Stan Pillis - Guitar, Bass Guitar
Stan Pillis is a seasoned music performer, songwriter, composer, arranger, and teacher with over thirty years of experience working with students of all ages and all genres. He is an expert in playing various guitar and bass styles and sings. He is also an accomplished session player and recording artist.
Stan has a wide knowledge of and teaches various musical styles such as Rock, Metal, Pop, Acoustic, Classical, Jazz, Funk, Fusion, World and Blues. He has recorded guitar tracks on numerous commercials, and multiple albums with numerous bands, and traveled the world on tour with numerous bands.
Stan began studying at the age of nine, after being inspired by the late Chicago guitarist, Terry Kath. A few years later, he was forming and playing in many bands. At the age of 14, he was teaching his Classical Guitar class alongside his High School teacher.
Stan is celebrated internationally for his guitar sound, heavy riffs, and lead solos. His performance and collaboration with his High School friends, Peter Steele, and Louie Beato formed the Heavy Metal band, Carnivore. Carnivore was a dominating force in the heavy metal circuit and they are known for creating the sound that has led generations of Goth and Heavy Metal bands and Fans.
After leaving Carnivore, Stan pursued interests in Jazz, Classical, Funk and African Guitar. He studied with Mike Stern (Mile Davis’ guitarist) as well as classical guitar with Professor Cedric Smith. He also studied Jazz Improvisation and Intervallic approaches with David “Fuze” Fiuczynski (Berkelee professor and guitarist for the Screaming Headless Torsos).
He has played lead /rhythm guitar with additional bands including Beat Brigade, the Second Step, and Underground Society to name a few. Additionally, he has shared the stage with bands such as Kool and the Gang, The Funky Meters, Fishbone, Living Color, 24/7 Spyz, Natalie Cole, Public Enemy, and George Clinton (Parliament/Funkadelic”).
Stan owned his own private-in-home instruction-based company, Nitro Studios from 1995 through 2012. He has taught guitar and bass music instruction to students of all ages (including children with special needs) on acoustic or electrical instruments for more than thirty years. He has taught all levels of instruction and skillsets (beginning, intermediate, and advanced) and has provided instruction on sight-reading, ear training, musical and chord theory, speed picking, pick techniques, rhythm guitar techniques, lead guitar techniques, and explaining modal concepts.
He is an expert in performance and has led many workshops on different types of methodology as well as demonstrations of various types of pickups, strings, picks, and pedals. He has prepared students for performances, auditions, and festivals by leading band performance workshops.
Mr. Stan teaches at our Bellaire studio on Saturdays.
Why Choose AMA?
At the American Music Academy, we believe that everyone should experience the joy of making music. Our goal is to provide an environment of education that is welcoming to all ages. Coming from generations of musicians, founders Wyatt and Laura Coleman have hand selected a team of professional and passionate musicians to bring quality music education to Houstonians. Our faculty has instrument-specific degrees from acclaimed universities all around the country. Our teachers tailor their music lessons to each student based on their individual goals. We offer the most comprehensive lessons in Houston, which include theory, ear training, sight reading technique, performance skills, and repertoire. Our brand new, state-of-the-art facilities located in Meyerland include a comfortable lounge with free Wi-Fi, water, magazines, and toys for children to play with as they wait for their lesson to begin. Spacious studio rooms are equipped with quality upright pianos, music stands, and mirrors to monitor progress. The American Music Academy takes pride in supplying our students with the best upright pianos to practice their modern or classical repertoire. Students will be able to use the full capabilities of a piano including dynamics, pedaling, musical phrasing, and dramatic interpretation. Students will be able to participate in seasonal recitals at one of Houston’s many venues. Recitals, included in their tuition, display each student’s personal achievements in their instrument. Our students have the option to perform piano, guitar, violin, viola, voice/singing, cello, and drums!