Clifton McDaniel is a guitarist, pianist, singer, songwriter, and composer with a Bachelor of Music degree from James Madison University where he studied trombone, piano, and composition. He has been teaching private music lessons for more than twenty years and has also directed high school and middle school bands

Clifton is an active solo performer and plays with several groups, including ILAD, a national touring rock band, The Moonbees, a folk-inspired neo-roots band, and many others. The His record label, New Dirt Records, produces and promotes established and emerging artists across a variety of genres. As a teacher, Clifton’s goal is to help every student discover the joy of making music. He doesn’t rely on a one-size-fits-all approach—instead, he uses creativity and flexibility to guide each student on their own musical journey, helping them grow in skill, confidence, and self-expression.