Chris Conly
Guitar, Banjo, Bass, Mandolin
South Slope
Chris Conly is an American roots musician. A scholarship graduate of Berklee College of Music, he has been performing and recording professionally since the age of 14.
Chris’s musical journey began when he heard Nirvana perform Ledbelly’s “In The Pines” on MTV Unplugged. Soon after, Chris picked up a classical guitar and began lessons — but couldn’t find Nirvana. Embraced by the talent of his musical community, Chris started experimenting with different genres: blues, jazz, and rock ‘n roll.
By the time he left high school and enrolled in Berklee, Chris was a working musician throughout the New England area. After Berklee, Chris joined Audrey Ryan on a national tour and then packed his bags for New York City.
Currently, Chris leads a rotating electric band that plays monthly at Rockwood Music Hall, and is a founding member of the Brooklyn roots music group the Chicken Barn Heroes. When he’s not playing guitar, he’s writing songs and producing.
Get Started with BML to set up a Lesson with Chris.
Albert King, Allman Brothers, Aretha Franklin, The Beach Boys, The Beatles, Beck, Bela Fleck, Bill Frisell, Bo Didley, Bob Dylan, Bob Marley, Bonnie Raitt, Bootsy Collins, Chris Thile, Earl Scruggs, Eric Clapton, Marc Ribot, James Jamerson, Jerry Garcia, Joni Mitchell, Jurassic 5, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Led Zeppelin, Marvin Gaye, The Meters, Booker T. & the MG's, Michael Jackson, Miles Davis, Muddy Waters, Nina Simone, Willie Nelson, Oz Noy, Parliament, Paul Simon, Phillip Glass, The Police, Prince, Queen, Radiohead, Ray Charles, Robben Ford, Robert Johnson, The Roots, Son House, Steely Dan, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Stevie Wonder, Talking Heads, Tom Waits, A Tribe Called Quest, Victor Wooten, Wes Montgomery
I decided to take guitar lessons on a whim, because I thought it would be something I’d enjoy. Chris didn’t make me just enjoy it; He has helped me, and continues to help me, understand and feel the music. He is an amazingly talented teacher and I love every lesson I have with him! I have a much better appreciation and understanding of the music we learn. He’s super patient and leaves me feeling more and more confident after each lesson. Chris is definitely the teacher you want!
-Ahuva Ruvel
I started taking lessons with Chris after hitting a plateau in my learning that I couldn't get past. Chris was very quick in identifying what was holding me back and I feel like I'm back on track, learning again and enjoying a renewed sense of accomplishment with my guitar. Chris is at once down to earth and philosophical in the way he teaches, he's great help on the practicalities of learning to play as well as on the intangibles - in my case helping me to plug back into my original motivation for learning guitar, and using that to direct my daily practice as well as the type of music I'm pursuing. I highly recommend Chris!
-Andy Stone
Chris is great! Last year, I decided on a whim that I wanted to learn how to play the guitar (and given my past track record this whim could have easily resulted in me losing interest very quickly). But in Chris, I found an instructor who not only sustained my interest but has expanded it as well. Chris is a very attentive teacher, and it is obvious he is passionate about music and teaching it. He has such a broad knowledge base. He is technically advanced and an inspired musician and easily inspires his students as well. I have learned so much from him, the process has been fun and enjoyable, and I always look forward to my next lesson!!!
-Wendy Phillips
