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Studio Musician Academy

The studio musician academy podcast explores the career paths and creative methods of the top instrumentalists in the recording industry. We are making expert mentorship available to every musician who wants to expand their career. We pull back the curtain to take you on the other side of the glass and inside the creative minds of today's top studio musicians. From getting the gig, to creating the sound and playing the part, learn how the masters have built their careers by serving the song in their own, unique ways.

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20 episodes
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Nov 4, 2025 · 1 hr 9 min
Dann Huff- Producer/Guitar (Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Thomas Rhett)
Send us Fan Mail Today’s guest is Dann Huff. In the recording industry, Dann is an absolute giant. (pun intended) His work as a session guitar player, artist, and Producer has shaped the sound of popular music from LA to Nashville, across a range of genres, for over 40 years. I wouldn’t know where to start with listing the legendary artists and timeless hits that he has masterfully crafted. How Dann really tops the charts is his insatiable passion for chasing the nuances of arrangement, performance and production to discover where the magic lives in a song. Dann is leader who empowers musicians in the studio by creating an environment prioritized on authenticity, humility, and a thirst for growth through collaboration. In this episode Dann shares the guiding principles that helped him navigate the relentless waves of a career as a hitmaker. He reveals the keys to building, maintaining, and reimagining success in the recording industry. And we explore the inspiration and creative process behind his solo record, When Words Aren’t Enough. Support the show Join The Band for FREE at studiomusicianacademy.com For access to exclusive masterclass sessions Instagram Youtube
Sep 23, 2025 · 1 hr 2 min
A Studio Musicians Guide to The Nashville Number System
Send us Fan Mail In todays episode we are discussing the craft of writing Nashville number charts. Our guests are David Dorn and Leland Grant. David is a first call Nashville session player, producer, and studio owner. He’s also a Studio Musician academy co founder and mentor who created an incredible training program on chart writing which is available at studiomuscianacademy.com Leland Grant is a Producer, Songwriter, studio owner and cofounder of a ground breaking app called Nashville Numbers which is revolutionizing the way charts are written, archived and shared amongst players for sessions and live gigs. In this episode, we explore the intriguing history of how Nashville number charts came to be, dive deep into the important nuances of chart writing, and chart a song live using the traditional written method alongside the digital version on the Nashville Numbers app. If you’re new to Nashville charting or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with topics that will give you fresh insights on ensuring smooth sessions with charts that your fellow players will love ya for. Support the show Join The Band for FREE at studiomusicianacademy.com For access to exclusive masterclass sessions Instagram Youtube
Jun 25, 2024 · 41 min
Jerry Roe - Drummer/Bassist (Luke Combs, Post Malone, Dolly Parton)
Send us Fan Mail Todays guest is Jerry Roe. Jerry is an ACM award winning, first call Nashville session drummer/bassist, and one half of the heavy duo, Friendship Commanders. Jerry’s career is a shining example of how to remain unapologetically authentic to one’s creative and personal identity while crafting a top tier career in the music business. Jerry has held down the pocket for artists like Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Dolly Parton, Post Malone, The Legendary Shackshakers, Secondhand Serenade, and a continued list of marquee acts that would take us the rest of the length of this podcast to recall. More importantly, Jerry has a one of a kind sense of humor, and an unmovable passion for art in all of it’s forms. In this hilariously insightful episode, hosted by fellow drummer Miles McPherson, Jerry recalls his journey to becoming one of Nashville’s most in demand session drummers, shares the “secret” contents of his session gig bag, discusses the importance of retaining an authentic identity, and tells us why he believes that AI is a bubble that will burst with catastrophic impact. Support the show Join The Band for FREE at studiomusicianacademy.com For access to exclusive masterclass sessions Instagram Youtube
