THAD BONDURIS: A PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
EDUCATIONAL / TEACHING BACKGROUND
Thad Bonduris has been teaching privately in Denton, TX for over 23 years. He began his teaching career while still a
graduate student at the (then) NTSU College of Music. His first few years as a teacher (primarily on guitar and electric
bass) were spent at the former Hammond Music Co. on Locust street. When he left 7 years later to open his own studio,
his reputation as one of the finest guitar instructors in the Metroplex was already solidly established.
Since then Thad has enjoyed a loyal core of continuing students and a steady stream of new ones. He is known for his
patient and individualized approach. Today, he instructs students in (all styles of) guitar, electric bass, banjo, mandolin,
Greek bouzouki, Peruvian charango, or any other fretted stringed instrument. He also provides tutoring in Music Theory,
Jazz Fundamentals, and songwriting consultation. There is even some small-scale multi-track recording that goes on in
his studio with some of his students.
Mr. Bonduris’ aim as a teacher is to help his students fulfill their musical dreams. Toward this end, he encourages his
students to be as well rounded as possible. Experience has taught him that a thorough background in a wide range of
styles and techniques is the surest road to excellence in both playing and performing. Just one measure of his success as
a teacher (and one of which he is particularly proud) are the numerous CD’s and tapes showcased on his studio shelves,
created by former and current students.
In addition to his private studio teaching, Thad spent some time during the early ‘80’s teaching privately for Whittle Music
Co., the former Metroplex Music Co., as well as a couple of years in the Carrollton ISD. Since 1979, he has taught
various guitar classes out of the Minicourse (CCECM) at UNT. Thad is a member in good standing to the American
Federation of Musicians and the National Association for Music Education (M.E.N.C.).
During his 5 years as graduate student in Music at UNT, Thad performed in Lab Bands, Electric Guitar Ensembles, and
small jazz groups. He studied Theory, Composition, Orchestration, Arranging and Classical Guitar under the auspices of
Jack Peterson, Leon Breeden, Dan Haerle, Rich Matteson, Lou Marini Sr. and Rick Madriguera, among others. Thad has
recently returned at the start of this Millennium to complete a Masters Degree in Music Education now that his children are
grown.
PERFORMANCE BACKGROUND
As a performer, Thad has enjoyed a varied and vital career. He has been performing professionally since his late teens. He
gigs in virtually every style available to a performer, in venues ranging from intimate private parties to stadiums before
thousands. When time permits, Thad joins in on recording projects and has appeared on CD’s with Boa Drape, Phil
Dalmolin, and Warren McDonald. He has also worked on original music projects with the Joe Miller Band and Chris McCarty
(actor and Steve Miller co-writer).
Thad’s talents and abilities also put in the company of the famous and near-famous alike. In 1981, he toured the Southwest
with the Ray Price’s Cherokee Cowboys Band as lead guitarist, also sharing the stage with George Strait and Vern Gosdin.
During his years in UNT ensembles, Thad practiced and performed with future stars, such as Greg Bissonette (David Lee
Roth’s drummer), Arthur Barrow (Frank Zappa’s bassist and bandleader), Kerry Marx (guitarist for Jerry Reed, Ronnie
Milsap and Johnny Cash), and the late Zachary Breau (jazz guitarist).
Locally, Thad perhaps best became known as frontman and leader of the Fanatix, a renown cover band formed in the mid80’s which maintained its status for 15 years as a staple in DFW clubs and Arts Festivals. Although the band still exists, it has
been in semi-retirement lately….. but this hasn’t stopped Mr. Bonduris from still performing quite regularly---freelancing with
other bands (from Rock to Dixieland), forming small jazz duos and trios, as well as being one of the few solo jazz/classical
guitarists regularly gigging in the DFW Metroplex.