Brian O’Connell
Brian O’Connell is widely known for his inventive and kinetic approach to bass guitar and touch guitar with several bands. Active on the Northeast music scene and beyond for over 25 years, he has performed widely with Arukah, Dead Man's Waltz, Uncle Sammy, Gordon Stone, Gary Backstrom, Rev Tor Band, and many others.
He recently released the first in a series of albums of ambient music on the unique Touch Guitar called Soundbath Vol. 1, available on Bandcamp. O'Connell also has a long term project which is a rock opera based on the Salem Witch Trials. It is intended as an eventual stage show, and currently comes out as a podcast called Witch Hunt - history told in music, sound, and story, which can be heard on any podcasting platform. Plans are in the works for the 2025 debut of a new ensemble that will feature O'Connell's diverse compositions influenced by progressive, fusion, jazz, rock, and classical sources.
He has had shared the stage or recorded with: Tom Constanten (Grateful Dead), Mike Keneally (Frank Zappa, Steve Vai), Prarie Prince (The Tubes, Journey), Kasim Sulton (Utopia, Todd Rundgren), members of bands: moe., The Spin Doctors, Soulive, Umphry's McGee, Max Creek, Steely Dan, and many more.
He teaches lessons on bass, guitar, upright bass, ukulele, piano/keys, and drums; as well as composition, songwriting, and music theory.
Brian has a Music Degree from Berklee College of Music and a Master’s in Education from Temple University.
Testimonials
"I take electric guitar lessons at the Prindle School and feel so fortunate that Brian O’Connell is my teacher. He is patient, kind, and thoughtful in his approach, using a strengths perspective and providing positive and constructive feedback routinely. He also integrates music theory as we move forward into new material in a way that is easy to grasp; it’s always a fun conversation to explore new things or just “talk music!” - Peggy W.
"I have been taking drum lessons with Brian for a little while now. Although I have not had that many lessons, I have already learned so much. Brian has an amazing personality and he is an awesome teacher who breaks down lessons so they're easier to comprehend. I love jamming out with him, and making up little fun beats. I always enjoy my time at the Prindle School and can't wait to continue playing music here." - Nora P.