Music Services
In Person or Online
Elevate Your Sound
Actualize Your Art
Ignite the Atmosphere
Learning the Language of Music
MANDOLIN, GUITAR, BANJO, BASS, UKELELE
I would love to help you make music come to life through tradition, passion, and expertise honed over nearly three decades of teaching experience. Both of my parents are musicians and music educators and I taught my first ukulele lesson at 11 years old! I believe in the power of learning by ear, embracing the traditional methods that have enriched musical journeys for generations. In my lessons, there is no tablature - just the pure essence of music conveyed through interactive instruction and training of the ear. I specialize in teaching
LESSONS
Monroe Style Mandolin. At the age of 13 I was lucky to meet the legend himself backstage at the Opry. Bill put his hat on my head and I played Rawhide for him as he danced around in glee. His response was "Boy, if you ever need anything, you let me know!" That early experience sealed the deal and led to me to delve deep into the vast catalogue Bill gifted to the world. Countless hours and many years of studying enabled me to explain a codified system of improvisation with fundamental bluegrass devices one can engage with to create endless flavors and tones informed by the strong and rich tradition. As a lifelong student of music, I have learned the intracacies of instruments,
exploring their unique voices and nuances. From the lilting strains of the mandolin to the soulful chords of the guitar, from the rhythmic pulse of the bass to the haunting melodies of the fiddle, and from the driving force of the banjo to the heartbeat of the drums, I have traversed the diverse landscape of musical expression with unwavering curiosity and dedication and it would be a joy to support you!
SONGWRITING
I absolutely love songwriting and have been doing it since I was 11. To date I have written hundreds of songs and even more tunes, some of which have been punctuated with accolades and recognition. "Walking West to Memphis" was recorded by the Gibson Brothers and nominated for Song of the Year by the IBMA, a humbling highlight for sure. Witnessing the esteemed band Carolina Blue record "I'm Gonna Wait on Jesus" and hearing the remarkable Billy Strings cover my tune "West Dakota Rose" are testaments to the universal language of music. There's a unique power in crafting your own songs, in weaving your thoughts, emotions, and experiences into melodies that resonate with the deepest corners of your soul. It's more than just creating music - it's a profound act of self-expression, a testament to your individuality and creativity. Writing your own songs allows you to capture moments in time, to immortalize memories, dreams, and aspirations in lyrical form. While the journey of songwriting can be filled with challenges - moments of self-doubt, writer's block, and the daunting task of pouring your innermost thoughts onto paper, it's a journey worth embarking on. For within those challenges lie the seeds of growth and discovery. Every stumble, every roadblock, serves as an opportunity to delve deeper into the recesses of your imagination, to unearth hidden truths and new avenues of creative expression. Amidst the challenges, there's an indescribable joy in seeing your art come to life, in witnessing the transformation of mere words and melodies into living, breathing compositions. Your songs become a legacy that you can leave behind for your family and future generations to cherish, a reflection of your essence, and a gift to those you hold dear. As a guide on your songwriting journey, I'm here to offer tools, formulas, encouragement, support, and even collaboration. Whether you're seeking to pen introspective ballads filled with personal narratives or craft instrumental tunes that speak volumes without words, I can help you navigate the creative process with confidence and clarity. Together, we'll explore the endless possibilities of storytelling through music, where every chord, every lyric, becomes tangible proof of the beauty in your unique voice and the power of your artistic vision.
Wyatt Ellis has been studying with Christopher for over 4 years and is now gaining massive recognition for his incredible talent!
LEARNING WITH ME
Beyond my own musical journey, I have a calling to help foster the growth and development of others. I believe that music is not merely a form of entertainment but a powerful force for healing and transformation. It transcends language barriers, cultural divides, and societal norms, speaking to the very core of our humanity. We all carry the rhythm of life within us, waiting to be unleashed and expressed in its purest form. In my teachings, I strive to nurture this innate musicality, guiding students on a journey of self-discovery and creative exploration. Whether you are a beginner taking your first tentative steps into the world of music or a seasoned player seeking to refine your craft, I offer a safe and supportive environment for you to cultivate your talents and unlock your fullest potential. Together, let's embark on a transformative voyage where music becomes not just a skill to be mastered, but a profound source of joy, inspiration, and food for the soul.
I teach most of my in person lessons out of my home in the Plaza Midwood Neighborhood of central Charlotte. I can travel to you for a fee, depending on where you are located. I also teach regularly online via Zoom or Skype and record all sessions for you to keep if you so choose. For those out of town looking for in person support, I offer a weekend special of 8 hours, 4 per day, for $600. In addition to interactive lessons, I have a large catalogue of pre-recorded videos that you can view and purchase here. Every month I teach 2 interactive online workshops - one Monroe Style and the other varies in topics. I post a ton of free content on my YouTube channel, so check it out, like and subscribe! If you appreciate my efforts and would like to support further, please consider becoming a NMM patron here!