Mar 26, 2024 · 36 min
JIMMY WALLACE - KEYBOARD (THE WALLFLOWERS, JOE WALSH, MIRANDA LAMBERT)
Send us Fan Mail Today’s guest is Jimmy Wallace! Hailing from Shreveport Louisiana, Jimmy is a Nashville based Keyboardist who has checked all the boxes of a fulfilled career in serving the song. Jimmy has toured with artists like The Wallflowers, Kenny Wayne Shepard, Joe Walsh, and Jewel. He’s served in the studio alongside acts such as Dierks Bentley, Miranda Lambert, Parker McCollum, and Bonnie Bishop. Balancing a steady career between live gigs and studio work is an insurmountable feat for most musicians. However, Jimmy has managed to find success in a discerning approach to taking gigs that fill his pockets with both soul dollars and legal tender. While experimenting with college life, Jimmy met a young Kenny Wayne Shepard during a dive bar blues jam in Shreveport. As Kenny’s career bloomed, Jimmy recognized the opportunity to learn on the job as opposed to a college classroom, and left college to hit the road with Kenny on an international tour with The Eagles. In the following decades, Jimmy has kept his heels dug in firmly below his instrument, while allowing his boots to keep walking in the direction that he sees creative fulfillment. Jimmy’s career path has had several course corrections that have left a valuable trail of insight on developing and sustaining a fulfilled career in the recording industry. In this conversation, we hear an incredible perspective on attracting the gigs you want through carefully selecting the gigs you need. We explore the role of traditional keyboard instruments in modern production, and hear incredible stories of chance connections that led to massive opportunity. Support the show Join The Band for FREE at studiomusicianacademy.com For access to exclusive masterclass sessions Instagram Youtube
Mar 12, 2024 · 57 min
Terence F. Clark - Drummer (Robert Cray, Sheryl Crow, Lauren Diagle)
Send us Fan Mail Today’s guest is Terence F. Clark. Terence is a Grammy Nominated drummer, producer, composer and artist. Following the motto of “There’s not a right way, but there is a wrong way,” Terence has combined his technical skill with an artist-first mindset that has helped him master the art of serving the song. Terence has held down the pocket in the studio for artists like Robert Cray, Sheryl Crow, Lauren Daigle, Toby Mac, and Joss Stone. He is currently in the touring band for Keith Urban, and a top call for the drum chair in the studio scenes of Nashville, Memphis, and abroad! In this episode, we track Terence’s journey from a Memphis church to sitting along side his musical heroes in the studio and on the stage. We unpack powerful philosophies on serving the song, invaluable tips for executing sessions, and inspiring stories that fuel the creative spirit. Terence has an infectious passion for his craft and possess a confidence, rooted in humility, which has served him well in earning the trust and admiration of legendary producers, artists, and fellow musicians. Support the show Join The Band for FREE at studiomusicianacademy.com For access to exclusive masterclass sessions Instagram Youtube
Feb 27, 2024 · 30 min
B. JAMES LOWRY - Guitar (Tim McGraw, Pretty Lights, Jewel)
Send us Fan Mail Today’s guest is B James Lowry! B James is a Nashville based guitarist, composer, and producer. He’s sat in the coveted guitar chair on recordings for artists like Tim McGraw, Luke Bryan, Pretty Lights, Jewel, and even the Chipmunks! After getting his start as a touring side-man with some of the industry’s biggest acts, B. James made a risky leap in burning his ships and transitioning into the session scene full time. Trading a six figure career to become a $50 per track demo player might sound insane, but his all in bet eventually earned him a seat at the table amongst Nashville’s most sought after session players. In this episode, B James shares stories from his journey, as we unpack his career path, creative approaches, and the equivalent of a masters in psychology which is unofficially required to successfully navigate the red ocean of the recording industry. Support the show Join The Band for FREE at studiomusicianacademy.com For access to exclusive masterclass sessions Instagram Youtube
Jan 2, 2024 · 28 min
Kent Wells - Producer (Dolly Parton, Reba, Kenny Rogers)
