Cotati, CA Songwriting Lessons

but will may assign a book after the first few lessons. Students should have an empty three-ring binder handy or iPad in addition to owning their own guitar or piano/keyboard. I recommend supporting local music stores before going to the big chains. I can help with choosing an instrument if needed.

Within 6 months*, the student should know and be able to play major and minor chords (instruments only), understand basic music notation, time signatures, and be able to follow basic sheet music. Students are encouraged to name songs that they wish to learn to keep them excited and interested in learning.

Emphasis will be on accuracy, performance techniques and having fun!

* results will vary with each student.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Each student needs a guitar or piano/keyboard and a 3 ring binder.

*** Specialties ***
Guitar, Piano, Songwriting: Folk, Rock, Blues & Country.

'll also learn about the BUSINESS OF SHOW BUSINESS.
We will work on technique, audition technique, monologues, scene work, as well study all aspects of acting and singing performance in order to prepare you for where you want to be as an artist.
Actors and Singers
Auditions!!
They are definitely the most difficult and nerve wracking part of being an actor or singer, right? Booking work means your audition has to be as good as opening night.
Auditioning is about preparation and preparation takes consistent support. Look, showbiz is not a business about being alone. Artists thrive when working together. We are a collaborative bunch and collaborating to make sure you're ready and organized for your auditions makes sense.
Stop trying to muscle through this necessary step alone. No one who works consistently does that! They ask for help. ASK FOR HELP!!
Solidify your acting choices so you don't have to worry about them the day before your audition. Know your prep so you can internally drop into it when the casting director says, "Whenever you're ready."
Have your music material and performance choices prepared ahead of time.
BE AHEAD OF SCHEDULE.
Work with me when your agent sends you your sides so you show up READY. Know your lines. It's OK if your struggling with memorization.
Let's figure out How YOU memorize.
Let me coach you for online audition submissions.
If we are working virtually I will coach while you are taping yourself to submit your online audition. It works!
Let me collaborate with on script analysis in order for you to you understand your material before you audition.
Take your work seriously so you bring your most intelligent and inspiring work to the audition rooms.
You'll be bringing the agents, casting directors, directors, producers and writers the inspiration they crave regarding their beloved projects. Do that and you're gonna book.
I know you can work and I can't wait to make it happen with you.  
About Kathryn
Kathryn is a member of the Sag-Aftra and Actors Equity and BMI and is a Critics Circle Award Winner.
Kathryn has worked with such legends as Tennessee Ernie Ford, Ben Vereen, Word Baker, who directed the first a one-act version of “The Fantastics” and then the historic two-act show, Sandy Duncan, Loretta Lynn, Flip Wilson. She studied at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) and HB Studio in New York City.
For Parents of Minor:
I'm available to help you understand this somewhat confusing industry.
Vocal Coaching Available - Vocal Coaching
Music Performance - Technique and Performance- songwriting

