Bradly McDonald: God, Gospel, and Guitar

Guitarist Bradly McDonald is one of Courtnay and Rowe's most popular teachers, and it's not hard to figure out why. In addition to being an accomplished musician, McDonald is also passionate about teaching.

"Teaching the kids makes me happy. When you get to the recital and you watch your kids smoke everybody else, that feels great," McDonald said.

McDonald added that although it wasn't easy for him to learn the guitar, the work that it took to master his instrument helped him to become a better teacher.

"For me, I wasn't naturally good at all. It took a lot of work. I still try to practice four hours a day at least," McDonald said. 

"I think that makes me a better teacher. You know that learning how to play doesn't happen immediately. I think you learn to enjoy your instrument," McDonald added.

McDonald, 31, is known not only for his guitar chops and friendly nature. He is also known for his hair, which he wears long and down his back. McDonald, who is half-Scottish and half-Native American (Chocktow), has the kind of striking looks that he said gives him an edge in the music industry.

"My cultural identity helps me with music sometimes because I don't look like your average Caucasian male," McDonald said.

McDonald, a talented acoustic and electric guitarist, is active in the local music scene. He performs regularly with the Atlanta-based cover band Kill the Messenger. He is also a member of The Jason Champion Band, fronted by vocalist and EMI artist Jason Champion. Their performances are broadcast on cable television's The Gospel Channel.

Bradly said that he enjoys playing gospel music and had even once considered becoming a preacher. His father is a retired preacher who gave sermons in the Deep South, in Mississippi where McDonald grew up. "I didn't know if I wanted to be a preacher or a guitar player," McDonald said.

When asked if he'd heard of the story of Samson and Delilah, McDonald said that he had. But when asked if he'd ever cut his hair for a woman, McDonald shook his head, saying, "Heck no! I think I'm going to look like that guy from 'Lord of the Rings' pretty soon."

Maybe the fact that preachers have to cut their hair pushed Bradly into choosing guitar.

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