Rod Swanson is a seasoned music educator and performer with over 40 years of teaching experience across Manitoba, British Columbia, and beyond. For the past two decades, he has worked alongside A&D teachers, sharing his expertise in guitar, keyboard, and MIDI arrangements of popular songs. His diverse career includes performances across Canada and the United States in a variety of settings, including television appearances.
Rod holds a diploma in Electronic Music Technology from the National Radio Institute in Washington, D.C., and has achieved Grade 10 classical guitar through the Conservatory of Toronto. He has enriched his craft through masterclasses with renowned classical guitarists such as Leona Boyd and Norbert Kraft. His Grade 9 Conservatory Organ training was guided by accomplished musicians Richard Grieg and Larry Weckwerth, and he has also trained with Deanna Tice, a respected music education specialist. Complementing his background, Rod holds multiple diplomas from TMA Canada.
A versatile musician, Rod has performed solo guitar in concerts and the hospitality industry across Western Canada, building a wide-ranging repertoire for various performance scenarios. His strong classical foundation and perfect pitch allow him to adapt to multiple genres, including pop, and to create custom arrangements for both performance and teaching.
Rod’s teaching experience spans in-person and online lessons, with students across Canada, Mexico, and North America. Many of his students have excelled in Royal Conservatory exams and local and provincial festivals. He also offers lessons for banjo, mandolin, and ukulele, catering to individuals and group classes for all ages. In addition to teaching, Rod is an accomplished pipe organist and keyboardist, regularly performing in churches in Chilliwack, BC.
With a passion for fostering enjoyment and growth in music, Rod is committed to helping students achieve their musical goals, whether they are exploring music for the first time or pursuing advanced performance dreams.