Audio essence of the following manifesto

I offer a holistic approach to musical truth. My instruction goes beyond the fundamentals of music theory and modern technique (and how to practically apply these mental and physical strengths to channel your deepest feelings through your instrument). It also explores music as a metaphor for life itself. I can help you cultivate a more musical lifestyle—one rooted in wisdom from the origins of organized sound, humanity’s rich history of artistic expression, and disciplines drawn from the ritualistic practices of mantras and meditation. This is all grounded by the down-to-earth awareness and authenticity of my real-world experience as a composer, recording artist, and performer.

It’s my real-world experience—my Proof of Purpose—that sets me apart from many other instructors you’ll find online. I have been writing, recording, teaching, and performing as a professional musician for more than 40 years. My studies range from Pythagoras and his Music of the Spheres to Stravinsky’s atonality, Schoenberg’s twelve-tone rows, John Coltrane’s Matrix, and George Russell’s Lydian Chromatic Concept. I’ve explored the evolution of the blues and mastered modern shred techniques pioneered by virtuosos like Eddie Van Halen, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Steve Vai. Beyond technical mastery, I have delved into musical mysticism, drawing from the spiritual teachings of Hazrat Inayat Khan and the mental manifestation techniques of Kenny Werner.

I have internalized all of these artistries and philosophies to create a singular musical voice that speaks volumes about how I feel inside. Along the way, I’ve humbly received accolades from many prestigious masters of the craft—musicians drawn to my work without me having to project myself toward them.

Here are a few highlights of my musical life:

• Songwriting & Recording: I have written and recorded well over 500 songs spanning rock, pop, jazz, classical, blues, spoken word, and guitar instrumentals. My Brett Ecklund EP features legendary multi-Grammy-winning bassist Max Bennett—best known for his work with Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald, and Joni Mitchell, though his credits range from Frank Sinatra to Frank Zappa. Max hand-picked an all-star band for my recording, including musicians who have played with George Benson, Chick Corea, Bette Midler, Boz Scaggs, Tupac Shakur, Stevie Wonder, and many more. More recently, my singles Many Blessings and Sandy feature bassist Dylan Wilson from Richie Kotzen’s band.

• Teaching & Education: Over the years, I’ve taught more than 5,000 students at music stores across five states. I’ve been employed as a music educator at numerous high schools, the University of Texas, and the National Guitar Summer Workshop. Additionally, I was hired to train up-and-coming instructors at Lifetime Performing Arts Academy and Danman’s Music School in Southern California (where I currently teach in person). I also teach online lessons to students worldwide.

• Publications: I have published the instructional book Guitar Memoir and, perhaps more notably, Igor Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring Arranged for One Guitar. The latter was edited by rock guitar legend Uli Jon Roth and praised by symphony conductor Carl St. Clair and renowned documentary filmmaker Tony Palmer. The book has also found its way into the hands of respected guitarists such as Rusty Cooley, Paul Gilbert, Daniele Gottardo, Jake Hertzog, Allan Holdsworth, Jeff Loomis, Alex Skolnick, and Kenny Withrow. (Both books are available on Amazon.)

• A Memorable Moment with a Legend: I first met legendary fusion guitarist Allan Holdsworth (whom Eddie Van Halen called the greatest guitarist who ever lived) at a small wine bar in San Juan Capistrano, where I was performing as half of a guitar duo called Jazz Quest. Allan sat just three feet in front of us and listened to our full 40-minute set. When we took a break, he stayed to praise us, going on and on about how much he loved our playing. There’s nothing more gratifying than validation from the GOAT!

• Live Performance: I’ve performed for hundreds of thousands of people—starting with small backyard parties and bars in Kansas City, then moving to amphitheaters across the Midwest, iconic clubs on Austin’s 6th Street (like the Steamboat and the Back Room), and the legendary venues of Hollywood’s Sunset Strip (including Whisky a Go Go, the Cat Club, the Key Club, and the Viper Room). My journey has taken me from punk rock dive bars and jazz art galleries to private parties thrown by billionaires and five-star resorts such as the Hilton, the Ritz-Carlton, and Pelican Hill.

• Radio, Film & Television: My media career began as a guest on the Max, Tanna, and Moffitt Morning Show on KY 99.7 in Kansas City—where Max and Moffitt declared on air that I was one of the greatest guitarists they had ever heard! (Tanna was out with the flu.) More recently, I hosted Jazz Quest Radio on KX FM 104.7 in Laguna Beach for eight years, where I had the honor of interviewing iconic artists, performing live on air every week, and collaborating with musicians like Quist (Brian Ferry Band/Roxy Music) and violinist Jessy Greene (Ghost, Foo Fighters, Stevie Nicks, Pink, etc.). My television work includes live performances on Austin’s Music Television channel, as well as appearances in two reality show pilots filmed in Southern California. In film, I scored and performed the soundtrack for the documentary The Miracle Story and recorded cues for the movie The Block Trilogies.

• NAMM & Industry Recognition: Each year, I’m honored to serve as a brand ambassador at the NAMM Show for Godin Guitars and Ciari Guitars.