Dave Mohr is a teacher, writer, producer and touring musician. Originally from the Chicago area he has been based out of Nashville, TN since 2009. While he has spent most of his time in the music industry working as a touring musician, Dave has always had a love for teaching, which he has done consistently for over 10 years.

While playing for acts including rock band Remedy Drive, CCM artist Phil Joel, country artist Tierra Kennedy and many others, he has also found time to write and produce as well. He has co-written songs that have been recorded and released by artists such as Willie Jones and Charley Reynolds.

Dave’s passion lies in all things musical. He loves finding and tackling new musical challenges which mirrors his enjoyment of guiding his students as they work to grow and succeed at every step of their journey.

Dave’s Teaching Philosophy: “I think lessons are at their best when motivation levels match difficulty levels. While highly valuing fundamentals I like to customize a path for each student that achieves formal lesson goals through their musical interests.

I view the teacher/student relationship as a team. So often it can be difficult for a growing musician, left on their own, to know what their next step is. I try to make sure that every lesson assignment is focused on achieving that next small amount of growth every week. When this type of guidance is applied through material that the student is genuinely excited about progress happens fast and the journey is enjoyable, even if the work is difficult!”

What’s been the highlight of your professional career — like your biggest spotlight moment to date?
“In recent memory a big highlight was getting to play for Tiera Kennedy on her Grand Ole Opry debut. Another personal favorite moment for me was getting to go on a couple tours with blues artist Keb Mo who I’ve been a fan of since I was a high school student.”

What type of student will excel best with you as his/her mentor?
“I’d like to think we can always excel together! A lot of my teaching style is based on unlocking a students love and excitement for music. I’ve loved music my whole life and I lean in to the somewhat innocent assumption that everyone will love it too! Every human being is wildly different, but if a student can find the spark hiding in a corner of the vast world of musical genres, artists, notes and songs we will excel!”

What does being a “Mentor” mean to you and why are you excited to step into this role?
“Not all teachers are mentors, but all mentors are teachers. I am lucky to have a great personal example of this in my own life. During my extremely formative college years I was lucky to have a great mentor figure in my own guitar teacher. Week in and week out he not only taught me how to play but gave me the guidance to decide for myself exactly why I wanted to pursue music as a career. This guidance strongly affected large life choices and really helped me know who I wanted to be through it all.

As a private lesson teacher I understand the unique and powerful role a person that you see one on one every single week can have. No matter what a students age or goals in music I strive to be a positive, guiding influence as they, not only learn how to play an instrument but learn how to approach things in life that take work and are difficult.”

What type of music did you grow up listening to? How did it influence your artistry?
“I grew up listening to a lot of rock, with a heavy dose of punk flavor (pre 2000’s before the pop/punk craze took hold). I’ve also always been a big fan of blues. As far as influence, I think these two styles have something in common. They both communicate really raw emotion in a simple way. Whether it’s a rebellious rage against whatever social construct is getting you down or dealing with deep sadness of life’s struggles I think there is something powerful in grabbing that guitar, letting it rip and just SAYING IT (in some cases without tuning first).”

Where is your favorite local spot? (Venue, restaurant, coffee shop, park, etc.)
“The library. “The only thing you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library.” – Albert Einstein”

What is your go-to Karaoke song?
“Should I Stay Or Should I Go” – The Clash….. “Rock The Casbah” if I’m feeling ambitious

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
“In chronological order – Superman, a chef, an author, Superman again, a musician.”

If you could meet one author/performer/creator who would it be and what wold you ask them?
(Hoping this is “Living or Dead.”)

Ernest Hemingway: “How much of your writing was fiction?”