Born into a musical family, multi-talented electric blues guitarist Mark Cook grew up on the road, touring North America with his parents, who billed themselves as the Dale & Vicki Duo. Cook inherited his parents' gift and passion for music, namely the blues, and set out to become a serious musician after settling in Indiana at age 15. Since then, Cook furthered his masterful command of the guitar and also taught himself bass, piano, and production. Over time, he constructed a professional recording studio in his home, where he engineered, produced, and recorded his debut CD, An Evening With the Blues, in 2000. The album won acclaim, particularly from Just Plain Folks, a large music-industry organization, who voted it Best Blues Album of the Year 2001. Cook released his second album, The Promise Highway, in 2002. Click here to visit Mark's site.

Originally from Atlanta, GA, Sarah Peacock is an artist blending the influences of classic rock with modern top forty to create a sound uniquely her own. She is currently working on her debut album with Maze Records, which is scheduled to be released in spring of 2008. Sarah graduated from Belmont University in 2005 with a bachelor's degree in commercial music. Since 2005, she has been touring as an independent artist to colleges and universities throughout the country, performing in various southeast venues, and teaching privately. Sarah's experience in the music industry is in a variety of areas such as music publishing, demo singing, professional session work, concert booking, recording and engineering, studio production, and artist management. After living and working in the Nashville music scene, Sarah decided to move back to Atlanta, GA in December of 2006 to further her music career closer to home. Sarah has taught private voice, piano, and guitar for Jan Williams School of Music in Brentwood, TN, The Atlanta Music Scene, and currently Atlanta Music Brokers. She is excited to be a part of the team here and is looking forward to sharing her passion and developing young musicians.

Steve Freeman has been in music education for 25 years. Steve studied at Berklee College of Music in Boston MA and Musicians Institute (MI) in Hollywood California. After his graduation he joined the MI staff and taught there for six years. While in California Steve performed with such artists as Don Mock, Scott Henderson, Steve Trovato, Phil Upchurch Jr. and Tim Bogert to name a few. Steve was also a studio session guitarist for Japanese radio and television. In 1985 Steve founded the Atlanta Institute of Music, a nationally accredited music school for guitar, bass and drums. As founder and President of the institute he taught and managed an excellent staff and faculty. Upon selling the Institute in 1997 Steve has maintained several private teaching studios including Atlanta Music Brokers. Steve is also a faculty guitar instructor at Greater Atlanta Christian School where he founded “Joyful Noise” a Christian rock camp for aspiring young musicians. Steve has authored 3 books, including Jazz Rock and Jazz Pro Lick Series (REH/Hal Leon Publications) and Fusion Guitar (Warner Brothers Publications). Steve is currently performing in the Atlanta area and working on original projects.

Ric has been playing guitar for 33 years. Raised by wolves, Ric attended Florida Junior College and The University of Florida, majoring in music education. He spent 10 years performing with the band Hijinx, playing throughout the south. In 1992 Ric joined the Capricorn/Epic recording artists 'Wet Willie'. He is currently their guitarist and singer. Ric has been an instructor at Atlanta music since 1993 and has taught over 300 students.

Ryan studied Classical Guitar at Georgia State University with John Sutherland and Dave Frankenpool the head of Jazz Studies at GSU. Ryan also studied with Jimmy Herring of "Aquarium Rescue Unit". He performs around town in a variety of styles including rock, blues, jazz, country, and classical. Ryan began teaching in 1999 and brings a youthful take on today's music to his lessons.

Greg started playing guitar at about the age of thirteen; with exposure earlier to piano and trumpet. A band he was familiar with needed a bassist, so he bought a bass and got started learning Rush, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Cream and songs by other classic or hard rock type bands as best he could just starting out. He played in local clubs with original bands throughout high school and early college years, then decided to attend The Atlanta Institute of Music to study bass in a dedicated format. Greg graduated with honors in the spring of 1996. While there he learned the concepts, principles, and techniques that can be applied to a lifetime of musical learning and progression. Greg began teaching at Atlanta Music Brokers shortly after graduating school in 1996. With a unique combination of fun and academics he has refined his abilities to get students to learn quickly and productively. In addition to writing original material, he stays busy gigging with corporate/wedding band Limelight and various local cover artists.

Jeff has been in the Atlanta Music Brokers family for many years both as a teacher and as a salesman. Jeff traveled all over the US and Europe with his last group, the Cigar Store Indians and continues to perform in the local area with a variety of bands. Jeff brings a real world knowledge of rock, blues, and country picking to his lessons and his easy going nature makes the learning process fun for everyone.

Howard was born in Evanston Illinois and began his musical journey at the age of 5. Over the next 10 years he earned four 1st place awards through the National Society of Student Organists. Howard later turned his attention toward Classical music and studied with Dr. Wayne Wyrembelski from the University of Michigan. He performed recitals including the works of Bach, Mendelssohn, Brahms, Rheinberger, Boelmann and Franck. Howard traveled to Tucson AZ in 1979 and was enrolled in Pima College for two years. He then enrolled at the University of Arizona. It was during this period that Howard spent several years in Jazz studies under the tutelage of Michael Greco, who played with Woody Herman. Howard returned to Michigan and studied Classical piano at the Bay View Conservatory and performed a number of all Chopin recitals. Jazz music eventually won out as Howard's main focus and he quickly gained popularity as one of Michigan’s finest Jazz artists. His Jazz festival performances continue to receive airplay on Central Michigan University’s (CMU) Public Radio. In 2003, Howard brought his unique talent to Atlanta in order to further his career and secure more venues for his jazz and original music. Since moving to Atlanta, Howard has accompanied the annual 'Lucia Celebration' for the Swedish American Chamber of Commerce, and has served two area churches. He has also made numerous appearances with local Jazz groups as well as accompanying a Live Painting event for French corporate artist Mathias DuHamel. Howard's compositions, "Waltz in the Park" and "Rondo", have been accepted for publication through Crucial Music in L.A. for placement in the TV and Film Industry.
We are thrilled to have Howard Richards on staff at Atlanta Music Brokers and I hope you will call us to schedule your lessons today!

Originally from "Music City U.S.A.," Nashville, Tennessee, Tim began experimenting with percussion instruments at an early age. Influences range from James Brown to "Weather Report," Tony Williams, Jack DeJohnette, Steve Gadd, Peter Esrskine, "Bruford" and Bozzio to name a few. A founding member of Atlanta based band "The Bazooka Ants," Nash has performed or recorded with such groups as "Night Passage," "The Thunder Thieves," Sinclaire Pickney of James Brown fame, Francine Reed and many others. Tim currently holds the drum chair with well known Atlanta band, "The League of Decency." Career highlights include performing at the Rams Superbowl celebration party and entertaining CBS executives at the Superbowl in Tampa, Florida.

We are very happy to have Paul Barrie join out teaching staff here at Atlanta Music Brokers. Paul has a long career as a professional drummer here in the metro Atlanta area. He was the drummer most recently for the long touring band Cigar Store Indians where he played all over the US and Europe. Paul brings an enthusiasm for teaching to all his lessons seeking to inspire the next great drummer and share his love for music. His style ranges from jazz to rock to country, he does it all!