Chad has enjoyed music all of his life.  He began learning music at age 5 and began to play the violin at age 11.  Chad played violin all through high school earning honors and recognition at UIL competitions and other competitions in the US.  He then went on to  attend the University of Texas at Arlington as a Music Theory and Composition Major with study on the violin and participation in the UTA Symphony and various Chamber Groups. Mr. Wandel received a BA degree in Music Theory and Composition in 2003.

As part of his education at UTA, Chad was a teacher for the introduction to music courses for children ages 9 months to 5 years old. Chad says he really loves "working with children and seeing them come alive when they get to explore and create with music."  Mr. Wandel fits well with the mission of Mountain Valley Studios, because he "believes in building good musicians by teaching a well rounded education in music, developing musicality and musicianship, and fostering personal development through discipline and practice."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

At Mountain Valley Studios, Chad teaches private violin and viola lessons.  He also teaches infant and toddler music classes.

Chad currently resides in his hometown of Arlington, Texas with his wife, Leslie and his two young children.  Music is his primary career. When he is not teaching, he is often playing at weddings, or working as  a professional DJ.