Send us Fan Mail Today’s guest is Kent Wells. A guitar player, producer, studio owner, and songwriter, Kent’s road case bumper sticker is “Enjoy the climb.” Over a 30+ year, he has summited the peaks of every aspect of the recording industry. Kent began his ascent after his available notice on the musicians union bulletin board caught the eye of Keith Whitley’s bandleader. After standing behind the spotlight of one of Nashville’s most exciting new acts at the time, he then went on to tour with legends like The Oak Ridge Boys, Kenny Rogers, Reba, and Dolly Parton. Eventually, the thrill of playing some of the biggest stages in the industry began to dim. Kent had discovered a new passion for the challenging and competitive world of session playing, and set out on a new journey in the recording industry. While steadily climbing the ranks of the session guitar chair, he began producing demos and eventually opened a studio on Nashville’s music row. After an unexpected call from Dolly Parton placed him in the producer chair along side one of country musics biggest stars, his ascent reached new heights and has continued on over the decades. In this episode Kent shares some incredible stories that highlight the challenges of navigating the journey, what a producer looks for in players, and how to survive the dream of making a living making records. Support the show Join The Band for FREE at studiomusicianacademy.com For access to exclusive masterclass sessions Instagram Youtube
Dec 19, 2023 · 26 min
MIKE BRIGNARDELLO - BASS (REBA, BLAKE SHELTON, BILLY RAY CYRUS)
Send us Fan Mail Todays guest is Mike Brignardello. Mike has been holding down the groove as a first call session Bass player for over 40 years. Mike’s career journey started in his soulful hometown of Memphis. He then hit the road with Christian acts, DeGarmo & Key and Amy Grant, before becoming a founding member of the rock band Giant, and eventually planting his bass in Nashville’s country music session scene. We could list all of the artists that Mike has served over the years, but it would be easier to say that if an act recorded in Nashville in the past four decades, it’s a fairly safe bet that there’s a Briggs baseline on at least one of their records. A self described, “street player” Mike’s mastery of his instrument truly came from an on the job education. The challenges of navigating a life long career at the highest level of the recording industry has worn out the most optimistic of spirits, but Mike’s unconditional love of the music and the process of creating it, has only grown stronger over time. So how does one survive the dream for this long? You’re about to find out! In this episode, Mike shares stories from his road trip of a career, the lessons learned in a signed band, the secret to finding inspiration at every turn, and so much more! Support the show Join The Band for FREE at studiomusicianacademy.com For access to exclusive masterclass sessions Instagram Youtube
Dec 5, 2023 · 51 min
Bryan Sutton - Acoustic Gutar (Rick Skaggs, Taylor Swift, Garth Brooks)
Send us Fan Mail If you’ve ever seen or heard a guitar picking unicorn, you were probably witnessing the work of Bryan Sutton. While our brief introduction could barely scratch the surface of covering the immense accomplishments of one of the most sought after acoustic guitar players in the recording industry, we’ll do our best. Bryan is a Grammy award winner and nine-time international Bluegrass music association guitar player of the year. Over the past 30 years Bryan has shared the stage and studio floor with the highest echelon of artists across the Country, Bluegrass, and Americana genres. Ricky Skaggs, Bela Fleck, Garth Brooks, Taylor Swift, Blake Shelton, Dolly Parton, Eric Church, The Dixie Chicks, and Carrie Underwood are just a brief sampling of the icons who have called on Bryan’s gift. Bryan’s career journey is the epitome of chasing passion and allowing the success to follow. In an industry that often draws a clear distinction between touring musicians and session players, Bryan has intentionally designed a career that allows him to scratch the itch of all of his creative aspirations. Beyond his hired gun role, Bryan has also had incredible success as a band leader, record producer, mentor, and educator. In this episode, we explore the flight plan that landed Bryan on the coveted island of first call guitar players. We cover the mindset, technical skillset, and theoretical approaches, which Bryan has perfected along his journey. Support the show Join The Band for FREE at studiomusicianacademy.com For access to exclusive masterclass sessions Instagram Youtube
