Instructors

George Rydberg: Guitar, Bass guitar, Keyboard, Saxophone
Steve Joynt: Acoustic & Electric Guitar
Eddie Chung: Musical instrument repair
Tim Ward: Guitar, Banjo, Ukulele
Amber Williams: Band, Chorus
Bill O'Hara: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone

George Rydberg, Owner

George, owner of Manatee Music, is a veteran musician and long-time instructor. He teaches guitar, bass guitar, keyboard, and saxophone. Throughout his musical career, George has played in clubs, at weddings, and in church praise and worship. George owned Paramount Music in Calumet City, Illinois, from 1977 to 1992 before relocating to Bradenton, Florida and opening Manatee Music in 1998. Manatee Music has been at its present location at 2710 Manatee Avenue West since 2002.

Steve Joynt

Steve Joynt has been playing guitar his entire life and brings that experience into every lesson. He teaches both acoustic and electric guitar with a patient, practical approach that meets students exactly where they are. Steve creates a relaxed, supportive learning environment that helps students feel capable and confident, while guiding them toward real musical progress and enjoyment.

Tim Ward

Timothy Ward began his guitar studies in the mid-1990's. After a detour onto the 5-string banjo while living in western North Carolina for a few years, he returned to guitar with George Rydberg at Manatee Music. Today he teaches primarily acoustic (steel-string) fingerstyle guitar and three-finger "Scruggs-style" banjo. He welcomes beginning to intermediate students on those instruments, as well as beginners on mandolin and ukelele. He especially enjoys helping neophytes understand the "theory" that underlies it all! He has been teaching at Manatee Music for seven years.

Amber Williams

Amber has her B.S. in Music Education, and her M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction. She has been a band director in a beginning band for students in Grade 5, a junior band for students in Grades 6-7, and a senior band for students in grades 8-12. Amber also worked with the marching band, jazz band, and with small ensembles. She led students in marching parades, community performances, and also conducted a chorus of 30+ vocalists. Amber is a private instrumental and vocal music teacher. Amber teaches band and orchestra instruments. She creates lesson plans individualized for each student, and assesses student progress. Amber teaches proper technique and performance skills, along with music notation and composition. She develops aural skills.

Bill O'Hara

Bill teaches flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and saxophone. He has a Master's in woodwind performance and a Bachelor's in Music Education from Indiana University. He has performed worldwide with Big Bands, in Broadway shows, on TV, and with Columbia Artist Tours. Since retiring to FL, he performs at the Asolo, FST, community theaters, and was a member of the Venice Symphony as well as the Sarasota Jazz Project for 10 years. Teaching is Bill's passion - seeing students thrive and reach their potential through the joy of music surpasses any standing ovation!

Eddie Chung

Eddie has over 20 years of experience in music instrument repair. He does electric and acoustic guitar and bass instrument setups and repairs. He also does amplifier modifications and repairs, specializing in tube amps. Eddie also does saxophone, clarinet, and flute re-corking and re-padding.