About

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In The Beginning

Hello Jeff Nevaras here,

A little background on myself. I grew up in a middle-class family in the town of Abington Massachusetts. I started trumpet lessons in the 4th grade at my elementary school as part of the music program. I loved music and was very excited when instrument lessons were offered in public school. I ran home to ask my parents if I could sign up for saxophone lessons. I remember asking my Mom and Dad, "Can I take saxophone lessons?" My dad grumbling in a Red Formanesque manner (from That 70's Show) "NO! YOU CAN'T TAKE SAXOPHONE LESSONS. YOUR BROTHER STARTED TRUMPET LESSONS AND QUIT! IF YOU WANT TO PLAY AN INSTRUMENT, YOU'LL PLAY THE TRUMPET BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT WE HAVE IN THE HOUSE!" …. So, I started playing the trumpet! Those of you who's childhood was before 1990 are smiling! You know exactly where I'm coming from. I enjoyed playing trumpet but more importantly, I love playing music.

I would practice every day, but after a half-hour, my lips got extremely tired. Also, It is hard to quietly practice the trumpet, which made it challenging to play later at night. I thought the guitar would be an instrument that I could play for a more extended period of time (my lips wouldn't get tired). Also, if I strum lightly, the guitar will not be very loud which enables me to play later at night. So, in 1980 at 10-years-old I saved my paper-route-money and bought my first guitar from Sister Burkman at Saint Casimir's in Brockton for 50 Bucks. (Yes, I bought my first guitar from a nun).

Philosophy

As a music teacher, I draw from my diverse personal and musical experiences. I believe I can connect with students by modeling passion, knowledge, and understanding. My area of expertise includes how to connect what is learned in the classroom to real-time performance on the instrument. Music theory, music appreciation, instrumental instruction, ensemble instruction, ear training, and improvisation all play a role in great musicianship. However, great musicianship is not about one particular part, it's about building strong skills in all areas of musicianship. Combining my formal music education, teaching experiences, and a wide range of performance experiences affords me the unique opportunity to share with my students how to employ what is learned in the classroom and translate that knowledge and implement that knowledge into real-life-circumstances.

I believe a music educator has a greater responsibility than only to teach music. A music teacher has a unique opportunity to be a positive influence and role model for minds young and old. Sharing how I optimistically navigate both my professional failures and triumphs with students frames a personal perspective that exemplifies integrity and sincere honesty that is a positive guide for their success. As I continue my journey as a musician and educator, I genuinely enjoy the "passing of the torch of knowledge." I seek to enliven students with a passion for music that will grow as their knowledge and understanding grow. As a result, the students find a role model and mentor, both professionally and personally.

College Years

At sixteen I began studies with Mark White (M.M. in Jazz Composition The New England Conservatory). Mark White did an excellent job preparing me for Berklee. As a result, I tested out of most of the first semester classes. In 1989 I entered Berklee College of Music, studying with Bill Leavitt, Jon Finn, Mark White, Hal Crook, Jackie Beard, Garrison Fewell, Jon Damian, Mike Ihde, Tom Szymczak, Brett Wilmont, Jim Kelly, Mike Williams, Steve Carter, Charles Chapman and many other great teachers and performers. As a music student as well as a performer I understood the importance of experience. Therefore, I took time off to gig and apply the knowledge I was learning while attending Berklee. Eventually, I graduated with my Bachelors in Music Performance in 1999 ( I bet you didn't know Berklee had 10-year bachelors program ). As I get older, teaching has become increasingly rewarding for me, and I genuinely enjoy helping students learn about music and playing the guitar. This prompted me in 2015 to get my Masters Degree in Music Education at Boston University. I received my Master's Degree from BU in Music Education in September 2018.

Teaching Experience

In 1991 I started teaching privately at three local music stores in eastern Massachusetts; Music Unlimited, Crossroads Music, and the Guitar Doctor. I taught 35-40 students per week at these stores from 1991 - 2002. Additionally, in the summer of 2004, I taught for the National Guitar Workshop's "Day Jams" Program. Also, in 2002 I opened my own teaching studio where I currently teach 35-40 weekly instrumental (guitar, ukulele, bass) lessons in West Bridgewater. Additionally, I started teaching at The College of Holy Cross in 2014. I also teach ensembles at Berklee College of Music when needed.

Playing Experience

Since 1991 I have consistently played approximately 250 a year. In 1991 I joined my first band at 21 years-old; Bambo Taxi. Bambo Taxi was a local club band we played out almost every weekend. This band gave me my first "taste" of the requirements necessary of a gigging band; I got a "peek behind the curtain."

My first band with local success was the southern rock tribute band Southbound. At their peak, they would draw crowds of 500 people. We played every weekend from 1995 - 2004 ( I still play with Southbound on occasion).

Also, I was fortunate to play with Country Hall of Fame artist Big Al Downing in 2002. The Big Al Downing Band introduced me to playing for a national artist. I was fortunate to play throughout the United States. Mel Tillis, Pam Tillis, Collin Raye, Don Williams, Rhett Akins, Sawyer Brown and John Barry were among some of the artists we shared the bill with.

In 2004 I began playing functions and weddings with First Class Band featuring Concetta. Concetta's voice is heard on numerous jingles throughout New England and the United States. This band required a wide array of musicianship. In addition to my years of playing blues, rock, and country, I honed my classical chops playing wedding ceremonies, solo jazz chops playing cocktail hours, ensemble jazz chops during dinner sets, and R&B /dance music chops during the dance set of the function. I continued with First Class Band until December 2018.

To stay working, I have always maintained my own performances with; my duo, Two Way Street, full-band, The Jeff Nevaras Band, and acoustic guitar/vocals solo act performing dinner sets, cocktail hours, pubs, as well as assisted living homes.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey Nevaras
B.M. Berklee College of Music
M.M. Boston University