Clarkedale Music Lessons

ut am willing to adjust and compromise if the situation dictates. If you don't have a curriculum in mind, I like Alfred's piano courses, but will do my best to find one that fits you as a student best. My initial goals are to make sure the basics of reading music and performing are set so that no matter what musical avenue you want to pursue, you will be successful. I do specialize in classical music but enjoy creating and playing in other genres as well.

I now also offer lessons online, as well as tutoring in most math areas!

***CANCELLATION POLICY***
I kindly ask for 24 hour notice whenever possible if a lesson is going to be missed. Generally speaking, if I don't hear from a student and their lesson time passes I will mark the lesson as missed, but I am also usually more than willing to make up the lesson at a later time.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have a piano keyboard at my home.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I would expect students to have their own instruments as needed, as well as music paper, pencils, etc. I may be able to provide some of those materials on occasion as well as some books/recordings, but will by and large expect students to purchase those for themselves.

*** Specialties ***
I am much more familiar with classical styles and Broadway. My music writing style tends to be somewhere between neo-classical and avant-garde.

***Blog Posts***
http://takelessons.com/blog/playing-the-piano-common-struggles

e many musicians at the beginner intermediate and advanced levels of training. His practical systematic and thorough teaching method allows students to develop quickly and rise to their full potential. Retiring from military music recently Ray is busy working on various recording projects and freelancing as a pianist/keyboardist teaching private lessons and providing music media services in the greater Atlanta area.

MY PERFORMANCE:
As a performing artist Ray has worked as a professional musician for the last 25 years performing around the world in more than 20 different countries with various ensembles. He has recorded on numerous albums with various artists to include the Army Ground Forces Band, Orquesta Sensacional, and most recently with the Ian Charleton Big Band (Brain Chatter Album available on Spotify). Ray is fluent and proficient in many different styles and genres of music. Specializing in jazz and Latin styles he is truly a master improviser and soloist. Ray's style of playing is influenced by artist like Herbie Hancock Chic Corea Oscar Peterson and Thelonious Monk. Ray has also performed and,or recorded with some of the most accomplished musicians from around the world to include Grover Washington Jr., Hillary Jones, Gerald Chavis, Roy Richardson, Gary Harris, Don Tillman, Brett Anderson, Corey Cross, Alfie Moss, Abdu Salim, Joel Joyner, Dexter Whitaker, Jim Lambie, Jamie Abersold, and Wayne Bergeron just to name a few. He has also had the distinguished honor to perform for former presidents Ronald Regan and George Bush. Ray aspires to be the consummate musician.

FOR BEGINNER PIANO STUDENTS:
For students just starting out I use the Leila Fletcher Piano series, John Thompson, or Alfred series. After students are doing establish the basic and are doing well I introduce music theory and technique (scales, basic chords, and technical exercises) as well.

FOR INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED LEVEL STUDENTS:
I define intermediate level students as students who already have had 2 yo 4 years of lessons and experience and can already play pretty well. With this level of student I work on strengthening their foundation and rounding out and diversifying their skill set. usually with this level of student they have specific goals in mind that we work towards as well.

The intermediate level is also where various piano and music styles are addressed to include classical, pop, rock, R&B, country, blues, jazz (modern & swing) and Latin, contemporary christian, and gospel. The technical aspects of playing these styles like chords, chord progressions, scales, modes, licks and ornaments,technical exercises, sight reading, lead sheet interpretation, music theory, ear training, playing by ear, song form, and improvisation, intros & endings, and performance concepts and techniques are addressed as well.

OVERVIEW:
Overall my students that apply themselves usually progress quickly and exponentially. some of them have went on to be professional musicians and band leaders and have far surpassed their initial intended goals and objectives.

Melt quickly grabbed the attention of the critics, and received extensive play on BBC Radio One, XFM, and London FM. Rock journalists wrote rave reviews of Melt for Melody Maker and NME and was given "Single Of The Week" status. Melt performed with Supergrass, Modest Mouse, Eels, Julianna Hatfield, and Hefner.

Joël moved to New York and formed his next band, Mutronium who were voted #2 favorite of the year on WFMU Radio. Mutronium performed with Grizzly Bear, Au Revoir Simone, and BM Linx before disbanding. Joel then turned his attention to production work, producing and engineering recordings for TVT recording artists Ambulance Ltd. and 11 albums for U.K. band Hefner. Currently Joël is working on placement music for TV and films.

e full advantage of their abilities, and how to market themselves for gig opportunities.

ill leave you feeling great about your experience with me as your instructor.
I cant wait to start our first lesson! See you soon!