Our passion is teaching

Lubbock's Elite Multi-Instrumentalist, Metal Guitar Shredder & Music Mentor...

If you are searching for the absolute highest tier of musical education in West Texas, look no further than Chad Russell. Known globally in the heavy music community as MAD CHAD™, he brings an unmatched blend of academic prestige, elite multi-instrumental precision, and real-world commercial studio success directly to his students at Don't Fret Guitar Studio™.

🎓 Academic & Practical Credentials

    •    Master of Music in Songwriting – Graduate of the world-renowned Berklee College of Music.

    •    25+ Years of Mastery – Playing, performing, and dissecting guitar and music composition since the age of 5.

    •    Full-Spectrum Multi-Instrumentalist 

– Master-level instructor specializing in Guitar, Bass, Drums, Piano, and Vocals, offering students an all-in-one mentor capable of teaching how a full arrangement operates.

🎚️ The Solo Mastermind & The Chuck Alkazian Connection

Chad doesn't just teach music theory—he lives it at the highest level of commercial production. Operating as a pure studio one-man band, Chad writes, tracks, and records every single instrument completely alone for his acclaimed solo metal project.

His latest full-length independent album, "Scorpio Thoughts", and hit singles like "The Edge of Freedom"were co-produced and mixed alongside Grammy-Winning Super-Producer Chuck Alkazian (known for his work with Soundgarden, Eminem, Pop Evil, and The Romantics). This elite, near-impossible-to-obtain creative partnership with a major-label titan means Chad’s students receive direct, insider access to elite recording, engineering, and tracking philosophies that you cannot find anywhere else in the Southern USA.

⚡ MAD CHAD Live: High-Octane Collaborative Energy

When Chad Russell (MAD CHAD) steps away from his solo studio tracking to collaborate with other artists live, his multi-instrumental brilliance transforms into a high-octane stage performance. "Best known on the Texas live circuit as the co-founder, blistering lead guitarist, and aggressive co-vocalist/screamer for the Lubbock-based metal outfit TEXAS 223, MAD Chad commands the stage with standard-setting precision."

His live collaborative shows bridge the gap between heavy, crushing grooves and master-tier technical musicianship. Backed by a full live band, Chad’s intricate guitar solos, thunderous rhythm section cohesion, and raw vocal power create a chaotic yet meticulously executed "wall of sound" that drives crowds from the sofa straight to the stage. Deeply rooted in the tight-knit, vibrant Lubbock metal community His collaborative gigs showcase an artist who doesn't just play alongside other musicians—"he actively raises the technical bar for everyone sharing the stage."

🎸 Ready to Dominate Your Instrument?

Whether you want to master intricate 8-string metal guitar sweeps, build a flawless vocal range, understand advanced songwriting theory, or learn how to lay down studio drum tracks, Chad creates custom, one-on-one curriculums that get definitive results.

 Chad says, “Whether I am teaching, playing, performing, practicing, or producing it is a blast and a role that I take very serious as a professional musician.”

Chad offers private lessons in guitar (8, 7 , &6 string), acoustic guitar, drums, vocals, bass (4 & 5 string), piano, keyboards, songwriting, and music production.

If you want an instructor who brings infectious energy, deep technical expertise, and real-world studio tracking experience to every single lesson, look no further than Mitch Tibbit. A proud resident of Lubbock, Texas, Mitch has had a guitar in his hands from an early age, dedicating his life to mastering the instrument and refining a high-octane teaching style that keeps his students completely engaged, inspired, and constantly progressing. 

🎓 Academic Excellence & Specializations

Mitch doesn't just play by ear—he has backed his lifelong passion with elite, structured musical training, earning prestigious South Plains College music scholarships on his path to a Commercial Music degree. His technical mastery and deep understanding of modern music theory allow him to break down complex concepts into actionable, easy-to-understand steps for students. 

Mitch offers comprehensive private lessons tailored to your specific goals in: 

    •    Guitar Instruction (All ages and skill levels, from raw beginners to advanced players)

    •    Bass Guitar (Building rock-solid rhythm, timing, and fretboard fluency)

    •    Songwriting & Composition (Arranging music, structuring hooks, and writing heavy riffs)

    •    Recording & Studio Tracking (Learning how to lay down pristine studio takes and navigate production)

🎸 Heavy Metal Riffing & Elite Improvisation

While Mitch is deeply capable of guiding beginner and intermediate students through foundational acoustic chords and music basics, his creative heart is firmly rooted in the heavy, powerful sonic landscapes of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. 

🤝 The Don't Fret Guitar Studio® Standard

Hand-selected as part of the elite instructor team at Don't Fret Guitar Studio®, Mitch works in lockstep with the studio’s mission to take students smoothly from day-one beginner to stage-ready expert. His contagious energy, real-world recording experience, and absolute commitment to his students make him one of the most sought-after young mentors in the region. 

    •    Ready to Jam? 

Mitch says, "My specialties include riff writing, drop/alternate tunings, and solo improvisation. In my spare time you can find me shredding at skatepark or in the studio recording!"

Mitch offers private lessons in guitar (6 string), acoustic guitar, vocals, bass (4 string), songwriting, and music production and instrument tracking.

