Cordell Johnson is a proud co-owner of Square Music Company, Colorado Springs. Though his primary role is that of store operator, Cordell also provides music instruction for piano and ukulele.
As an instructor, Cordell brings 13 years of performance experience, 10 years of songwriting experience, and 6 years of teaching experience. Drawing from a combination of “boots on the ground” knowledge and formal training, Cordell is confident that he can help you jumpstart your own musical journey.
More from Cordell…
Music has been a constant centerpiece of my life. My musical journey started around the age of seven when I discovered that I could play music by ear. I would spend hours listening to songs and coming up with instrumental renditions on guitar and piano.
When I turned 10, I started taking piano lessons. After a few years of lessons under my belt, I took up alto saxophone and eventually transferred to baritone saxophone. It was early highschool where I really started to combine my natural ear with the formal instruction I had received. I was beginning to form my own perception of music. My freshman year, I started writing original songs. From that point onward, I played any way and anywhere I could. On top of being in my school’s Wind Symphony and jazz ensemble, I also started my own cover band called Slightly Unprofessional.
Sometime after I graduated, I met Adam Oliver (Founder of Square Music Company in Macomb, IL). I eventually started working at SMC, teaching a majority of the lessons for the store including: guitar, piano, saxophone, ukulele, and songwriting. During these years I also became one of the founding members of Concrete Monster, taking on the role of lead vocalist and lyricist. I spent the next four years gigging regularly, instructing lessons and penning original music (writing over 30 songs and even going on to win the Peoria Big Picture songwriting contest).
Eventually it came time for me to leave my hometown. At this point I moved to Iowa where I continued to pursue solo gigs as well as taking an instruction position at Guitar Center. During the pandemic, my wife and I decided to relocate to Colorado where I continued my musical endeavors.