WHO WE ARE

Who is PA Music and Wellness?

Pennsylvania Music and Wellness is a music enrichment program dedicated to improving lives through musical expression, movement with dance, and singing.

ABOUT ROD GOELZ / FOUNDER

Rod Goelz grew up without finding a home in traditional music education. In 1989, he set out to change that - creating the opportunities, classes, and programs he wished had existed when he was first learning.

Now, with over 36 years as a guerrilla educator, Rod has mentored thousands of guitar players to become the musicians they want to be. He has conducted workshops, designed innovative music programs, and authored multiple books (search "Rod Goelz" on Amazon). His teaching spans all ages and skill levels - from the nursery school favorite Wee Rockers to QuickStart Guitar for adults (and people of all ages), as well as wellness-focused guitar programs for retirees.

Rod has also mentored and coached numerous bands, including (but not limited to) Scarlet, Revolver, Solryder, Before the End, Fortunate Ones, and most recently Overdrive. Many of his students have gone on to become key figures in the Central Pennsylvania music scene. His teaching philosophy is simple: music is best learned by doing - especially in collaboration with others.

As the founder of PA Music and Wellness, Rod offers programs to special needs groups, teen communities, "Silver Sneakers" wellness classes, and military veteran communities. He runs the Rod Goelz Virtual Academy on YouTube and hosts four podcasts: We Love Guitar Nerds, Boomer Guitar Sessions, Boompop Coalition Podcast, and The ROCK BAND Podcast.

Rod's innovative approach is captured in his Boompop teaching system (see Boompop Coalition on Facebook). Boompop's ethos is rhythm-centered learning that is creative, improvisational, and ever-evolving - drawing inspiration from all musical styles. His book Boompop: An Introduction outlines his unique approach to music education. https://www.amazon.com/Boompop-Introduction-Rod-Goelz/dp/0578638053

 - Today, Rod's mission also includes mentoring educators - helping them explore the possibilities of alternative music education and build sustainable careers of their own. As he puts it: "If it's not sustainable, it won't last. Let's build something that lasts."

ROD'S BOOKS & SERIES

-  QuickStart Guitar
- Basses Loaded (5 books)
-  Make It Funky (2 books)
- Read It!
- Boompop: An Introduction
- Drum Journey
- Open Chord Workshop
- 100 Easy Blues Licks for Guitar (MatchMySound)
- 100 Essential Rock Licks for Guitar (MatchMySound)
-  Quick Course: Blues Guitar Bending (MatchMySound)
- Coming Soon) Blues Guitar Explorations (MatchMySound)

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