Brian Rivers
Brian Rivers is an award-winning performer, music educator and author. Brian is a graduate of the prestigious University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, where he earned his Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education with a Jazz Specialization. Brian is passionate about bridging the worlds of formally trained music educators and contemporary music students through his publications and professional development workshops.
Publisher website: www.bestmusicpublications.com
Author's website: www.brianrivers.com
Brian’s pioneering classroom guitar program at the Natomas Performing and Fine Arts Academy was recognized with a JAMMIE award for superior musical achievement. At one point, 25% of the student body at the Academy were enrolled in one of his guitar classes! Aside from being a natural in front of the classroom, Brian is renowned for his soulful approach to playing the guitar across a wide range of musical styles. Brian’s performances have a strong regional following, in addition to having national exposure, including CBS This Morning, Car Talk (PBS), Northern Exposure (CBS), Kerrville Folk Festival, and dozens of Americana Radio Stations. Brian has an extensive discography.
Professional Certifications, Awards, and Grants:
• Ohio K-12 Music Teaching Certificate (2013)
• California CBEST Certification (2002)
• Nationally Selected Participant - TI:ME Leadership Academy (2010)
• Faculty member, Natomas Performing and Fine Arts Academy (1997-2007)
• Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts “National School of Distinction” while a music faculty member at the Natomas Performing and Fine Arts Academy (2005)
• “Who's Who Among America's Teachers” (2000 and 2005)
• Sacramento News and Review Junior Music Awards “JAMMIES,” Program Director Award in Recognition of Superior Musical Achievement (2003)
• California Department of Education, California Art Works Grant (2003)
• California Governor’s Performance Award for a Student Ensemble (2001)
• California Department of Education, Educational Assessment Grant (1998)
• Sacramento Area Music Award “SAMMIES,” Hall of Fame (1995)
• Sacramento Area Music Award “SAMMIES,” Best World Music Band (1994)
• Sacramento Area Music Award “SAMMIES,” Best World Music Band (1993)
• Sacramento Area Music Award “SAMMIES,” Best World Music Band (1992)
• Performance selected for “Kerrville Folk Festival Highlights” album (1995)
• Performance selected for “The Women of Kerrville,” album (1996)
• Louis Armstrong National Jazz Award (1976)
Professional Memberships:
National Association for Music Education (NAfME)
Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA)
Association of Popular Music Education (APME)
Technology in Music Education (TI:ME)
Music Teachers National Association (MTNA)
Select Lectures and Professional Development Workshops:
"Every Music Educator Can be a Great Guitar Teacher"
Ohio Music Educators Association (January 2020)
New Mexico Music Educators Association (January 2020)
Texas Music Educators Association (February 2020)
"Demystifying the Guitar – Activities to expand and diversify your guitar classes"
Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (March 2020)
New Mexico Music Educators Association (January 2020)
"Songwriting for the Classroom Music Educator"
The University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music (2019)
The University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music (2014)
"Teaching Guitar in the Classroom"
The University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music (2013)
Owner – Best Music Publications
At Best Music Publications we are dedicated to providing high-quality music method curricula. Our ‘craft’ publications bridge the worlds of formally trained music educators and contemporary music students to a far greater degree than the cookie-cutter method books marketed by commercial music publishers. Our publications include The Best Guitar Method and The Best Guitar Toolkit.
Owner – Rivers Music
Rivers Music is Brian’s private lesson studio in Cincinnati, Ohio. Rivers Music offers expert music instruction with a positive and encouraging approach. Lessons are available in person or online. Brian is committed to whole-person educational approaches and student-centered success.
Professional Performing Guitarist
Rock • Pop • Jazz • Blues • Soul • Country • Folk • Reggae • African • Latin • Musicals
Festival Performances (partial listing):
Vancouver Island Folk Festival
New Orleans by the Bay Festival
Reno Jazz Festival
Sonoma Jazz Festival
Sacramento Jazz and Heritage Festival
Grass Valley World Music Festival
Sacramento Traditional Jazz Jubilee
Kerrville Folk Festival
Northern Rockies Folk Festival
Napa Jazz Festival
Sacramento Blues Festival
San Jose Blues Festival
Chico World Music Festival
Napa World Music Festival
Reggae on the River Music Festival
Strawberry Music Festival
Truckee Reggae and World Music Festival
Bunbury Music Festival
Napa Valley Cajun Festival
High Sierra Music Festival
Grass Valley Folk Festival
