Calabasas, CA Songwriting Lessons

usic Theory. I credit my early development to my teachers, Ron Bluen, and Steve Famiglietti. I aspire to offer my students the same positive influence I received during my formative years.
After high school, I attended the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California, where I honed my chops. From there, I played with various bands, including Hollywood Rose (the precursor to Guns N’ Roses) and with Bruce Bouillet (Racer X, The Scream, Epidemic) and Tommy Chong.
In 2006, I released my solo record, Contributions For An Atom Bomb. The Album has garnered a cult following and the respect of some of my all-time heroes.
Today, I continue to play live shows, teach, study, write, record and jam. Nothing makes me prouder than jamming with my students and watching them grow as musicians.

*** Lesson Details ***
I like to focus on three things every lesson.
1. Technical Exercises- to get your fingers moving and build strength and coordination
2. Music Theory - the fingerboard and the way music works seem complicated, but I have a great methodical and simple way to break it down so it all makes sense.
3. Tunes - I like to work with the music you like. We take songs and break them down to understand the techniques and theory behind them. You won't just play the song like the recording, you'll understand the chords and scales and why your favorite artist chose them.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have guitars, a bass, pedals, cables, metronome, practice amps, etc. All you need to bring is your guitar.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide my own equipment and materials, students must provide their own guitar, amp, etc.

*** Specialties ***
I teach students to understand theory and the fingerboard. All styles and genres are acceptable but I specialize in rock.

y to play percussion in the school symphony while at the same time developed an intense interest in the instrument that would become my true love, the guitar.

During 1996-98 I studied jazz guitar at the New World School of the Arts music program under the direction of J.B. Dyas and Dr. Roby George. Upon graduation, I was immediately accepted to the University of Miami jazz guitar program under the direction of Randall Dollahan. It was during this time that I also refined my skills as a classical guitarist and as a composer/arranger. In addition, I began passing my knowledge onto friends and eventually began working as a teacher.

My ability to play almost any genre of music is the fruit of past experience playing with an impressive variety of music groups, including jazz combos, symphony orchestras, Andean world music ensembles, and several rock and pop groups as well. As a studio guitarist I have recorded for various artists including Jaci Velasquez, Carlos Ponce, Alexandre Pires, and Noelia.

*** Lesson Details ***
Now also available to teach online video chat lessons through Skype.

Every one of you is unique and there are many possible paths to reach your goals in music.

With my background and music industry experience, I am able to customize my lessons for you so that you can reach your desired goals. We will take some time to find out where your passion lies in music and I will use my experience and knowledge to create a customized lesson-plan that will allow us to focus on reaching your desired goals and at the same time maintain a well rounded music education.

I find this to be key in making the lessons and your practice sessions very enjoyable, fun and laid back - knowing that everything we practice, play and talk about is in line with your goals as a student.

I will also be playing along with you and demonstrating everything that we're working on - music is meant to be shared and played with others and it is important to have that experience of interaction from early on in your lessons.

So whether it's learning to accompany yourself or others, write songs, read music, understand harmony, solo, or just jam out to your favorite songs, you will be well on your way to reaching your goals within 6 months of my lessons.

Look forward to making music with you!

Want to learn a quick exercise for mastering the fretboard on your guitar? Check out my article on the TakeLessons blog here: http://takelessons.com/blog/guitar-fretboard-chart

*** Studio Equipment ***
Living room w/ grand piano and seating for parents.
Room/studio with professional recording equipment - Logic Pro X recording software, Mackie HR824 Studio Monitors, Miktech C4 Tube Microphone, UA6176 Preamp/compressor, Apogee Duet D/A converter.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide my instrument and teaching materials.
Students provide their instrument, music folders.

*** Specialties ***
All styles - pop, rock, classical, jazz, blues, folk, ethnic, latin, soul

I help students who want to play on stage, in front of a audience prepare for it.
Another significant part of my education was studying the physiology of playing drums (or any musical instrument.) This had a major positive effect on my practice habits and i bring this info to my students in a "short and sweet" manner of explanation. I will give you the facts of improving on a musical instrument.

