Kyle Blanchette

My first real instrument was the alto saxophone, which I played for about six years, from the middle of grade school through junior high school, where I played in the school jazz band. This is me playing for my sister (who was also a musical child—she has played piano since she was in grade school) and my two cousins. (Gotta love that 90’s bowl cut.)

At the beginning of high school, years of listening to classic rock in the back seat of my dad’s car finally showed its effects—well, that, and coming across Metallica music videos on MTV—and I began teaching myself guitar. I quickly formed a rock band with some of my high school buddies, and we played together throughout high school. Our weekly band practices at my dad’s old monument shop are still among the best memories of my life.

Here we are playing at different Battle of the Band functions at Trinity High School in Manchester, NH. I still talk regularly with the other guitar player about gear, music, and life.

I also took up DJing in high school. This is me DJing my sister’s wedding. I did various paid and unpaid gigs, including many high school dances. This, combined with my band activities, resulted in my being named Most Musical in my graduating high school class.

Music accompanied me to college, and beyond. At the College of the Holy Cross, my four-year roommate and I formed a Led Zeppelin cover band called TrampLed Underfoot. We were fully committed to the tribute band shtick, as you can see. We played some local bar gigs, and we also competed in the Battle of the Bands, which is what you’re seeing here.

I also took music theory and blues/jazz improv courses in college, which gave me the opportunity to jam with members of the Boston Pops.

I’ve taught guitar to students of all ages and across various skill levels, and I’m always trying to improve my guitar, bass, and ukulele skills and knowledge.

But music is not my only passion. I have a PhD in philosophy (University of Rochester), and I’ve taught philosophy at the university level for the better part of a decade. I have two scarily smart daughters, as well as a beautiful and supportive wife. I’ve also never lost my love of video games (I will never grow up!).