Chad Braud
Chad Braud
Hello! My name is Chad Braud, and I have the honor of serving as the School Relationship Manager for the state of Louisiana. I am a Louisiana-based musician and educator with more than 30 years of professional experience and a lifelong connection to band programs. I hold both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Jazz Studies from Louisiana State University and have spent over 15 years working directly with band directors and music programs throughout Louisiana and Texas.
In addition to my work in education, I’ve had the privilege of performing with artists such as Harry Connick Jr., Dr. John, Shania Twain, and The Temptations. These experiences have given me valuable real-world insight that I now use to support directors, educators, and students across the state.
At Sweetwater, my goal is to be a trusted partner by providing thoughtful solutions, clear communication, and dependable service that supports the continued growth of your music program.
As one of the School Relationship Managers here at Sweetwater, please let me know anytime I can offer help or advice.
(800) 222-4700 ext 2469
E-mail Chad-
Education/Certifications Teaching Experience:
Both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Jazz Studies at Louisiana State University (LSU)
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Where did you grow up?
South Louisiana - Mostly Baton Rouge, LA
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Do you play any other instruments?
Yes...Drums and Piano, with a dabbling on the bass.
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Describe the most dramatic situation in which you provided the Sweetwater Difference for a customer, or the most unusual/creative solution to a customer's problem:
During one of my first weeks at Sweetwater, a band director contacted me because one of her band parents was struggling to rent an instrument for their student. The parent had already visited a local store and was told the instrument would take several weeks to arrive, and even then, it was not the preferred brand recommended by the director.
I happened to be out at dinner when I received the call, but I stepped outside the restaurant, contacted the parent immediately, and personally walked her through the rental process over the phone. Within two days, the student had a brand-new instrument in hand — the correct brand requested by the director, complete with an upgraded mouthpiece.
A few days later, both the parent and the band director called to thank me. What stood out most to me was how quickly a stressful situation for that family turned into excitement and relief. To me, that experience perfectly represents the Sweetwater Difference: being available, solving problems quickly, and making sure customers feel genuinely cared for. -
What do you enjoy most about being part of the Sweetwater team?
What I enjoy most about being part of the Sweetwater team is the level of care and attention given to every customer and every instrument. Sweetwater truly obsesses over the details, and it shows in every part of the process. From the clarinet a student rents for band class to someone’s dream guitar, every instrument is carefully inspected and handled from the moment it arrives at Sweetwater to the moment it arrives at the customer’s door.
There are entire teams dedicated to making sure customers receive the best possible product and experience. As a School Relationship Manager, that gives me great confidence because band directors, parents, and students can rent or purchase with real peace of mind knowing their instrument has been thoroughly examined and professionally prepared through Sweetwater’s 40-Point Inspection process. -
Who are some of the notable artists you've worked with?
In my 30+ year music career, I've worked with Harry Connick Jr., Dr. John, Shania Twain, KC & the Sunshine Band, Keith Urban, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Kristin Chenoweth, Renée Fleming, George Porter Jr., The Broadway Tenors, The Drifters, and the list goes on. I currently perform with Louisiana Music Hall-of-Famer, Chris Leblanc.