About Kathryn and Music

KATHRYN K is a soulful singer and prolific songwriter.
You can find more about Kathryn's music and her life story, which has allowed her to be of service to many, in national and local media, including: The Oakland Tribune, the San Francisco Chronicle, the San Jose Mercury News, Broadway World, Reader's Digest, NPR, The Gil Gross Show, The Montel Williams Show, and The Mancow Muller Show, NPR and Woman Magazine, UK.
Kathryn has released a video and CD with Multi - Grammy winning producer and drummer, Narada Michael Walden, Tarpan Records in Marin County, Ca. Walden says, "Kat is bringing the message of hope, light, love and faith to people's lives." Walden says. "I am proud of her and her divine mission."
Gil Gross, Host The Gil Gross Show –Radio, ABC "I have loved Kathryn's music from the day I first heard her sing, but even being a fan of her recordings did not prepare me for seeing her perform live. She is a great live performer holding her audience willing captives to each turn of a melody and the drama of every lyric. She more than sings. She inhabits a song and involves each member of the audience in its drama, joy or sorrow. There are performers for whom a performance is a night out. When Kathryn performs it’s a lifetime shared with us in a single evening. If you want to merely hear some tunes, there are many people who will do. If you want a real experience in music, there is Kathryn.
Kathryn's latest show is being created with director David Ford (Marsh Theatre) and Kevin Gerzevitz and her concerts features a who’s who list of world-renowned musicians: Gerzevitz and Grammy-Nominated Bassist, Michael Manring; Album of the Year Winner, Trumpeter, Jeff Oster; Master Percussionist, Joe Venegoni; Guitar Virtuoso, Tom Lattanand; Critically Acclaimed Pianist, Kelly Park; Celebrated Flutist, Barbara Else; and from the Steve Winwood Band, Brazilian-born Drummer, Celso Alberti.
Kathryn has played a variety of venues, including the renowned Yoshi's Oakland Jazz Club, the Bitter End and Symphony Space in New York City, the Knitting Factory in Los Angeles, the Plush Room and the Fairmont in San Francisco, as well as Mill Valley's premier showcase, the Throckmorton Theatre, Theatre on the Square, the Beacon Theatre, Great American Music Hall,The Mint, The Fairmont, to name a few. She has Cd's at all outlets.

Yoshi's SF, the Regency, Bimbo's & the Sweetwater.
My teaching experience goes back over twenty years and I relocated to Marin County in the Bay Area in 1995 where I've been teaching extensively since 2002. Since then I have helped hundreds of students realize their dream of learning to play piano and keyboards as well as read music, play perfectly in time and learn songwriting skills. Playing music is fun & easy......I can show you just how easy it is!!

*** Lesson Details ***
My style is laid back with a large supply of patience and devotion to my students. I teach beginning , intermediate & advanced piano and keyboards (including organ). For adult beginning piano students I use the John Thompson Modern Course for the Piano Grade One along with Thompson's Note, Scale & Chord Speller books and flash cards for a quick and easy route to learning how to read music and basic music theory. For kids (5-7) I like Thompson's "Teaching Little Fingers to Play" along with the kid's music theory books by Linda Ng.
In the first six months students can expect to study basic finger exercises and scales, how to read music easily and quickly, how to play perfectly in time & develop a repertoire of songs to play. Once students have learned basic skills it is possible to explore many different genres including classical, jazz, blues, rock, reggae and much more. I customize the lessons to fit each student's needs and desires and can also help the students with songwriting and learning from the recorded works of great artists!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Beautiful 1884 carved English maplewood Estey upright piano!

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide the books and supplies at cost...students should have some kind of keyboard to practice on...preferably a real piano although I have taught many students initially on electric keyboards.

*** Specialties ***
I teach beginning, intermediate & advanced piano in the styles of classical, jazz, blues, rock, r&b, pop, country, etc. ages 5-105! Usually I start beginners in the John Thompson method & speller books along with music flash cards and then am willing to shift into different styles as the students gain basic skills.

we can proceed to plan our path to the stated goals. This plan will of necessity be unique to each student.

Obviously, expectations for the lessons would depend on the student’s starting point but I would say that for a child piano student who is just beginning, it would be reasonable to expect that within 3-6 months they would be able to play songs by reading the music. These would include some songs of their own choosing as well as some that I might recommend. For adult piano students, although reading is highly encouraged, our goals might take us in a different direction.

For songwriting students, we might choose to forego working at the piano entirely and instead take our lessons into my recording studio. It all depends on our goals and the path that we choose to get there. We might spend an entire lesson on lyrics. But I really like to see a student leave each lesson with some concrete progress on their song, and preferably with it documented on a recording. Depending on the level of the student, after 3-6 months I anticipate that we would have at least a few songs written and demoed.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Music Room: 2 vertical pianos

*** Travel Equipment ***
I expect the student to provide a piano or appropriate keyboard in a well lit room. I would also expect a bench and music stand.
I could provide a digital recorder and a metronome.

