Calabasas, CA Songwriting Lessons

comes to have dinner and hang out. I named my son after the musical "Oliver" and the name suits him! I like that Oliver means " peace offering" I grew up in the Hollywood Hills, and love the history of Hollywoodland, I also love music and TV history. My uncle Sherwood co wrote 2 of the most iconic TV themes of all time in GIlligan's Island theme and the Brady Bunch. My mom, (Judithe) and I wrote songs together for 25 years. I named my first publishing company after my dog, Atso and he was the president and his legacy lives on in his name.

Employment History / Credits

Songwriting School of Los Angeles 2010- present
Musicians Institute 1992-present
Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LACHSA) 2013 - present
Neighborhood Rock School 2013- present
Dick Grove School of Music 1985-1992
LA Recording Workshop 1998-2005
The Baywatch Production Co / Fremantle Media 1989-1999

Education:

Dick Grove School of Music

Composition Program 1982-1983
Keyboard Program 1983-1984

Hollywood High School 1979
Honors in Music and History

ATAS member since 1997
Emmy judge for 15 years

Platinum Hit :" Tomorrow Doesn't Matter Tonight" Starship /RCA Records
"The Last Time" Agnetha Faltskog (ABBA) / WEA Records
Gold: "Where Are You Now" Roxus / Austrailia / Mushroom Records
Wrote numerous songs for TV show "Baywatch" 1989-1999
Songs /music in various TV movies, reality shows, films 1979-current
Collaborated with American Idol Top 5 finalist Brooke White
American Idol songwriting contest finalist 2007 / Jordin Sparks year
Co authored Music Book "The Lead Sheet Bible" A step by step guide to doing lead sheets and chord charts, published by Hal Leonard Publ. 1998

*** Lesson Details ***
To me every student is unique and special, therefore I design the lesson around what they need and or want to learn. With the younger students, I strongly suggest we work out of a book as well as me giving them handouts to work on too. There are many and various books by Faber and Faber I love to use. Hal Leonard and Alfred Publishing have some great books depending on the students needs. With kids, it's important to keep it fun and interesting, and get them on a practice schedule. I believe one must have much patience with the younger students and the level of communication must be high, keeping them engaged and focused. With teens and adults, it depends on where they are at, and I always ask what they want to concentrate on. A well rounded piano lesson would work on reading, technique, theory, songs. Again, depending on the type of student, the lesson would incorporate more /and or less of these components.
I've been coined the "Chord Queen" by many students because of my fascination with how theory plays a subconscious role in songwriters who write by ear and if I'm teaching songwriting, we are looking at how the song is structured, the lyrics,the music, and of course the harmony and arrangement and I'm here to guide the student to be able to finish the song, and them be happy when it comes to fruition.

The subjects I've taught:

Piano
Theory
Ear Training
Songwriting/ Artist Development
Music History
Transcribing/Chord Charts/Lead Sheets
Music Publishing/Copyright

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have a piano I teach at in my home, I have a photo copy machine to make copies and Wifi access if the student needs to bring their computer.Ipad, etc in regards to songwriting

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can bring music/paper/pens/pencils/hand outs/sheet music
Students should have piano/keyboard/Access to computer, or ipad would be helpful for research,examples. Lots of people have their music on their cell phones.

*** Specialties ***
Mostly Contemporary music,but have taught in many styles
pop/Rock/Country/Jazz/Soul genres

"Alex progressed much further with guitar than he did with piano and he actually got to the point where he enjoyed playing on his own. That was a great accomplishment and very impressive to me...you helped instill some discipline and over the course of your instruction, Alex learned a lot. You were always positive with him, even when that was difficult, and I admired that and still appreciate it. I always looked forward on Sunday mornings to hearing the material the two of you were working on and I know he enjoyed his lesson with you."

*** Lesson Details ***
As a teacher, one of my biggest goals is to keep my students motivated and get them enthused about their music and committed to daily practice. I will strive to inspire my students, and ensure that all the while, they are having the time of their life! Practice and commitment are key. Students' curricula vary according to the student's goals and strengths and weaknesses. All students will learn how to play in tune and in time, know their fundamentals, work with music theory and learn how to use written materials. (And they will have fun learning!) More advanced students can learn about blues and jazz improvisation, slide guitar and also participate in blues jams with other students, record, and You Tube video production.

