Gus Schnable has been a professional musician for over 26 years and has been teaching for the past 16 years. Well versed in numerous genres of music, including jazz, funk, r&b, rock, metal, and classical, Gus enjoys a full roster of students and is continually active composing, recording, and performing in various group settings. Gus holds a Master’s Degree in Music Theory from Temple University. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Berklee College of Music with a concentration in Jazz Theory and Arranging. He is an active member of The Society of Music Theory, The Music Theory Society of the Mid-Atlantic, and an avid participant in the SMT Jazz and Popular Music discussion groups. In March of 2004, Gus presented a paper at the Mid-Atlantic music theory conference in Philadelphia based on his research in Generative Theory and its applicability to jazz music, specifically in the music of Charles Mingus.
With his education and professional experience, Gus has had success in helping students with placement into college music programs throughout the country. He has held an adjunct teaching position at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA (2006-2009). Currently, Gus teaches guitar and bass at two studio locations: DrumWorks School of Music in Orefield, PA and at the California Drum Shop in Bethlehem, PA where he has been on staff since 2001. Gus also maintained a private teaching studio at the Emmaus Lesson Center in Emmaus, PA from 1997 to 2009. Since 2005 Gus has been a Sound-Test Consultant for the C.F. Martin guitar company.
In the summer of 2006 Gus toured Germany with Scott Bradoka opening for Jeff Beck and Buddy Guy. In 2008 he headed back to Europe, making stops in Germany and Prague with Scott Bradoka and the Staggering Evil Genius’, touring as a support act for Robert Cray, The Hooters, and Dicky Betts.
Some groups that Gus has recorded and performed with include: Rhino Campground, Devils Half Acre, Scott Bradoka, The Philadelphia Funk Authority, Flirtin’ with the Mob, The Fortunate Fall, Dan DeChellis, The Starlites, and Blitz. He has also done pit orchestra work for the Civic Theater in Allentown, PA playing in the Who’s rock opera “Tommy”.
Most recently, Gus’ original compositions can be heard with the instrumental funk/fusion group Drop3.