*** Specialties ***
blues, jazz, pop and rock

c, from San Francisco State University. By now, I am confident in working with whatever musical material students offer! Thank you.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am a laid back teacher, but I definitely expect students to practice what I suggest they practice. I advise that students use method books or sheet music of some sort, and I will certainly make notes for them and create materials they can learn from. I always teach based on the goals of the student and what type of music they enjoy, but I also like to guide the student in a direction I think would benefit them. I usually introduce music to play right away, conforming of course to the skill level and interest of the student. I now play seven-string guitar, which is just a six-string guitar (same tuning and technique) with an extra low string. It will be practical to aide students by accompanying with a bass range instrument.

*** Specialties ***
Guitar
I consider myself a Jazz musician, but I am happy to consider a very wide range of styles. I am focusing now on music of the Spanish Golden Age, 1500-1700.

ter performing group and spends most of its time performing in and around the Pacific Northwest. When not leading his own group Kareem can be seen and heard performing as a sideman with many other top notch musical acts and projects, most notably The Paperboys from Vancouver BC.

As an educator Kareem divides his time teaching jazz improvisation as an artist in residence at The Tacoma School of the Arts, directing the award winning student jazz ensemble at Pierce College, conducting masterclasses and workshops at schools around the Puget Sound area, and maintaining a full load of private students. Along with his teaching duties Kareem is the director or The Tacoma Jazz Association, serves on the Tacoma Arts Commission, and is a D'Addario Woodwinds performing artist.

Kareem holds a Bachelors Degree of Music from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle Washington which he attended after receiving a full scholarship.

Throughout his years of teaching Kareem has worked with students of all ages and abilities, from beginners just getting started, to advanced players who simply want new ideas and direction.

*** Lesson Details ***
Lessons are relaxed and are focused on what you would like to learn.

I usually begin with assessing where students are in their abilities and then come up with a lesson plan based on what they already know and what they would like to accomplish.
They can be geared towards a 5 year old with no musical training whatsoever, or to an advanced musician who wants to further develop their skills.

Topics that I cover in lessons throughout a typical day of teaching include: Instrument technique, sight reading skills ( note and rhythm recognition ), memorization skills, music theory, ear training, improvising, and composing.

After 3 to 6 months of lessons and regular practice a beginning student should have a good command of their instrument and a strong foundation of sight reading. At this point we normally will also have started some music theory as well. For students wanting to focus on jazz we will have already begun improvising as well.

*** Studio Equipment ***
5x10 room w/ piano and seating for parents

*** Specialties ***
I focus on the basics of learning to read music and basic technique on the instruments that I teach. From there I proceed with theory, ear training, improvising, composition etc. It all depends on what the students want to learn. I am comfortable teaching classical music as well as jazz, rock, composition, and improvisation.

desire to teach. "I just wanted everyone I knew in music to know and use what I was learning, or had learned from the music classes, professionals I had been meeting and working with, and my overall music life experiences". By 1997, Natalie was signed to an independent label and embarked on a new adventure.

"Music is an adventure, but without the foundation and passion I had as a child, I would have never landed where I did. I truly LOVE to teach and share what I know about piano, and the world of music. Music is what I know, and know best. Helping to create a solid foundation and build confidence in someone embarking on a journey in music is the most rewarding profession I have ever had the honor of participating in."

*** Lesson Details ***
Natalie enjoys teaching students of any age, but specializes in piano, voice and beginning guitar, tailoring lessons to each individual's goals and reasons for learning whether it be for personal pleasure or professional performance.

Keeping things lighthearted and fun, Natalie breathes confidence into each student using her sense of humor, and down-to-earth personality.

Feeding off 40 years of personal and professional experiences, Natalie patiently listens to the student's desires, needs and notates their learning patterns, allowing for growth at their own pace.

