you'll bring your best attitude each day. I believe anybody can learn from anybody and that making music is good for everybody. All lessons begin and end with breath.
Guitar - all levels; Harmonica - beginner, intermediate; Banjo - beginner, intermediate; Saxophone (Alto & Bari) - beginner; Mandolin - beginner; Songwriting - all levels
Specializing in styles - folk, rockabilly, country & western, finger-style, singer-songwriter, blues, rock'n roll