Learn Songwriting with the
Best Teachers in LA

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

ialties ***
I specialize in jazz improvisation on piano and guitar.
I also teach recreational guitar and piano for adults, including classical and blues styles.
I coach bass players and drummers in playing stylistically correct grooves for jazz, rock and latin music.

r creativity.

Backed by an extensive musical background debuting with the Philadelphia Orchestra and continuing her career singing with Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic, Jan L. went on to receive a Bachelor’s of Education in Opera at Temple University and two Master’s Degrees from Combs College of Music in Theatre Arts and Composition.

Jan is the author of the performance book called "Once More With Feeling."

There is exciting news with Jan. Jan has been teaching online on Zoom.us. It's like Skype but better because you can record the whole lesson. For those of you who want a world class teacher, you can learn from Jan who has 20 Grammy winners. No driving, Just sit yourself in front of your computer screen. You will love the intimacy without leaving your home. Give it a try.

Jan teaches vocal technique that connects the chest middle head voice with a gospel belt. Jan covers proper breathing, vocal technique, performance coaching and recording in her protools studio.

"Jan L. is an award winning songwriter, producer, actress, and artist developer. Her studio, Angel Diva Music, is designed to improve artist abilities on and off the stage as well as giving the clientele first-hand knowledge of the industry while increasing their creativity."

Writer of performance book called "Once More With Feeling:

erformance savvy.
She relishes the chance to put her skills to the test in a wide variety of musical genres. In addition to writing and performing, Jen keeps busy as a private instructor to dozens of aspiring guitarists. She also has done over 1000 online instructional videos totaling up to more than 40 million views for YouTube and Mahalo website. Her various Mahalo website "Learn Guitar" apps have over 300,000 downloads and has had an itunes #1 ibook on how to play guitar.

*** Lesson Details ***
Students can expect a very patient supportive atmosphere. Lessons are catered to each students individual needs. The lessons are laid back but also with the understanding that if you work hard you can accomplish any goal that is set.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Apartment extra guitars, computers, music stands

*** Travel Equipment ***
I expect that the student has his/her own guitar. Any other specifics can be decided on after the first lesson.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in teaching blues, rock, and folk.

and easygoing.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Have guitars and amps, basses and amps, drum set, microphones and recording equipment.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Have equipment

*** Specialties ***
Rock, World, Hip Hop, Folk, Electronica, Classical, Jazz

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.

ished Writer and Music Writer

Professional Background

Private Voice, Piano and Acting 1/89 to present
Teaching and Coaching
Individual and small group instruction in vocal and/or piano technique, including piano chording technique and instruction over all musical styles, including all ages.
Acting coaching for monologue preparation, scene and character development. All instruction is personalized/customized to the student's needs. Includes audition preparation, vocal techniques for therapeutic needs, and overall instruction in wellness practices for artistic longevity. Includes warm-up exercises as well as performance development, demeanor, and execution. Emphasis on creating and strengthening positive habits as opposed to negative discipline. Personal, professional, practical.

Huckleberry Creative Learning Center 9/07 to present
Teacher
Classes in Singing, Music and Art Education, Cooking, Geology, Theater, History, Reading/Grammar, and Crafts
- created Custom curriculum for specific classes
- Taught to California Standards

Vibe Performing Arts Studios 8/08 to present
Instructor
Private and Class Instruction in Piano, Voice, as well as Special Needs Classes

Risen Son Productions/R. Enterprises, Inc. 1/89 to 2007
Co-Owner
Production, Marketing, Manufacturing and Sales of Internationally marketed goods
Composer and artist of finished musical products
Booking of Concert Appearances
Teacher and Motivational Seminar Speaker
Speech Writer
My husband Rick and I toured the World with our Praise and Worship concerts and speaking engagements

Headline Performer/Background Vocalist/Booking Agent 9/79-12/88
Vocalist to US Presidents Carter, Reagan, and Bush
Annie on Broadway, N. Y. Grace Farrell
Singer/ Dancer/ Lead Performer
Various Summer Stock performances touring the eastern seaboard:
The Music Man, My Fair Lady, On a Clear Day, Fiddler on the Roof,
Funny Girl, Hello Dolly
Did a command performance for King Olaf of Norway in Godspell
Cabaret - Sally Bowles lead performer - Atlanta, GA
Booking Agent for Mike Hein Agency, formerly of Ray Bloch Agency
Worked world-wide as soloist and background vocalist for internationally renowned artists (i.e. Placido Domingo, Julio Iglesias, Charles Aznevour, etc)
Performed at international sites (i.e. Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center, Carnegie Hall, Paris Opera, etc)
Performed solo show in Grande Palais in Monte Carlo - Main Stage
Royal Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line - Head Liner
Cathy Baker Show

Choir Director Experience:
Hand Bell Choir Ash Street Baptist Church Atlanta, Georgia
Children's 6-9 Choir Ash Street Baptist Church Atlanta, Georgia
Children's 6-9 Choir The Church on the Way Van Nuys, CA

Theater Direction:
Robin Hood Revisited (a short play I adapted for Elementary Students)
The Bard is Back (modern version of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet
Cindy (A Musical I wrote based on the Cinderella legend, featuring Beatles (Music)

Education:
Utah State University - Secondary BS in Communication Disorders
National University - MS in Special Education
Georgia State University - BA in Advertising and Public Relations, Minors in Music, History, and Geology

Vocal Instruction:
Joseph Amayo University of Georgia
Florence Kopplef Georgia State University
Andrew Terry Atlanta, Georgia
Robert Strickland New York, New York

Additional Skills/Interests: Show dance including jazz, some ballet, tap, and modern; piano accompanying; sky diving; bike riding; gardening; teaching reading and writing, as well as working with students who have speech and language disabilities; and multiple philanthropic/church involvement and activities, including handi-crafts creations.

Miscellaneous: Proficient in Microsoft Office, Excel, and Powerpoint

*** Lesson Details ***
Every lesson is customized to the specific needs of each student. Each lesson includes work on vocal essentials like breathing, hydration, and anatomy, as well as technique, work on specific, student-chosen songs, vocal and physical exercises, performance tips, music theory. Fun but educational!

*** Specialties ***
Voice in all Styles from Pop to Rock to Country to Classical; Vocal Performance in all styles; Music Theory; Piano, including Sight-Reading and Chord Theory; Theatrical and Acting Coaching: Audition Preparation; Song and Music Preparation; College Audition Prep; Resume Preparation; Vocal Breathing Techniques; Reading; Composition; Special Education Tutoring.
Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary Academic Tutoring in English, Grammar, Composition, History, Social Studies, Earth Science, Music and Art History

e can also make the home studio available. I work with singers, guitarists, and songwriters in a wide age range, assorted skill levels with a variety of musical goals.

I can teach you how to sing with better technique, how to play acoustic guitar and the Ukulele and how to write songs and performance technique in the studio and on stage as a vocalist. I look forward to meeting you and helping you to become a better musician!