Natalie's goal is to Make Music Matter to you and create a foundation that will allow you to continue to find joy in making music for the rest of your life.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Designated music space in the living room with a Spinet piano, guitars, bluetooth powered speakers, karaoke equipment, microphones and comfortable seating.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide lessons, exercises and most music

*** Specialties ***
Piano - Classical and Contemporty Styles and Methods

dinner theater in between the music. I met some people, music teachers from going to the open mics. They encouraged me to go out and start teaching and do what I was supposed to do. How it happened ? I placed one small ad, got a call and from there it grew into over 80 students.I just was referred to everyone it was a chain reaction.
In between teaching I was also in a duo and made time for the touring, local gigs, etc....released 3 CD's.
I was very busy that I decided to open up my own music school to handle the over flow of students. I had my business for 9 years.
I produced a lot of talent from there.songwriters with published songs, singers with contracts, bands the guitarist in the now defunct band Hey Monday with Cassidy Pope. Students that were in American Idol- featuring Emily Booke 2 years in a row top twenty then top ten..
America's Got Talent featuring Amy Profaci, Cassidy Pope.
Played for the Boss in RPB with Odd Man Out, Teen Punk Band since disbanded. Had them out and playing gigs at age 14 the youngest oldest 16 at CBGB's. In NYC. They were on the Regis and Kelly show. Students that started with me at age 5 and stayed for years. A lot are off to college or done with school grown up sort of. When they bump into me and say hey Ms. Mel I'll never forget you teaching me music lessons or do you remember that or I loved that band class you did. You changed my whole life.
I really appreciate it and I did make a difference in their lives.
I also write for TV and Film and have over 30 professionally published songs. Songs playing on commercials, TV and overseas in England. They seem to love it over there a lot of fan mail.

Ok this is as follows.
*** Lesson Details ***
Cancellations : 24 hour notice. Make up lessons are at my discretion.
61 key keyboard are ok for piano lessons.
You must have a piano for vocal lessons if I come to your home. You must have a guitar 🎸 for guitar lessons. I do not supply any instruments or lesson books. You are required to contact me once booked and find out what you will need.

How long will it take to learn depends on YOU!!!!

Practice is the answer not a question. You must be prepared to work to do the work. If you do not understand it we will do it until you get it.
My Adult students this goes for you too.
It is important that you practice. So I recommend cutting down on video games and TV.
I suggest no TV or Video games especially before the lessons are about to start. Very distracting for the kids.
I expect you to be practiced and ready to go when I get there. If you want to be a rock star that's what it takes, discipline.
Its great when a parent can sit in while I'm teaching your child. Remember I am teaching you as well.
You will be helping your child practice during the week until the next lesson.
For the guitar there will be complaints of hurting finger tips.
I cannot do anything about that it comes with guitar playing.
For the like piano, the fingers will not hurt.

After 3 to 6 months for the older student I expect all 6 strings to be complete and chords and strumming on guitar and learning songs of your choice.
Piano - Sight Reading and being able to play with 2 hands in the key of "C" with ease.
This will only happen with practice, And learning songs of your choice if you choose to.

Small ones as much time as they need depends upon how long it takes for them to learn it and how much time mom can help practice.

*** Studio Equipment **
Right up Piano,
Small 15 Watt Amp

**Supplies:
I do not supply instruments for any student. Parents you are
expected to purchase a 61 key keyboard of your choice and finances.Same goes for guitar. We will figure out the size you or your child needs. You must purchase your own books. I use Bastiens Primer A red book, Bastiens A Pink Book, along with these books they also have a theory book , performance book and technic book. Bk 1,2,3 also have a series of book 📚 to work with.

Guitar 🎸 I like to use Fast Track Bk 1 w/o CD. Then again they are becoming obsolete

*** Specialties ***
Song writing/Vocals
Beginner Piano/Intermediate
Beginner classical/intermediate guitar
Folk style guitar
Blues beginner/intermediate
Theory beginner/intermediate/advanced note reading
Piano beginner /intermediate young beginner young adult to the older adult this goes for piano.

*Please note those who need special songs for auditions while taking voice lessons let's discuss options. Vocals lessons are just as serious you must practice.