Piano with Mark D.

Hi! My name is Marky. I have been playing the bass, guitar and piano for over 15 years now and have been teaching private and group lessons for almost 10 years. I love all aspects and styles of music and I am confident in playing and teaching anything from rock and pop to blues, jazz, and reggae. My musical journey has brought me from my hometown of Rochester, N.Y. to Seattle, Las Vegas, Hawaii and currently Los Angeles. Rochester N.Y. is where I studied music theory, music history and also took private lessons of my own. During my travels is where I felt like my musical knowledge and experience really expanded, since I was able to learn from different cultures and by playing in diverse styles of bands along the way. In addition to teaching, I have been active in live performances and in the recording studio for as long as I have been playing. My musical pursuits have brought me on quite a journey and I'd love to share some of my knowledge and experience with you! *** Lesson Details *** My approach to teaching has always been "teach how I would want to be taught" while acknowledging students' strengths and learning styles and catering to those as well. My experience has also taught me that a student needs to be given a proper balance of familiar music they can enjoy and relate to while gradually easing in the musical theory and the technical aspect of learning their instrument. Without this balance, students are not engaged and end up losing interest very quickly. My approach enables students to have a "musical" experience even during their first lesson, and as mentioned, incorporating music they enjoy is the motivating factor. Another method I really like to encourage (although I will happily teach one instrument at a time) is teaching multiple instruments and their relationship to each other. In the musical world there are only 12 notes, always has been, and "probably" always will be, and all instruments share that same set of notes. I think it's a great idea for students to have a general understanding of instrument similarities and music as a whole. Although my lessons are typically a one-on-one scenario, sometimes learning with a friend or family member is a great way to stay motivated and inspired. Last and most importantly, learning music is supposed to be fun, and that's always been my goal. Each student has different desires, learning styles and so on and I will accommodate and adapt to each one. Some concepts can be picked up rather quickly while others take a little longer and that is fine and completely normal. There is no judging; the goal is to have fun and learn at your own pace. Thank you for your interest; I hope to hear from you soon, and even if it's not with me, I hope you learn to make music someday, It's a great thing! Marky *** Studio Equipment *** Lessons in the main room, couch, 15X15, in a safe and comfortable home environment. Music stands, computer, instruments available if needed and easy street parking available. *** Travel Equipment *** At least their main instrument so they have the means to practice during the week. I have amps, effects, extra cables and tuners etc. *** Specialties *** My specialty is beginners to intermediate, but I'm comfortable with teaching more advanced students as well. As far as genres, rock, pop, punk, funk, classic rock, reggae, and most mainstream is my strongest point, although I have taught blues and jazz as well. I tend to hand-write almost all of my students lessons on tab/music paper, unless you bring a book or we determine that's the method you feel most comfortable learning from. Everyone has different learning styles, desires and expectations so I see it fit to customize each lesson as opposed to guiding everyone through the same book. I strive to be as un-robotic as possible and I know students appreciate that. :)