Piano with Aeryk P.

I am an active participant in the local jazz, pop, rock, and funk scenes, and hold a Bachelor's degree in Jazz and Commercial music from the University of Denver's Lamont School of music. I've acted as the frontman for funk groups and jazz outfits, and have traveled all over the state (and occasionally the country) with more sober acts, like the folk groups All Those Who Wander and Gypsy Caravan. Until June of 2013, I acted as the musical director and manager for the collegiate a Capella group, Exit 205, which recorded its first live album under my direction. With such varied experience, I am sensitive to what I call "pop sensibilities", and am a very capable instructor when it comes to popular (non-classical, non-jazz) music. In addition, I frequently perform jazz, both professionally and recreationally, in Denver and the surrounding area, and have performed in the pit for several locally-produced musicals, including Inspire Creative's production of Guys and Dolls. I have had great success with my students at Bruce Randolph school in north Denver, where I teach for the non-profit organization, El Sistema, and maintain a sizable private studio of students young and old. What sets me apart from most other music teachers is a devotion to stylistic development. I have extensive experience playing Cumbia, Merengue, Batchata and Salsa saxophone; Irish and Old-Time folk music on the saxophone, pennywhistle, and Irish Bodhran; singing rock and pop tunes, both with a band and with an a Capella group, as well as accompanying myself on piano; and especially playing jazz saxophone. Sax, voice, and piano are all expressions of that unspoken language known as music, but draw from very disparate sections of the musical canon. I am familiar not only with this expression, but in teaching others how to utilize the multiple facets of each discipline to strengthen each other. No focus is independent from the others, but rather complimentary to the total skill set the student is looking to acquire. I believe that the future of music, and therefore a large portion of our society's culture, lies in the hands of tomorrow's musicians, no matter what age, and so I make it a point to draw on all of my past experience to keep each student engaged and learning throughout the lesson process. *** Lesson Details *** Each student, and indeed each lesson, has a unique goal, as far as music is concerned. I make a concerted effort to address this goal, while still maintaining the integrity of the curriculum. If a student is just starting out, I have access to a wealth of different educational materials and experience to help get them on track for success. If a student wants to learn jazz saxophone, maybe we'll work out of the Real Book or the Charlie Parker Omnibook, transcribing licks and learning about their application. If a student is trying to develop an ear for Latin rhythms, we might learn all about the different dance styles, and how to add your own voice to each one. If they're trying to break onto the folk scene, our lessons might involve delving into the music's historical techniques and recordings, and learning how to write tunes in that style. If they want to be a singer/songwriter/pianist, maybe we won't use a book at all, but will really investigate their personal musical style and learn how to emulate their favorite musicians. Even students that have no idea what direction they're headed, but know that they want to learn music, share a common goal with every creative type out there. The first lesson is always about getting to know the student and their values, which helps point us in the exact right direction for musical development. For each lesson, we will develop and keep track of musical goals, both long and short-term, so that achievement is par for the course. By understanding what it is we value in music, we begin to paint a picture of the type of musician we want to become. Music should be more than calculation and rigor. Through this system of individual attention and goal-oriented organization, the student, no matter the age or experience, will develop several usable skills, and have fun doing it. More importantly, they will be able to describe why and how these skills are used, displaying a deeper understanding in developing the ability to teach others. *** Studio Equipment *** Steinway pianos, music stands and chairs, virtual acoustic practice rooms, bathrooms and vending machines. *** Travel Equipment *** N/A *** Specialties *** Jazz and other improvisation for saxophone, piano, and voice, classical saxophone, pop/rock singing and piano, jazz and classical theory, and theory-based approach to improvisation.