William Howard

Teacher

Private Lesson Offerings

Guitar
Songwriting
Band Management

Bill's Biography

Bill Howard is a Shenandoah Valley native, and founding member, co-songwriter, & ‘band dad’ of The Judy Chops. Born into a musical family, Bill began singing in elementary school, and developed a love of performance at an early age. Bill’s grandmother gave him his first guitar lesson at age 12 showing him 3 chords, and then told him, ‘That’s the only thing anyone ever showed me; you’ll have to figure out the rest on your own.’ This advice proved to be invaluable, and helped him develop his ear. Largely self-taught, Bill is a multi-instrumentalist playing guitar, bass, banjo, and mandolin, and has a resume that includes band management, broadcast media, live sound production, music outreach and education, and more in addition to his numerous performance credentials. Bill’s love of theater led him to the world of improv comedy, where his skills as a performer blossomed as a founding member of JMU’s New & Improv.’d where Bill took on the role of Business Manager, as well as the group’s accompanist. As a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia music fraternity, a verteran of several touring bands, and a guitarist/ vocalist with numerous recording credits under his belt, there aren’t many facets of the music industry, or entertainment business Bill hasn’t tried his hand at. During the quarantine he has kept himself busy producing a weekly livestream called ‘Reverend Bill’s Confessional’ that has not only been a platform to continue to promote his music, and his beloved band, but the show has also had numerous guests, and special features including a monthly broadcast from The Golden Pony in Harrisonburg. This dedication to provide a platform for regional musicians and venues to continue to stay relevant during the shutdown that has plagued the music industry is just another example of his continued dedication and love of music and performance.