About Brad Cannata
Brad Cannata, originally born in Killeen, Texas, is a bassist from Augusta, Georgia. Brad primarily lived in Hephzibah, Georgia, but attended Davidson Fine Arts School in downtown Augusta where he began learning classical percussion. As a sophomore, Brad also attended an after-school music program known as J.A.M.P. Playing guitar for this young ensemble under the direction of James Brown guitarist, Keith Jenkins, Brad would go on to perform Mr. Brown's music across many stages and create an integral part of his musical identity. Augusta saxophonist and flutist, Gray Mayfield mentored Brad and helped sparked interests in jazz improvisation and experimental music as he approached graduation from Davidson. Mayfield's background in music was significant in Brad's decision to attend Kennesaw State. The roots in funk, curiosity with jazz improvisation, and strong connection to wonderful teachers/peers have elevated Brad's skills, offering him multiple opportunities to perform in the Atlanta music scene.
Brad graduated from KSU receiving his Bachelor of Music Performance degree. He was the recipient of the Audrey and Jack Morgan Music scholarship as well as a Golden Key recipient. His summer of 2019 was spent playing bass/ bass drum with the Disneyland All-American College Band in Anaheim, California. Brad is a frequent freelancer in the areas surrounding Atlanta and has performed with Atlanta's finest musicians. Most notable of these Atlanta musicians are Sam Skelton, Russell Gunn, Kebbi Williams, Landon Jordan, and Robert Boone. Brad has also had the privilege of sharing the stage with some world-renowned names like Christian McBride, Luke Bryan, and Sharon Jones.
Brad's favorite aspect of teaching is the opportunity to shape his students' perception of the somewhat ethereal nature of music to a more practical and insightful one. He believes that a lot can be gathered about students' identity just from what engages them sonically and would aim their interests into an understanding optimized for performing. Listening, mindfulness, and conception (thought) are all big elements of Brad's approach to find more out about each student, engage them in seemingly endless musical possibilities, and to build lasting connections with them.
