Cody VanSlyke
Cody VanSlyke
Guitar, Bass, Mandolin, Ukelele
Cody VanSlyke picked up the guitar as a teen and never looked back. Inspired by his friends at 13 years old, he decided to teach himself. He would learn by ear before the internet was really available, copy his friends and with a competitive nature, aimed to work harder than everyone to be one of the best. He decided to learn piano and bass on his own as well. Cody and his friends would play in multiple bands covering rock, metal and goth in their teenage years. Independently, Cody started to study jazz and theory as a way to “break the rules” and understand more technically what he was playing. Impressively, with no formal training under his belt to this point, he auditioned on guitar and was accepted to GRCC, ultimately graduating with his Associates in music with concentrations in both Classical Guitar Performance and Music Production. Upon graduation he continue taking courses of interest at Western Michigan University.
While at GRCC, Cody’s self motivation and dedication to learning only amplified. Being self taught, he felt behind and put tremendous effort not only to catch up to his peers, but surpass them. Here he would formally train on piano, theory, ear training and sight singing in addition to guitar. As only a sophomore, his professor asked him to start tutoring other college students on both guitar and theory. Cody learned he had a natural ability to teach, and really enjoyed it. He continued teaching throughout his time at GRCC.
While in Michigan, he built a private studio of students ranging 5 – 80 from referrals, many who found him through his local performances. He also rounded out his teaching schedule working at Dance Asylum Arts School where he taught piano, bass, guitar and ukulele. In addition to private lessons, Cody also taught group guitar classes at the Boys and Girls Clubs to elementary age students.
Cody has performed independently and part of bands and ensembles. He was part of the Grand Rapids Guitar Ensemble, performing at venues such as Devos Hall and St. Andrews Hall. He has played many times as a solo classical guitar, including at the Saugatuck MI Film festival, weddings and more. He’s played as a solo singer/songwriter, keys, guitar and bass player in many different bands covering all genres in Michigan, San Antonio and Ft Worth Texas, Isla Mujeres Mexico, and some local venues in the Sarasota Florida Area.
Today, teaching is Cody’s main focus and career. He’s been teaching a full schedule since he moved to Florida in 2022.
Cody VanSlyke picked up the guitar as a teen and never looked back. Inspired by his friends at 13 years old, he decided to teach himself. He would learn by ear before the internet was really available, copy his friends and with a competitive nature, aimed to work harder than everyone to be one of the best. He decided to learn piano and bass on his own as well. Cody and his friends would play in multiple bands covering rock, metal and goth in their teenage years. Independently, Cody started to study jazz and theory as a way to “break the rules” and understand more technically what he was playing. Impressively, with no formal training under his belt to this point, he auditioned on guitar and was accepted to GRCC, ultimately graduating with his Associates in music with concentrations in both Classical Guitar Performance and Music Production. Upon graduation he continue taking courses of interest at Western Michigan University.
While at GRCC, Cody’s self motivation and dedication to learning only amplified. Being self taught, he felt behind and put tremendous effort not only to catch up to his peers, but surpass them. Here he would formally train on piano, theory, ear training and sight singing in addition to guitar. As only a sophomore, his professor asked him to start tutoring other college students on both guitar and theory. Cody learned he had a natural ability to teach, and really enjoyed it. He continued teaching throughout his time at GRCC.
While in Michigan, he built a private studio of students ranging 5 – 80 from referrals, many who found him through his local performances. He also rounded out his teaching schedule working at Dance Asylum Arts School where he taught piano, bass, guitar and ukulele. In addition to private lessons, Cody also taught group guitar classes at the Boys and Girls Clubs to elementary age students.
Cody has performed independently and part of bands and ensembles. He was part of the Grand Rapids Guitar Ensemble, performing at venues such as Devos Hall and St. Andrews Hall. He has played many times as a solo classical guitar, including at the Saugatuck MI Film festival, weddings and more. He’s played as a solo singer/songwriter, keys, guitar and bass player in many different bands covering all genres in Michigan, San Antonio and Ft Worth Texas, Isla Mujeres Mexico, and some local venues in the Sarasota Florida Area.
Today, teaching is Cody’s main focus and career. He’s been teaching a full schedule since he moved to Florida in 2022.
