Guitar Faculty

Brian Russell, UM Faculty, Director of Contemporary Guitar Studies, Masterclass Faculty

Brev Sullivan, Jazz and Rock Guitar

Aaron Lebos, Jazz and Rock Guitar

BIOGRAPHY

BRIAN E. RUSSELL

A multifaceted musician, researcher, educator, and lecturer, Brian E. Russell, Ph. D. serves as Director of Contemporary Guitar studies, Director of Assessment and Lecturer at the FROST SCHOOL OF MUSIC. A second generation Miamian, he has devoted his career to playing and teaching the guitar. His musical background in a variety of contemporary genres, from rock, pop and heavy metal to jazz, country and bluegrass, has made him a valuable and versatile musical contributor on both the stage and in the studio. Apart from recording with the legendary Julio Iglesias and adding his accompaniment to such popular modern musicals as "Rock of Ages," "Wicked," "The Last Five Years," and "Tommy," he also writes and produces original music with his group, the Brian Russell Alliance.

Dr. Russell's dedicated approach to mentoring musicians and motivating them to pursue success careers has been a hallmark of his teaching style. The Grammy Foundation recognized him as a Quarterfinalist for the prestigious Grammy Music Educator Award.

BREV SULLIVAN

Brev Sullivan is a Miami based guitarist and tours with several rock groups and plays jazz as well with grammy nominated jazz legend Ira Sullivan. He is currently the guitarist of the rock musical M3tal. Brev will be appearing with the Miami Symphony Orchestra for the 2016 season in a series called Symphony Rocks. He was also the guitarist in the band Arsenal for Tom Cruise who played Stacee Jaxx in the 2012 film Rock of Ages and was featured in the Jan 2012 issue of Guitar Player Magazine. Brev's recent tours include KISS KRUISE IV, and performances with 80's icons Lita Ford, and Kip Winger. He is currently endorsed by Floyd Rose, Seymore Duncan pickups, DV mark Amps, Spectraflex cables, SIT Strings, Xotic Pedals and Revolt Amps and pedals.

AARON LEBOS

Aaron Lebos is a well-known, versatile guitarist born and raised in the South Florida area. He received his Bachelors from the University of Miami and a Masters at Florida International University, both in Jazz Performance. Aaron developed much of his versatility playing gigs, touring and recording in the diverse South Florida music scene. He currently also plays with some of the biggest names in South Florida such as Nicole Henry, Nu Deco Ensemble, The Spam All-stars as well as doing many other gigs and sessions. In 2010 he recorded an album of jazz standards and his first all original album called Jazzilla. In 2012 he formed Aaron Lebos Reality and has since recored 3 original albums and the next one is due mid 2018 making it his 6th album. During this time the group has been touring, playing festivals and growing in popularity locally and nationally.