I started playing the cello in 1977 and took up the guitar in 1979. I have taken what I feel are the best qualities from my teachers, integrating those qualities into what I feel is a relaxed, learn-what-you-want approach that doesn't necessarily follow a strict pedagogical sequence and doesn't require recitals. I don't require anything but a desire to learn and my goal is always to teach students what they're excited about, as I feel practicing shouldn't be a chore; rather, it should be something you're excited to do! I've had some of my current students for over 20 years, but I've also had students who come for just a few lessons to help get them started, to help them over a hump or plateau, or to help them with something they can't figure out by trying to learn virtually over the internet. I joined my first band, The Rage, as a sophomore in high school, and have been a singer, songwriter, and guitarist for The Max since its formation in 1984. I started teaching in 1993 and formed Bridger Strings in 1997, where I taught guitar and cello for 9 years and played cello in the Bridger Trio before moving to Music Villa to teach for 5 years. Studio Brenner has been my home since leaving Music Villa in 2011. During the pandemic, I partnered with my old bandmate from The Rage to write an album of 14 songs, created entirely over the internet. My current musical endeavors include The Max, the Brenner/Logan Duo (myself on cello and Mark Logan on classical guitar) and I also play regularly as a soloist on cello and acoustic guitar and vocals.