Guitar, Bass, Piano, Drum
Jared Welch is the lead guitarist of a metal band with which he has co-written, recorded, and produced two studio albums. His musical journey has taken him across the globe, performing in countries such as the United Kingdom, European Union nations, China, Japan, Australia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Singapore. Among his many performances, one of the most notable was at the renowned Download Festival in the UK, where he shared the stage with legendary acts like Metallica and Slipknot.
Before his touring career, Jared attended the Rochester Institute of Technology from 2015 to 2019, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics. During his time at RIT, he was involved in grant-funded research studying the viscoelastic properties of the human vitreous—the gel-like substance within the eye. Jared also began his teaching career at RIT, working as a teaching assistant in workshop-based physics classes, where he supported students through lab work and written assignments. This experience sparked a passion for education that has remained central to his life.
Building on that foundation, Jared began tutoring math and physics for students ages 12–17, and since 2020, he has been giving guitar lessons. His teaching emphasizes solid fundamentals, practical music theory, and collaborative creativity, encouraging students to create original music with their peers. Jared sees music as a universal form of self-expression and is committed to helping students unlock their creative potential. His patient and adaptive teaching style has proven successful with learners aged 6 to 45, and he tailors his approach to each student's interests and goals—whether that means learning favorite songs, developing technique, or working through custom-written exercises.
Jared’s musical journey began around age 12, inspired by the video game Guitar Hero III. Discovering the similarity between the game’s mechanics and real guitar playing, he began formal lessons and eventually studied under Carmen Carmanica, a seasoned bandleader from late-night television in the 1970s and ’80s. Under Carmen’s mentorship, Jared learned jazz theory, improvisation, classical technique, and recording, and absorbed a powerful lesson: to follow one’s musical passions. Jared now brings that same philosophy into every lesson he teaches.
Throughout high school, Jared was deeply involved in the music community. He participated in nearly every ensemble available, including choir, chorale, theatre, jazz band, and marching band. As section leader for the marching band's pit (which includes instruments like marimba, vibraphone, and timpani), he helped lead the group to a state championship his senior year. He also received the Harry Esposito Award for excellence in jazz guitar and was named Best Soloist at the Oneida County Jazz Festival. In theatre, he played the role of Uncle Fester in The Addams Family musical.
Outside of school, Jared dedicated himself to writing, rehearsing, recording, and performing original music across a wide range of genres, including folk, shoegaze, indie, math rock, noise rock, and electronic music. This diverse background informs his open-minded and genre-spanning approach to teaching and performing.
Whether he’s on stage at an international festival or in a lesson with a young beginner, Jared Welch brings experience, passion, and a deep belief in the transformative power of music.