I also love the art of songwriting and been fortunate to win several songwriting awards with my band Cohesive in 2008, 2009 and 2010

*** Lesson Details ***
One of my lessons styles is designed to get you playing from your imagination. Improvisation inspired by the sounds you are creating. In that process I will give you important information about how you earned the sound, so you can always be inspired to create. This can be a fun method for many people. Others students favor playing 2 drumsets at the class and like to rely on the visual aspects of learning.

I have studied the physiology of playing a musical instrument in detail. I like to sprinkle in the facts while we are learning a pattern or piece of music. This knowledge can greatly enhance your practice results.
Students are Always welcome to share more specific things they are interested in working on. I enjoy teaching all drumset concepts including Linear style, Ghost Notes,
compound stickings, double bass style, rudiments, rudiment applications, soloing, ostinatos. I have a few highly recommended method books that work very well. I also really like when students bring in a song they like. My teaching style is a laid back style but i do love to discuss and exercise strong discipline to students who are open to it. 3 months into lessons you can expect to be playing a number of different beats and song(s). I am very good at recognizing the way you are most comfortable learning.
I also play piano and guitar and have access to both instruments at your lesson so we can jam when you want.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Studio rooms: several drum kits, computer, recording gear, PA sound system
Piano and Guitars. video taping lessons available

*** Travel Equipment ***
Drum Pad, Snare, Sticks
It would be good if student had a drum set at home but not completely necessary in the beginning.

*** Specialties ***
I am very accomplished on Drumset. I play and study all styles
Jazz, Latin, Rock, Funk, Fusion, Big Band, World and all drumset concepts Linear, Compound stickings, Ghost Notes, Rudiments and rudimental application. Rhythm/Timing, Physiology Soloing, Ostinatos, Odd Meters, Odd Note Groupings, 4 way co-ordination,

ing a goal, towards music "YOU" like, and learning to play it.
If you've already had lessons, I always ask, questions like "Do you already know this"? Then we'll move on past it.
And, questions like "If I'm using a word or 'term' that you're not sure you understand, then stop me, and we'll learn it.
I'm very empathetic, to the process of learning music! I think it's exciting, and I enjoy teaching it because of that!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Downloadable Lesson Method Materials. Webcam.
Pianos / keyboards / Synthesizers / Computer based Keyboards

*** Specialties ***
1) Piano/Keyboard-"Play by Ear"/ while learning Music Theory.
"I believe in the concept that we could get milk out of the refrigerator, before we could spell it. And we could say "refrigerator", before we could spell it. And Based on that understanding, eventually learned to spell it, and for some, even repair it." I've proven that music can be taught this way, in a gratifying way, without ignoring "Training" that traditionally has intimidated so many.

2)Synthesizer fundamentals.
Whether it's a keyboard, or a computer. If you want to know what all those knobs do, ask me. Sure you can experiment. But There are a handful of knobs and buttons (ADSR/ Filter/ Envelope/LFO etc.) that are the same, across the gamut. That fundamental knowledge makes it possible to control every sound, and create them from scratch, into anything you imagine! If you don't understand what "MIDI" means, or "ADSR", I can teach you in a few short lessons. Knowledge is power.

e. I have a routine I do, that I will start students with, but am very open to modification based on student needs/desires.

I perform jazz professionally in Los Angeles, and have spent time touring in playing in the San Francisco Bay Area, New York, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Macedonia, Canada, and have performed or led groups internationally at the Umbria Jazz Festival, the North Sea Jazz Festival, the Montreux Jazz Festival, the Tuscia Jazz Festival, the Angel City Jazz Festival and the Monterey Jazz Festival. You can hear my original compositions and playing on bandcamp or soundcloud.

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.

more. Lessons with me will be built around your own unique personal goals and are scheduled to best fit to the student’s schedule when possible.

arranger, songwriter and keyboardist in Los Angeles and the Boston area.

I teach contemporary piano styles to students of all ages and musical levels. I work with guitar, bass and wind players on their improvisation, music theory, ear training and melodic development. Being a pianist and producer, I coach vocalists on their contemporary repertoire and prepare them for auditions. As a composer, I work with songwriters, arrangers and composition majors.

I teach from my studio in Los Angeles onsite or online. My classes are always fun, stress free but with a strong curriculum, organized and dynamic.

My personal passion is contemporary music but I firmly believe that strong musicianship is key to any and every style. I look forward to meet you and help you achieve your musical goals!