MUSIC PRODUCTION
Capturing Your Sonic Vision
Recording one's music is not just a technical process; it's a pivotal moment in an artist's journey towards self-expression and creative fulfillment. As a seasoned producer dedicated to nurturing talent, I've had the privilege of witnessing the transformative power of recording firsthand. With 25 albums (10 of which are my own music) in my production repertoire along with knowledge and experience gained from my education at Full Sail University, I understand the nuanced details of the recording process and the significance it holds for artists. In my home studio nestled in Charlotte, NC, or wherever creativity beckons, I will provide a space where artists can explore their craft with freedom and authenticity. From capturing the raw emotion of a song to refining its audio topography, every step of the recording journey is an opportunity for artists to breathe life into their music. I believe that recording isn't just about producing tracks; it's about crafting an immersive experience that resonates with listeners on a profound level.
Beyond the recording process, I understand the pivotal role that mixing plays in shaping the final audio tapestry of an album. I am committed to meticulously refining each track to achieve clarity, balance, and cohesion. Whether it's fine-tuning levels, enhancing dynamics, or sculpting the overall sound, my goal is to ensure that every element of your music resonates with authenticity and impact. With a keen ear for detail and a passion for sonic excellence, I approach the mixing process as a collaborative journey, working closely with artists to realize their artistic vision and create an album that leaves a lasting impression.
Whether it's their first album or a subsequent musical endeavor, I am dedicated to collaborating closely with artists to realize their vision and elevate their artistry. With a blend of technical expertise, creative insight, and unwavering dedication, I strive to create a nurturing environment where musicians can thrive. It would be my honor to embark on this creative initiative with you, bringing your art to life and sharing it with the world.
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Production Works
STUDIO TIME
Elevating Your Endeavors
Are you seeking support with a project you have in the works? I would be happy to offer creative and collaborative help. As a versatile musician I offer a unique opportunity to enhance your creations with the rich textures of the mandolin, guitar, banjo, bass, or percussion. In addition to instruments, I can lend my vocals to add depth and emotion to your tracks. From lush harmonies to inspiring lead vocals, I will aim to bring your lyrics to life with heart and authenticity. With a keen ear for harmony and an intuitive understanding of musical dynamics, I work closely with clients to craft arrangements that elevate their compositions to new heights. Beyond traditional studio services, I also offer custom video creation for clients seeking personalized messages, special songs, or instructional lessons. Whether it's a heartfelt message for a loved one, a unique song for a special occasion, or a personalized lesson tailored to your individual needs, I'm here to bring your vision to life in a captivating and meaningful way. At Noya Mountain Music the possibilities are endless and the art is limited only by our imagination. Let's collaborate, create, and weave magic together!
Click here to discuss a
creative project.
PERFORMANCE
Igniting the Atmosphere
Christopher's illustrious performance history spans nearly four decades, rooted in a childhood surrounded by the artistry of his performer parents. His journey began at the tender age of 4, where he graced the stage alongside his legendary parents, Red and Murphy Henry at the Otter Springs Bluegrass Festival in 1985. At age 11, Christopher began making waves when he and his sister Casey joined the Red and Murphy and Their Excellent Children band, showcasing his prodigious talent. As Christopher matured, so did his musical repertoire. From pounding the drums at punk rock shows to leading the Dalton Brill and the Wildcat, by the age of 18 his versatility knew no bounds. His breakout moment came with the Lynne Morris Band, where he filled in impressively, setting the stage for his Nashville debut in 2005 with Dave Peterson and 1946. In the heart of the Music City, Christopher's star continued to rise. He joined band Audie Blaylock and Redline for a while before forming, along with his sister, Casey and Chris and the 2-Stringers. Throughout his time in Nashville he collaborated with esteemed musicians such as Shawn Camp, Verlon Thompson, and Danny Barnes. Christopher's talent found its way to the Grand Ole Opry for the first time with Shawn Camp, Billy Burnette and the Bluegrass Elvises. Canada's Adam Olmstead invited Christoper to join him for several shows across the Land of Maple Leaf. Plenty of folk festivals welcomed Christopher and his dad, Red, as well as Florida legend, Dale Crider, to stages far and wide. In 2012 he formed his own band, Chris Henry and the Hardcore Grass. This well received band played shows all around the US and did two full tours in Australia before retiring in 2016. In 2013, the legendary Peter Rowan asked Christopher to support him at Cumberland Caverns, the popular underground stage. This first gig became the beginning of a profound friendship and an inspiring collaboration that endures today. Having played a multitude of shows with Peter for more than 10 years now, Christopher feels truly blessed and grateful. "Peter has been a very patient mentor and
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friend who has taught me invaluable lessons about music and life." Besides playing with Peter, Christopher occasionally joins renowned fiddle player Jason Carter with his own bluegrass band, bringing smiles to folks across the country. Most recently, Christopher was invited to join the incredible Billy Strings on stage in Asheville, NC to sing and pick a few numbers, including his own, West Dakota Rose, that Billy and his band have been covering for a few years. Today, Christopher's musical journey continues to evolve and he really enjoys sharing his art singer-songwriter style with the guitar, especially the music that has been received from working with the plants in Peru for the past 15 years.