Nov 20, 2023 · 40 min
Kris Donegan - Guitar (Darius Rucker, Shania Twain, Colbie Caillat
Send us Fan Mail Today’s guest is Kris Donegan. If there’s a model example for developing your own preverbal box to fit into, Kris’ career is the blueprint. His unique approach to the session guitar chair has landed him on records with artists ranging from Darius Rucker, Shania Twain, and Kane Brown to Colbie Caillat, Third Eye Blind, and Michael W. Smith. He is an ACM guitar player of the year nominee, with numerous #1’s and Grammy winning recordings on his deep resume of studio sessions. Kris has navigated the delicate balance of defining a creative identity that sets him apart from the crowd, while allowing that identity to be free from pre-conceptions with flexibility to bend and fit into each unique session. Through a career-long evolution, Kris has expertly navigated the nuances of what it takes to maintain success, and sanity, at the highest levels of the recording industry. In this episode, we explore Kris’ career journey, the challenges along the way, and the lessons learned in the process. From discovering how to stand out while still fitting in, what to learn from getting replaced on a record, and how gear can be a rocket or an anchor, this episode is packed with invaluable lessons and unbelievable stories! Support the show Join The Band for FREE at studiomusicianacademy.com For access to exclusive masterclass sessions Instagram Youtube
Oct 24, 2023 · 40 min
Steve Brewster- Drums (Dierks Bentley, Faith Hill, Chicago)
Send us Fan Mail Todays guest is first call, Nashville session drummer, Steve Brewster. Over the past 30+ years, Steve has lended his eclectic approach on the drum set to records for a vast array of artists such as Richard Marx, Faith Hill, Dierks Bentley, Michael W. Smith, Chicago, and Jewel. Steve has mastered the art of session playing, with an approach that puts the artistic vision of the song and the big picture of the band performance before his own instrument. Utilizing what he refers to as his “stylistic mix dial.” Steve fine tunes his approach to serve each unique song. In this episode, hosted by session drummer Miles McPherson, we explore a range of career necessities such as how to use your creative voice to fit the track, treating the drum set for the room, secret weapons for you session bag, and the art of communication to achieve the clients vision. Support the show Join The Band for FREE at studiomusicianacademy.com For access to exclusive masterclass sessions Instagram Youtube
Oct 10, 2023 · 40 min
Mike Waldron - Guitar (Martina McBride, Lee Ann Womack, Jon Bon Jovi)
Send us Fan Mail Todays guest is Mike Waldron. Mike has been picking through major tours and studio sessions for over 30 years. As a first call guitar player, he’s supported artists like Martina McBride, Lee Ann Womack, Luke Combs, and Hillary Scott. Starting his career in LA club scene, Mike followed the “say yes to every gig” mentality which helped him polish his craft and connect with countless artists and songwriters. One of those songwriters, Jan Buckingham, suggested he make the trek to Nashville and with her help, Mike was playing the Grand Ol Opry a few short weeks later. Since then, Mike has become a master at the craft of session playing. He’s participated in around 15,000 sessions, several of which have earned #1 status and coveted Grammy nods. Mike has learned countless lessons along his journey that he was kind enough to share with us in this incredible episode. From how to make your own luck to refining technique to get guitars to cut in a mix, and managing the ups and downs of the fickle music industry, Mike’s experiences are a priceless collection of light bulb moments that we hope will help you continue to grow as a player. Support the show Join The Band for FREE at studiomusicianacademy.com For access to exclusive masterclass sessions Instagram Youtube
Sep 5, 2023 · 44 min
Greg Morrow- Drummer (Dixie Chicks, Bob Seger, Luke Bryan)