*** Studio Equipment ***
All kinds of guitar and bass guitar equipment and portable hard disc recording equipment for student demo recordings.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Students need a well functioning guitar, music stand, guitar tuner and metronome. Students will also need a notebook to organize written lessons I will hand out.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in blues and jazz mostly, but also have vast knowledge of rock music from it's blues roots to the more modern styles. I also can play in country style, and I play blues slide guitar.

industry working with top tier performers such as Chaka Khan, The Black Eyed Peas, Montell Jordan and Babyface to name a few. Accompanying her is a staff of accomplished performers and teachers who have credits throughout the entertainment industry. At the WHAA, her performing arts academy, she offers a conservatory-level curriculum focusing on the fundamental skills of technique, composition, artistry and performance in music, dance, drama and visual arts.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am a very fun loving person and believe in creating a positive environment where students feel comfortable to be themselves. At the same time I am a stickler for details and do not allow laziness. I believe a balance of fun with excellence has allowed my students to excel far beyond their own expectations. Good results takes HARD WORK! Please do not come to lessons with the expectation to sing like Beyoncé or play piano at Carnegie Hall after 4 lessons. Mastering your voice and instrument takes equal parts of time, hard work, dedication and patience.

My teaching style is individually based.
For vocal clients, I asses their strengths and weaknesses and develop a plan to build up their weak areas while helping them find "their own voice". I focus on breathing, intonation and control which I believe are the foundation of great singing ability. I use a classical Italian based program along with pop, R&B, jazz, and rock. I have vocal coached in many languages including Spanish, Japanese and Chinese.

For piano clients I focus on strength, dexterity and precision in fingering. I also help students learn to feel the music and bring their personality and touch to each piece they are performing.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Tanisha currently teaches at her performing arts academy the White H Arts Academy. There are private instruction rooms and a lobby waiting area for parents and guests. Parents may also sit in the lesson room if desired. Private lesson rooms include a piano, speakers, and a music stand.

The White H Arts Academy also has two state of the art mirrored dance rooms with sound systems and wireless microphones for practicing stage performances or rehearsing for a big show.

*** Specialties ***
Vocals: beg to adv
Piano: beg to inter

Vocal genres are classical (opera), pop, R&B, gospel, rock, jazz, blues and musical theater. I studied voice at Berklee College of Music. Have also studied Seth Riggs SLS (Speech Level Singing) method independently, however, I am not certified. I also teach in languages other than English including Spanish, Japanese and Chinese.

Piano instruction levels I teach are basic to intermediary focusing on classical, and general accompaniment abilities.

re harm than good. I believe attention must be paid to individual learning styles. Therefore, as a teacher I have learned to observe carefully at first and custom tailor a practice routine with each student aimed at achieving their goals. I believe the study of music helps foster a deep level of self-confidence and self realization, which eventually leads the student to discover a portion of himself he would otherwise never know. My goal is to inspire others with this joy, which is everyone's birthright and an important key in finding happiness.

A gifted singer-songwriter of Pop, Rock, World and Reggae songs that possess that timeless quality. He has recorded with 2 time Grammy nominated producer Barry Goldberg (Eagles, Robbie Robertson, Verve Pipe, Marilyn Manson). He has released three CDs, had songs featured in compilations and in feature length film, toured North America, and taught guitar, piano, and voice both privately and in an all ages Montessori school in Santa Monica. He consistently played in a variety of bands while earning an A.A. in music from SMC and later a B.A. in Ethnomusicology from UCLA, where he earned distinction as an excellent student both academically and in musical performance. He brought passion to his performances with legends, Fransisco Aguabellas Afro Cuban ensemble, Brazilian Batucada ensemble, African-American gospel choir, music and dance of Ghana, and the Balinese Gamelan ensemble. As a member of several original LA bands, (Las Manchas, Samson Simpson, Toussaint, Mentone, Cloth and Spicy Fernandez) he has performed at world famous venues and toured North America. He co-wrote and co-produced the first EP records by Samson Simson with Ronen Navah, and also co-produced Mentone's first full-length record, "Empire" with Ronen Navah and Aki Ehara" Currently he is developing his new band, Spicy Fernandez, which has released a few singles on the internet and is getting a good buzz from Industry heavy weights.

*** Lesson Details ***
I believe in custom tailoring a curriculum to fit the students needs, while still providing them with the same basic tools all musicians need to develop in order to play well (both with themselves and with others). Obviously, some students require more structure and discipline, while others have a stronger work ethic. Some may even need a teacher that is more laid back to balance them out, but more so my job is to facilitate learning and guide. A student studying with me can expect to receive a general assessment of their skill level in musicianship, theory, and on their instrument within the first couple of lessons (or once I feel that I have experienced enough of their abilities). Based on that assessment, I will work with the student to develop a plan of small goals to work toward. Progress will be monitored weekly and larger goals will unfold naturally in accord with the students own dreams and musical ambitions. Within 3 to 6 months of study with me students will learn to play a range of simple songs, basic scales, exercises, finger positions, and have a solid foundation for listening to, and playing to rhythm.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Full acoustic upright, Wurlizter electric piano, and keyboard synths, a computer based digital audio workstation...guitars...percussion...in the front room of my house. Has a full set-up for a band.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide copies of some sheet music, a library of music books, percussion instruments, digital recordings of lessons.
I expect that they provide their own instrument, pencil, notebook, 3-ring binder for sheet music, stereo/mp3 player, CD player, etc.

