Cortaro Music Lessons

rested in, yet still incorporate a dose of music theory and other styles to help inspire well rounded musicians. I can teach to any age, in any genre, as well as help with songwriting, performance techniques, recording skills, and classical composition. Whether you want to learn to play songs from your favorite band, rock out with awesome guitar solos, play beautiful spanish guitar pieces, or write you masterpiece, I can help you realize your musical dreams. My goal is to inspire the next generation of musicians to get the most out of their instrument, and foster a life long love of music that can enrich their lives and the world around them.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am a laid back teacher with a diverse and serious knowledge of music. I truly love music and inspiring new or continuing musicians. I can adapt my lessons to the student so that if you have professional goals I will do my best to challenge and help you to reach them, or if you are a child who is just beginning I will do my best to teach you in a fun and relaxed manner that keeps you excited to come back and learn more the next week. No matter what the age or skill level I take my job very seriously, and try to make the process seriously fun.
If the students is interested in reading standard music notation I teach from the Hal Leonard Guitar Method series, which are the books of choice for countless music instructors. After 3 to 6 months most students have finished at least the first book in the series and can read and play simple songs easily.
If you are interested in reading tablature or chord charts, I have many lesson plans from years of experience that can quickly teach you how to play everything from simple folk songs and popular music to complex Jimi Hendrix solos.
If you are interested in classical guitar, or vocals I start with books of simple spanish guitar etudes and can work with you all the way up to complex advanced works from Segovia and the other masters. In a few months, even beginning students can play beautiful pieces that will impress family and friends.
If you are a banjo student I teach from the Hal Leonard Banjo Method series. I can work with simple clawhammer techniques, or more complex bluegrass methods. In a few months most students can play many simple country and folk songs.
If you are a vocal student I can teach anything from rock/country styles, to showtunes and classical techniques. In a few months I can show how to sing and breath correctly, and help learn how to read music and train your ears to sing in tune.

*** Studio Equipment ***
practice room, amps, and the paper to write down the lessons

*** Travel Equipment ***
I have all the necessary equipment, guitars, banjos, amps, etc. I expect the student to have their own instrument, but I can provide something for the lesson like an amplifier.

*** Specialties ***
I can teach any genre or method. I base the lessons on the students desires and abilities, not on any predetermined plan I may have. I can teach in standard notation, tablature, chord charts, or improvisational methods. I can also teach songwriting, performance/recording techniques, and classical composition.

was Music Theatre.

I have maintained a piano and voice studio for over 25 years in Tucson, Arizona.

o the University of Arizona to receive degrees in Music Composition and Philosophy with minors in Mathematics and English Literature. For my Masters' programs I wondered into the world of contemporary composers and experimental music at Mills College in Oakland where I finished my M.A. in Music Composition as well as my M.F.A. in Electronic Music and Recording Media. All the while pursuing a mastery of the instruments that caught my ear in the first place.

I have now returned to Tucson to work on my music and further my education in the field of philosophy at the University of Arizona.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am laid back and playful in my approach. I like to gear lessons toward the interests of the student, and if I am doing my job correctly, all traditional technique will be painless. I also like to delve into music theory to give one a deeper appreciation as well as an understanding and steady grasp of the tools of composition if their heart is so inclined. When it comes to music I am rather eclectic and I feel every style has something to add to the techniques of a solid performer, so I tend to draw from many disparate places to offer a fuller experience. In no time at all, you should be playing pieces you love, understanding how they work, and perhaps embellishing them or writing your own.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Keyboard, Guitar, Amps

*** Travel Equipment ***
Provide: My guitar, music stand, and amp if necessary.
Student Provides: Their instrument (Piano/guitar etc.)

*** Specialties ***
Rock/ Jazz/ Classical/ Experimental

other duo. I also was a studio singer and produced and sold a couple of jingles. I have been a staff singer with Arizona Opera since 1992. I have been in 80 + productions/600+ performances. I just signed a contract to be in 3 operas in the 2012 - 2013 season. Also in 1992 I started my own business as a pre-school music specialist and that has been my day job for the last 20 years. I'm known as "Mr. Ray" to tens of thousands of Tucson pre-schoolers and see about 1500 little guys a week!

I have been teaching guitar and voice privately for 35years. I've had students as long as 8 years! Teaching is one of my greatest passions in life. I have a wealth of experience to draw from and would love to help you or your child realize your dreams! Obviously I specialize in kids but have had many adult students also.

I am also a recording engineer with a multi track project studio. I have produced 2 children's CD's: "Mr. Ray Sings the Dinosaur Dance and Other Favorites" and "Mr. Ray Sings Lullabies".

I've been writing songs since the 70's and can help you in many ways in that field!

*** Lesson Details ***
I have a patient style that is infused with energy! My curriculum depends on age and student goals. Acoustic guitar and voice are my specialties. Texts include Hal Leonard Guitar Method Books 1 - 3 and Beginning Classroom Guitar by Philip Hemo as well as strumming patterns and finger picking. I do assign homework. Voice lessons include ear training, vocal exercises, accessing all notes in your range and , of course, working on songs of music styles/artists you like. All students are furnished with a cd recording of the lesson. The goal for most is to perform and I have many opportunities including recitals and X-mas shows. After 3 - 6 months? Progress depends on you!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lessons in a music room, recording equipment, keyboard, PA system, mic, multi-track recorder, double french doors in glass so parents can see the lessons without being in the same room. Students take home a CD of the lesson.

*** Specialties ***
acoustic guitar, all styles vocal

to teach healthy, grounded singing, no matter what musical style my students are interested in pursuing. I focus on balanced and centered body alignment, accurate body mapping, an easy breathing technique, and vibrancy/flexibility in sound. If there is unnecessary tension or problems in these areas, this can hold students back from truly enjoying singing.