The Ultimate Protégé, Multi-Instrumentalist & DFGS® Legacy Instructor

When it comes to understanding the exact DNA, structure, and elite teaching style of Don't Fret Guitar Studio®, no one embodies it more than Maddox Kilavoda. Maddox is the living blueprint of what the studio's curriculum can achieve. Having trained exclusively under the direct mentorship of Berklee Master Songwriter Chad Russell (MAD CHAD) since his early childhood, Maddox evolved from a young beginner into an absolute powerhouse instrumentalist-becoming so technically advanced that Chad personally hired him to join the teaching staff while Maddox was still in high school.

🎓 Trained by the Master: The Chad Russell Lineage

Unlike instructors who bring mixed habits from outside schools, Maddox’s musical foundation is 100% pure DFGS® excellence. Because he spent his entire childhood learning directly from Chad, he possesses a flawless, insider understanding of Chad's advanced music theory and technical systems.

Maddox teaches with the exact same precision, patience, and structured approach that shaped his own musical journey, specializing in:

    •    Guitar Instruction (From day-one foundational techniques to blazing speed and accuracy)

    •    Bass Guitar (Developing rock-solid timing, pocket-grooves, and fretboard fluency)

    •    Youth & Beginner Mentorship (Using his unique perspective as a former child student to make learning relatable, engaging, and highly rewarding for kids and teens)

    •    Intermediate-to-Advanced Transitions (Helping players break past plateaus and unlock advanced music theory)

⚡ From Classroom to the Stage

Maddox didn't just inherit Chad’s academic knowledge; he also inherited the drive for live, high-octane performance. His lifelong dedication to the fretboard has given him a terrifyingly sharp command over improvisation, intricate riff writing, and stage presence.

Because he made the transition from student to professional instructor during his high school years, Maddox has an unmatched ability to connect with younger students. He knows exactly how to channel a student's casual curiosity into real, disciplined, expert-level musicianship.

🤝 Claim Your Spot with a Legacy Instructor

Whether your child is picking up an instrument for the very first time, or you are an intermediate player looking to master the exact techniques that built a local legend, learning from Maddox is the next best thing to studying with Chad Russell himself. He represents the next generation of West Texas musical excellence.

Maddox says, "Music has shaped so much of my life, and I’m passionate about becoming a better player and writing my own music in every style I can. I love guiding my students on their journey as a musician, from learning their favorite songs, to writing their own! "

Maddox offers private lessons in guitar, bass, and music theory.

Lubbock’s Premier Vocalist, Songwriter, Guitarist & Piano Mentor

If you are looking for an instructor who can transform your raw passion into stage-ready confidence, look no further than Mary Fletcher. Born and raised right here in Lubbock, Texas, Mary is an accomplished Nashville recording artist, soulful songwriter, and elite multi-instrumentalist. She brings a lifetime of professional stage experience and a deep, polished mastery of Vocals, Guitar, and Piano directly to her students at Don't Fret Guitar Studio®.

🎤 A Lifetime on Stage & Elite Academic Pedigree

Mary’s musical footprint began at age 7 on the historic stage of Lubbock's Cactus Theater, where she performed as a regular cast member for nearly a decade. Her natural talent caught early attention, leading her to write and record her first professional song at just 14 alongside the late Nashville songwriting legend A.J. Masters.

To back her real-world stage prestige with academic excellence, Mary earned her Associate’s Degree in Worship Music Leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University. Her extensive training allows her to effortlessly teach complex vocal control, melodic phrasing, and advanced instrumental accompaniment.

Mary offers top-tier private lessons for all ages and skill levels in:

    •    Vocal Training & Voice Lessons (Building pitch, range, breath control, and effortless delivery)

    •    Guitar & Piano Instruction (Mastering rhythm, chord structures, and fluid accompaniment)

    •    Songwriting & Lyric Composition (Translating real emotion into catchy, polished melodies)

    •    Live Performance Application (Overcoming stage fright, microphone technique, and connecting with crowds)

🎶 The Velvet Voice & Nashville Recording Edge

Known throughout the industry for her soulful, velvet vocal tone and deeply personal storytelling, Mary is a seasoned recording pro. She has recorded music out of legendary major-label spaces—including rock icon Michael McDonald's studio outside Nashville—and has graced world-famous stages like The Bluebird Café, Douglas Corner, and The Nashville Hard Rock Café.

As noted on the Official Don't Fret Guitar Studio® Website 

“Mary grew up performing on the stage and understands how to help her students achieve their musical goals!”

Whether she is recording vulnerable independent pop-rock EPs like RAW or mentoring local students, Mary’s entire life is driven by a deep love for the craft.

🤝 Cultivating Future Rockstars at DFGS®

Hand-selected by Chad Russell (MAD CHAD®) to anchor the studio's vocal and songwriting wings, Mary takes immense pride in guiding students from day-one beginners to absolute experts. Her warm, patient, and highly encouraging teaching philosophy makes her the ultimate mentor for young beginners finding their voice, as well as intermediate songwriters looking to map out professional studio-ready tracks.

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Mary says, "From performing onstage to teaching in the studio, I love connecting with people through song and guitar. Music has always been my greatest passion. My home and my heart is my music."

Mary offers private lessons in vocals, guitar, piano, live performance application. 

Mary offers private lessons in vocals, guitar, acoustic guitar, piano, songwriting, and music theory.