Business Details
We began teaching jazz guitar in 1980, after relocating to southern Vermont from Chicago. We studied under jazz guitar legends Attila Zoller, Jimmy Raney, Gene Bertoncini, and Peter Leitch, absorbing their deep musical insights. We performed with bassist Dave Shapiro for 23 years, gaining invaluable experience in club, concert, and radio settings. We have shared stages with pianists Roland Hanna, Don Friedman, and Larry Willis, and bassists George Mraz, Ron McClure, and Michael Formanek. We have collaborated with saxophonists Lee Konitz and Nick Brignola, and with New York Philharmonic composer David Amram. We were honored to conduct and perform in concerts honoring Attila Zoller, working alongside Vic Juris, Andrei Ryabov, and Barry Altschul.
We have a decade-long professional relationship with guitarist John Stowell, enriching our teaching and performance repertoire. We continue to perform throughout New England while dedicating time to private lessons, ensemble classes, and workshops. We are committed to fostering musical growth through detailed technique, personal anecdotes, and real-world application. We strive to create an environment where students can explore jazz, blues, rock, and R&B styles with confidence. We believe in transparency, measurable progress, and the joy of shared musical expression.
We have a decade-long professional relationship with guitarist John Stowell, enriching our teaching and performance repertoire. We continue to perform throughout New England while dedicating time to private lessons, ensemble classes, and workshops. We are committed to fostering musical growth through detailed technique, personal anecdotes, and real-world application. We strive to create an environment where students can explore jazz, blues, rock, and R&B styles with confidence. We believe in transparency, measurable progress, and the joy of shared musical expression.
Highlights and features
- We have 40+ years of jazz performance experience.
- We performed 23 years with legendary bassist Dave Shapiro.
- We offer personalized lessons tailored to individual skill levels.
- We have a decade-long collaboration with John Stowell.
- We provide ensemble direction for jazz groups of all sizes.
Services
Private Guitar Lessons
Our private guitar lessons combine in-depth technique with real-world jazz repertoire, tailored to each students goals. Students gain mastery of swing, improvisation, and stylistic nuance under my guidance. The result is a confident, expressive player ready for solo or ensemble performance.
Ensembles & Workshops
Our ensembles & workshops bring students together to explore jazz harmony, arranging, and group dynamics in a collaborative setting. Participants perform live, receive immediate feedback, and develop communication skills essential for professional gigs. The workshop format encourages creativity, technical growth, and networking among peers.
Performance Opportunities
We facilitate performance opportunities with local venues, festivals, and touring ensembles, connecting musicians to audiences across New England. Artists receive professional booking support, rehearsal guidance, and marketing assistance. Our network ensures reliable gigs that enhance visibility and career momentum for musicians.
Reviews (5)
Stephen D. Ellis, Lawyer and guitarist.
"Draa Hobbes is a gifted teacher. I am mostly self-taught, with some strengths and many weaknesses in my playing. In my first lesson, Draa was able to immediately identify a half dozen areas of focus that almost immediately helped to move my playing to a new level. He explained clearly what I needed to learn, and showed it to me in a way that made sense in the context of what I already knew.
Each of the lessons he has given me have seamlessly integrated mechanics, theory and musicality to a degree that demonstrates not only a true mastery of the instrument, but also a real commitment to the student's musical journey."
Each of the lessons he has given me have seamlessly integrated mechanics, theory and musicality to a degree that demonstrates not only a true mastery of the instrument, but also a real commitment to the student's musical journey."
Rick Ammons
"Not all great players are good teachers. Draa plays beautifully, and in my opinion is an artist and a complete musician. But he is also a fine teacher, knowledgeable about all forms of music, and insightful as to what you need to develop your own thing. He's also patient and committed to help you become the musician you want to be at the pace you need to get there. I've had a few teachers in the forty plus years I have been playing guitar, and I recommend Draa Hobbs as a player and a teacher without equivocation.
NYC Jazz Guitarist Jason Ennis
"Draa is an impressive guitarist with an vast knowledge of Jazz, Blues and related styles. As a teacher, his experience with Jazz groups of various sizes and stylistic approaches, his unique solo guitar work, and his love of Blues, Rock and R & B music all make him an excellent resource for any student seeking to develop or deepen his or her relationship with music and the instrument."
Eugene Uman/ Director, Vermont Jazz Center
"It's rare to find someone so passionate about music that it serves as both their spiritual nourishment and their unfettered gift to others, Draa Hobbs is one of those generous few. Draa learned from the best and through talent, perseverance and a love for jazz, transcended the teachings and made them his own. A gifted performer, Draa is now one of the most respected guitarists and teachers in New England; his commitment to the music itself, his students and his own growth is extraordinary.
The results of this dedication come shining through with every note he plays with intention and with every student who passes through his program. We are proud to count Draa as a valued member of our faculty."
The results of this dedication come shining through with every note he plays with intention and with every student who passes through his program. We are proud to count Draa as a valued member of our faculty."
John Stowell (Internationally acclaimed jazz guitarist and c
"Draa Hobbs plays in the tradition of classic jazz guitar, but he has found his own voice. He's a player in the moment, creating melodies and avoiding cliches. He has a warm dark sound and swings with the best of them. I love playing with him."