*** Specialties ***
I excel at popular music genres such as pop, blues, R&B, rock, and jazz. I am also trained classically and enjoy the challenges of standard repertoire from Bach to Chopin.
I began studying music as a student of the Suzuki method. However, today I find that my own practice resembles most closely, the Kodály, Dalcroze, and Orff-Schulwerk methodologies in philosophy and application.

ns for the last 6 years.

With all of this experience and knowledge, I offer a student a very rich understanding of many styles of music. I can ensure that a student gets on the right track towards a bright musical future, whether they want to become a professional musician or whether they want guitar as a lifelong hobby.

*** Lesson Details ***
When you take lessons from me, you will be taking the fastest route to success: playing a lot of guitar! We will cover everything from music theory to technique to soloing to playing your favorite songs, but we won't be spending the lesson time talking. Everything you learn will be quickly put into a playable, practical context, so that you learn the most, and have the most fun!

I have high expectations for my students, and practicing every day is a requirement. But because my curriculum is personally tailored to each individual student, and involves a lot of the music that the student is most passionate about, I find my students often love to practice! I also use a variety of musical texts to enrich the students learning (including, but not limited to, Practical Theory for Guitar by Don Latarski, Effortless Mastery by Kenny Werner, the Real Book series, and various Mel Bay books).

After about 6 months, a new student will have learned most basic chords and scales, the building blocks of playing solos, and a good handful of their favorite songs! More experienced students will have enriched their understanding of guitar and how it relates to the music they love, and music that is new to them!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lessons will happen in a studio room at the guest house, electric/acoustic guitars, bass and amps are available, it has instruments on the wall, computer with recording equipment, free street parking. In the event that a student in allergic to cats/dogs, the lessons can occur on the backyard at a roofed area.

*** Travel Equipment ***
guitar, amp, any effects if necessary. student must provide guitar (any kind)

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in rock, pop, folk, and jazz guitar styles. I focus on material that the individual student is excited about and wants to learn, and incorporate fundamentals and other pertinent skills necessary to maximize the students ability.

For bass guitar I specialize in rock and pop.

Contemporary songwriting technique is not genre-specific and I can teach any type of songwriting, from hip hop to country to rock. I have been a songwriter for 7 years, and have released 3 full length albums and one EP of my original material. I was also a student in the pilot classes which later became USC's Popular Music degree program. These classes focused on songwriting and were taught by industry veterans Chris Sampson and Richard Smith.

I was trained in advanced music theory as part of my degree from USC. I integrate theory into my other lessons but I can also teach theory alone.

I have advanced skills with ProTools and have extensive experience (5 years) in recording, from professional studios to personal home setups.

I told everyone that I was gonna be a rockstar when I grow up.

I spent my teenage years playing in bands and eventually moved on to the guitar. I played actively all over Sweden but told everyone that I was gonna move to LA to further my career. And in 2012 that dream became reality.

Since then I’ve been fortunate enough in this rollercoaster called the music industry/life to combine my two biggest passions in life, music and traveling, and have toured all over the US, the UK, played Warped Tour, US Air Force Bases in the Middle East and Japan and even cruise ships in the Caribbean (my favorite place on earth), all with several different bands. Somewhere along the way I also started passing on my knowledge and coaching music, with a contemporary pop/rock approach and focus on getting more girls into music.

When I’m not performing or teaching, I write music for film and television. You can hear me on the latest season of Vanderpump Rules on Bravo.

Endorsed by:
Washburn Guitars
Rockready gig bags/Osiamo

I am looking forward to working with you! :)
- Moa H

l as Amy Heidemann (lead singer from Karmin), Stephanie is a well-coached vocalist and songwriter. She has performed for the president of Costa Rica, the ambassador & Deputy Chief of Mission of the Unites States Embassy, as well as sung back up for the Grammy award winning Latin American band Maná. She has been giving voice lessons and songwriting workshops for around 5 years since she graduated. She teaches a full range of subjects, including ear training, music theory, beginning keyboarding & accompanying skills, vocal health, vocal technique, the Alexander Technique, choreography for performance, relaxation techniques, developing proporioception/interoception as well as an emotional and energetic awareness for a better interpretation of songs and optimal vocal quality. She also gives songwriting workshops and mentors/co-writes with her students so that they are able to master their songwriting skills and develop them as artists.

ow my students to be as open-minded as possible. I look forward to meeting you and helping you reach your full potential as a musician!