Send us Fan Mail Greg Morrow has dominated the drum chair in Nashville record sessions for nearly 3 decades. He’s laid the groove for artists spanning from Deana Carter and Steve Earl to Garth Brooks and Dixie Chicks to Luke Combs and Jon Pardi. Greg is a two time, ACM Drummer of the Year award winner, and can be heard on countless number one records. Greg found his passion for drums early. He starting a band as a pre-teen and played club gigs around his hometown of Memphis through high school. Through a chance meeting at a festival and the help of fellow Memphis raised studio legend, Chad Cromwell, Greg landed his first major tour with Mercury recording artist, Larry Raspberry and the Highsteppers, before he was out of high school. After touring with Amy Grant, DeGarmo & Key, and Faith Hill, eventually Greg’s path led him to Nashville where he quickly rose as a first call studio Drummer and touring musician. Greg believes that one of the keys to success in the recording industry is filling a deep well of musical knowledge that can fill up a variety of buckets at a moments notice. In this interview, I learned how deep that well reaches through the incredible stories of both success and temporary detours that Greg has masterfully navigated throughout his incredible career. Support the show Join The Band for FREE at studiomusicianacademy.com For access to exclusive masterclass sessions Instagram Youtube
Aug 21, 2023 · 33 min
TODD LOMBARDO (KACEY MUSGRAVES, NIALL HORAN, MORGAN WALLEN)
Send us Fan Mail Todays Guest is Todd Lombardo! Todd’s career has been a masterful balancing act of execution as a first call studio musician, songwriter and producer. His catalog of recording credits have amassed over 3 billion streams. He’s earned 2 nominations for ACM acoustic guitar player of the year, and has collaborated with artists ranging from Niall Horan and James Bay, to Morgan Wallen and Sam Hunt, to Kacey Musgraves and Vince Gill. Todd’s path into the upper echelon of the recording industry started with his exploration of creating demos in his home studio and collaborating with a variety of songwriters. Eventually those projects caught the ears of many of Nashville’s top producers and Todd found himself on the tracking floor as one of the select few, first call guitar players in the studio scene. While keeping up with a demanding schedule in the studio, Todd continued to carve out time for his Instrumental projects under the name TOLO, as well as songwriting and producing with artists such as Lera Lynn, Jana Mila, and Sarah Buxton. This episode rounds the bases of Todd’s home run career, covering topics like building confidence in the chair, creating parts that fit the track, home recording ear, and so much more! Support the show Join The Band for FREE at studiomusicianacademy.com For access to exclusive masterclass sessions Instagram Youtube
Aug 7, 2023 · 41 min
Jeffery Roach - (Tim McGraw, Ne-Yo, Giorgio Moroder)
Send us Fan Mail Today’s guest is Jeff Roach! Jeff is a phenomenal keyboardist, and arguably one of the best sound design/synth programmers out there. The man doesn’t even own Omnisphere. That’s how much of a badass he is. Always a great energy in the room, and an incredible ear for music. If you’re looking for clues on how to maintain a consistent career on an instrument that has buried many in its ever-evolving, technological wake- you'll love this episode! Support the show Join The Band for FREE at studiomusicianacademy.com For access to exclusive masterclass sessions Instagram Youtube
#26
Jul 18, 2023 · 46 min
Tom Bukovac- Guitarist (Steve Nicks, Willie Nelson, Joe Walsh)
Send us Fan Mail Today's guest is Tom Bukovac. If you're unaware of this man, strap in. Yes, he's played on everything. Yes, he's toured with Joe Walsh, Faith Hill, Ann Wilson, and more. And yes, he's handsome. Most importantly however, he cares for the craft on a level that is truly awe-inspiring. Prepare for some wisdom, laughs, and tales from one the self proclaimed "soon-be-legends." But he's already a legend in our hearts and minds. Support the show Join The Band for FREE at studiomusicianacademy.com For access to exclusive masterclass sessions Instagram Youtube
S1 · E25
Jul 5, 2023 · 38 min
Dylan Wissing- Drummer (Alicia Keys, Drake, Jay Z, Kanye West)
Send us Fan Mail Today's guest is Dylan Wissing! Dylan is an in demand session drummer, studio owner, and educator. The New York Times applauded Dylan as “a musicians white whale.” We definitely agree and are honored to have been able to catch him for this incredible interview. Dylan’s work can be heard on records for artists including John Legend, Alicia Keys, Drake, Kanye West, Jay-Z, and Eminem to name a few. A student of chasing down the perfect sound, Dylan has put his sonic stamp on sample packs for companies like Native Instruments, Cymatics, and Soundtrap. In this interview, we discuss the power of mentorship and share stories from Dylan’s work with his first drum mentor, the legendary Kenny Aronoff. We explore lessons learned on the stage during Dylan’s time as the founder of ska band, Johnny Socko, unpack the breakthrough moments in his transition into a session drummer, and dive deep into the technical and creative approaches Dylan has mastered over the past three decades of work as a professional drummer, and explore what it takes to build an maintain a drum overdub recording facility. We are blessed to have Dylan join us for the special edition of the Studio Musician Academy Podcast, live from the Namm Show in Anaheim CA. Lets dive in! Support the show Join The Band for FREE at studiomusicianacademy.com For access to exclusive masterclass sessions Instagram Youtube
