About Chris Sisson

Chris Sisson has been a guitarist for over 18 years. In that time he's had the opportunity to perform in jazz, rock, punk, flamenco, blues, and hip-hop styles. A life-long lover of music, he grew up as a regular guest on his father's radio show "Dave's Record Collection" at UMD's WMUC in College Park, MD.

He began playing the guitar at age 15 - beginning with songs from Bob Marley, AC/DC, The Clash, and Jimi Hendrix. In the years since, he's studied Jazz Performance at Howard Community College, performed in ska and hip-hop bands, musical theater orchestras, and composed original music for staged theatrical productions. Currently he releases musical content as "Fuzzy Slippers" on his YouTube channel. 

In his early days he had the fortunate experience of learning from Damon Foreman at Hammond High School. He went on to Howard Community College. He studied the guitar with Micheal Raitzyk. Jazz theory, ensemble performance, and improvisation with Kyle Coughlin and Alan Blackman. Music theory, compositon, ear training, etc. with Kristina Suter, Hsien Ann-Meng, Bill Murphy, and Benjamin Myers. He also had the experience of working closely with faculty and other world class musicians as a member of the Horowitz Center’s technical staff.

His favorite guitar players include: Eddie Hazel and Mike Hampton from Parliament/Funkadelic, Vernon Reid from Living Colour, Carrie Brownstein and Corin Tucker from Sleater-Kinney, Prince, Grant Green, Frank Zappa, and of course Jimi Hendrix - among too many others to name.

Having learned from Rock N' Roll, Jazz, and Classical performers - Chris hopes to share a well rounded guitar and musical education with his students. In addition to guitar and music - Chris has performed as an actor, radio DJ, and is a former theater technician/live-events industry professional. When not playing music, Chris enjoys baseball, Godzilla movies, classic kung-fu cinema, and general history.