Mark Ludwig has over 35 years of experience playing and performing the Guitar and Bass Guitar. As one of Bluebond Guitars’ teachers, he brings his professional expertise to students of all levels. Right after high school Mark played in several bands, including “Fuzzy Bunny Slippers,” and covered hit songs of the time at clubs and bars. Wanting to gain a bit more insight into the classical world of music, Mark received a 4-year private education from Jeff Charles, the Classical Guitar Professor at Lebanon Valley College. This private education and teaching gave Mark a strong Classical background 

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Richard Chodak has been building and repairing stringed instruments for 31 years.  He began his journey apprenticing with Dale Bluebond.  Back in the early 90's Bluebond Guitars was a custom guitar and bass building business.  After Richard joined the team in 1992, the repair business became a larger part of the business model.  Since Richard took over the shop in 1994 Bluebond Guitars has grown into not just a repair shop, but also a retail store and a music school.  Building a strong music community is a one of our main goals.  Repairing instruments for working musicians, teaching beginning students and helping people find the right gear is all part of what Bluebond has become.

Mike Caughlin has 40 years of guitar experience, both professionally and personally. Mike is Bluebond’s renowned guitar, bass, ukulele and mandolin teacher with a focus in Blues, Rock, Jazz and Country music genres. Mike studied under some of Temple University’s most renowned teachers including Ed Flanagan, Tom Giacabetti and Steve Giordano. He played in the Blues band, the Blackhawks, who were regular favorites at Philadelphia musical haunts such as Fergie’s Pub, 12 Steps Down and Sals on 12th Street. As a teacher, Mike has 35 years of experience shaping artists into professional performers. So influencial and inspiring to his students, many have gone on to tour in bands across Philadelphia and nation wide. You can find Mike hosting student performances regularly at Connie’s Ric Rac on 9th Street in Philadelphia.

Ben Polito has over 20 years experience playing and performing on the drum set, and nearly as much on guitar and bass guitar. He studied drumming from the age of 8 with Tom Briggs of the US Coast Guard Band. He then attended New York University and Loyola University New Orleans where he attained a B.S. in Music Industry Studies with a concentration in jazz percussion and a minor in Music. While in New Orleans, Ben fronted his own rock band and also played drums in several others, performing most weekends. Ben continues to write and perform his original music locally in Philly as well as supporting several other bands. Ben has now been teaching for almost a decade, and enjoys spreading his love for music to his students at Bluebond Guitars, and helping to foster their growth and progression as musicians.

Mattea Jones-Lloyd is a Vocal Performance Graduate from the University of the Arts. She studied Jazz theory and techniques but sings and teaches all genres! Mattea songwrites and produces along with her singing, she encourages her students to share their original music with her. She focuses on helping students find their own sound all while keeping technique at the forefront.

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Marci Ludwig, Bluebond Guitar’s Vocal Teacher, pursued her love for music through a more traditional approach. At a young age Marci joined her church choir, where she discovered her talent and love for singing and performing. She received a Music Education degree at Radford University and set out on her path to musical success. In 2005 Marci joined the Big Shore Band “Fuzzie Bunny Slippers” and worked her way up to Lead Vocalist. Currently, Marci is Lead Vocalist for one of Philadelphia’s most popular wedding bands “Back 2 Life,” a children’s performer for Music Monkey Jungle, and a Vocalist teacher at Bluebond Guitars.

Sean Slattery started with Bluebond over 15 years ago primarily playing bass in many of the student bands. He excelled in the student bands so much that he eventually began playing with the adult bands when he was only 17 years old. Throughout his music career he has played in many bands but most notably the band CITRA that he formed with friends in Denver. While playing with CITRA he shared the stage with many big name acts such as Sum 41, All American Rejects and Greta Van Fleet. He has been in bands his whole life and is devoted to preparing students to play the best show possible.

Ali has been with Bluebond for 16 years.  She first started as a young student.  She quickly rose to be one of the stars of our youth band program.  Her talent as a guitarist and bass player made her an essential part of our music program.  As time went on, she was always there whenever Bluebond needed her.  She is about one year into her repair internship and has proven to be a very talented guitar tech.  We look forward to seeing how far she can go.

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Maggie completed her undergraduate degree in Music Therapy from the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio. She has over 5 years of experience teaching a variety of keyboard styles including classical, pop, and rock. Maggie has experience working with students of any age that identify as true beginners to intermediate and advanced. Maggie invites her students to set their own goals and guide the lessons while she provides creative and individualized direction.