#24
Jun 12, 2023 · 36 min
Caroline Jones- Singer/Songwriter (Zac Brown Band)
Send us Fan Mail Today’s guest is Caroline Jones. Caroline is a multi-instrumentalist and multi-genre singer songwriter. Her latest solo project reached #4 on the iTunes country charts. She’s been featured on the Grand Ole Opry, The Tonight Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and The Today Show. Caroline is also the first female member of the iconic Zac Brown Band. Caroline brings an amazing perspective as both the hired musician and as artist hiring the musicians, depending on which side of the glass she’s sitting on for a session. Exploring multiple instruments through the creative vision for her own songs, once she got introduced to the Nashville session musician world, Caroline found herself immersed in a passion for learning from the greats, and rising to that greatness. Caroline’s journey thus far is an amazing testament to the power of mentorship, and the many forms it can take. From Zac Brown to Jimmy Buffet, Mac Macanally and Kenny Chesney, Caroline’s incredible talent, and relentless passion for her craft, has earned her way into some of the most coveted creative circles. Opportunities that have led to invaluable experiences to fuel her artistic success. We are honored to have the opportunity to share Caroline’s amazing story. Let’s dive in! Support the show Join The Band for FREE at studiomusicianacademy.com For access to exclusive masterclass sessions Instagram Youtube
S1 · E23
May 25, 2023 · 1 hr 23 min
Jenee Fleenor- Fiddle (Jon Pardi, Steven Tyler, Blake Shelton)
Send us Fan Mail Today's guest is Jenee Fleenor! Jenee is a first call fiddle player, songwriter, vocalist, and recording artist. She is a 4 time CMA musician of the year award winner, and the first woman to be nominated for the award. In 2019, Jenee was the first fiddle player to win the award in over 20 years. In an era when her primary instrument was largely considered out of vogue in the mainstream market, Jenee discovered a unique path to bringing a fresh approach which landed her on records with artists like Jon Pardi, Steven Tyler and Blake Shelton. Jenee’s focus on excelling as equal parts student and master of her craft has elevated her impact to the highest levels of the recording industry. Her passion for the craft of songwriting, intention of lyrics, and an unparalleled ability to deliver infectious melodic parts are a few of the cornerstones to success that stood out to me in this conversation. Beyond the playing, we explore the methods Jenee has discovered to maintain an inspired spirit, manage an intense schedule, and maintain longevity in an ever evolving industry. Jenee has a strong belief in paying it forward through her experiences to empower others, and we are grateful to have the opportunity to share her story with you. Support the show Join The Band for FREE at studiomusicianacademy.com For access to exclusive masterclass sessions Instagram Youtube
May 8, 2023 · 1 hr 15 min
Eli Beaird- Bassist (Willie Nelson, James Bay, Shawn Mendez)
Send us Fan Mail Today's guest is Eli Beaird! Eli is a first call session bass player and runs Beaird Music Group, one of Nashville’s most in demand demo studios. Eli is an ACM Bass Player of the Year Nominee and his bass laying can be heard on records for artists ranging from Shania Twain and Willie Nelson to James Bay and Shawn Mendez. Eli’s perspective as a bass player, band leader and studio owner offers an amazing insight into the various pathways musicians can take towards the coveted chair of their instrument. In this episode we explore Eli’s career path, creative process, the value of pre-production, the band leaders role on sessions, and so much more! Here we go! Support the show Join The Band for FREE at studiomusicianacademy.com For access to exclusive masterclass sessions Instagram Youtube

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