Instructors
George Rydberg: Guitar, Bass guitar, Keyboard, Saxophone
Tim Ward: Guitar, Banjo, Ukulele
Amber Williams: Band, Chorus
Brad Tripp: Drums
Bill O'Hara: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone
Eddie Chung: Musical instrument repair
George Rydberg, OwnerGeorge, 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.
Tim WardTimothy 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 ukulele. He especially enjoys helping neophytes understand the "theory" that underlies it all! He has been teaching at Manatee Music for seven years.
Amber WilliamsAmber 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. She teaches band and orchestra instruments, 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.
Brad TrippBrad Tripp, originally from Detroit, was raised in the heart of Motown Soul, shaping his deep passion for rhythm. A dedicated union musician, he performed extensively across the city’s vibrant music scene before bringing his talents to Florida. As Nick in Rock Bottom’s celebrated early band, Nick Danger & the Heat, Brad honed his skills in dynamic, high-energy drumming. With years of professional experience, he now offers expert drum lessons, blending technical precision with soulful flair to inspire students of all levels.
Bill O'HaraBill 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 ChungEddie 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.