Crest Park, CA Ukulele Lessons

der, I understand the demands and challenges of a busy performance calendar, singing sets for back-to-back audiences day after day and week after week, and the need for a vocalist to find the vocal freedom that will produce confidence in their voice no matter what the venue.

The first steps to mastering vocal freedom are the building blocks for vocal success. Whether the student is a child or an adult, with little or no training, it is my goal to make singing an enjoyable and freeing experience.

Singing with complete vocal freedom and confidence can seem very elusive. Surprisingly, it's not as elusive as one might think! Vocal freedom is within reach and most students experience a measure of it within the few first lessons, some even gaining a full octave in their range in their first lessons. Using a systematic method incorporating the study of good vocal technique and working on songs the student loves to sing makes learning more fun and gives the student a greater appreciation of music as a whole while encouraging a passion for music that lasts a lifetime. I encourage and teach sight reading, and theory basics especially for those students who are considering music as a profession.

*** Lesson Details ***
Each student learns with material that will be divided into step-by-step doable lessons so they can be sure to learn the best techniques and material along the way. Sheet music and lesson books are provided at a minimal additional cost.

*** Studio Equipment ***
My home-studio is bright and open and set up with an upright piano, full length mirror, music stand, iPad with appropriate applications, guitar, mandolin, ukulele, and computer for recording and playback. Parents are welcome to sit in on lessons or wait for their children in the adjacent room. I also may provide a follow-up email which includes any recordings and lesson notes from the current lesson.

As the student progresses I also provide a PA system to teach mic technique and build performance confidence.

I ask that students come prepared with the following items to their lessons.
~ Bottled water
~ A ring binder with paper for notes and a zippered pouch to keep tools and handouts.
~ A flash drive for recording transfers or they can use their phone or other recording device to record their lessons.
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*** Specialties ***
I honestly love my students and love teaching! It's such a privilege to be a part of their musical journey. I specialize in church worship vocals, choir, a capella, show tunes and musical theater. I teach free, healthy vocal technique which enables each student to explore and focus on different styles of singing. I also love teaching young voices especially teens who want to have a good time learning to sing.

NOTE ~ My teaching style is more structured therefore some young children may not be ready to take lessons with me.

solo - as she held the booklet in front of me. Enthusiastically, I rendered the complete song correctly, only pretending to read from the page as she held it, but actually 'playing by ear'. Upon getting to the end of the tune, I suddenly broke out in a jazzed-up, improvised version of 'Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star', arousing the whole class to spontaneously tap their feet in rhythm and clap with delight . . . my first solo performance!”

David eventually took up guitar in his teens, becoming involved with playing for musicals such as "Godspell" and "Jesus Christ Superstar". During high school, he also played in the Bluegrass band 'Odell & Zeke', and in the Rock band 'Ring Wraith', performing for local dances and proms.

Extremely versatile within classical and popular guitar styles, David played in the Top-40-Hit music video, Shine Shine, by The Bee Gees' Barry Gibb – alongside pop-star legend - Michael Jackson. David is also mentioned in Just Jazz Guitar Magazine for his jazz endeavors; and he has years of experience as a church music director.

As a Classical concert guitarist, David has performed throughout the USA and Europe. His live performances have been broadcast on television and radio: NPR’s Performance Today (USA); CBC’s Arts National (Canada); RAI Television’s In Concerto (Italy), and the Hungarian National Television. Successful in competitions, David won First Prize in the 20th International Guitar Competition in Milan, Italy and First Prize in the National Wurlitzer Artist Competition, USA. He has received other awards and grants as well, including a Solo Recitalist Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Governor's Award from Department of State, Florida. Moreover, he was chosen for the rosters of both the California State Touring Program and the North Carolina Visiting Artists Program.

David’s 35 years of teaching and performing experience, coupled with intensive years of formal studies with many of the world's greatest guitarists, including Andres Segovia, Eliot Fisk, David Russell, Christopher Parkening, Holzman, Ghiglia, Morgen, Tomas, Isbin - have afforded him a rich and in-depth understanding of music and the guitar. He shares all of this with his students in an insightful and uniquely original manner.

Education:

Florida State University - Master of Music - Guitar Performance

Florida State University - Bachelor of Music - Guitar Performance

Certificates of Professional Study:
- L'Accademia Musicale Chigiana in Italy
- Aspen Music Festival

*** Lesson Details ***
Wouldn't you love to play the music that you enjoy listening to the most?
Ever listen to your very favorite songs on your iPod or on the radio and really wish you could just play along? Well, here's your opportunity! Even if you are just beginning, I can help get you up and strumming in no time! You can choose your favorite songs to play - and I will show you how! Imagine playing along with Taylor Swift, Maroon 5, Fun, Ke$Ha, Demi Lovato, Flo Rida, Alex Clare, Ne-Yo, and more!
And for you adults: imagine playing your favorite songs from the 60's, 70's, and 80's. What a wonderful way to re-kindle all the fun, memories and meaningful songs of your youth!

I am committed to helping you really enjoy and excel in playing the music you love! You will find our lessons fun, interesting, and always inspiring. What better way to be motivated to learn and play, than having fun . . . and enjoying it along the way?!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Separate, professional studio in a nice setting. Lots of windows, art, books make it inviting and cozy. Special separate adjacent room for parents and siblings, allowing parents to watch lessons through glass doors without "intruding".

*** Travel Equipment ***
I carry my own iPad, computer, cd player.
Students should have instrument, capo, music. Ability for student to take video recording/audio recording is helpful. Often, we will use parent's iPhone at end of lesson to record important concepts/techniques/etc.

*** Specialties ***
I am versatile within classical and popular guitar styles: folk, country, rock, new age, praise, bluegrass. My in-depth understanding of music theory, guitar technique, and performance affords me a wealth of practical and artistic experience from which I lead students on their musical journey.

e but at the same time I am asking the students to give their best effort. Setting frequent goals in form of group classes and recitals keeps us in full sail and teach us to enjoy the act of playing both alone and in front of friendly audience.
I teach both classical and Suzuki methods. I like to keep my students musically well fed and encourage exploring music reading and music theory next to practical skills. I stir my students toward high standard personal level in their studies, an ingredient from Finnish cultural climate.

*** Specialties ***
Suzuki method and classical method, fiddling, beginning jazz, improvising

curriculum just for them based on their musical desires, strengths and weaknesses so I can help them become the best player that they can be. Each lessons will be a balance of learning new technique and theory and applying them in songs that excite and inspire.
Things such as: music theory, ear and harmony training, single string technique, sight and cord chart reading, cord structure, song writing, tone shaping, guitar maintenance and playing live will be covered with students as they advance. Feed back is always welcome and appreciated. This is your lesson, let's make sure you get the most out of it.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Music Studio: Guitars, amps, mixing board, protools, computer with external stereo, seating for parents can be arranged

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can bring my own guitar and cables. But the student will need to have their own guitar, amp etc

*** Specialties ***
Blues, Rock, Metal, Jazz, Funk and Country

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*** Specialties ***
mariachi, Catholic music, Andean music, Latin rhythms

What are your personal goals? We'll tell you what you need to do to get there, and help you take the steps to achieve your aspirations.

Lessons with small children are more focused on just having fun while developing a good musical foundation, but we prefer for them to have as much personal ownership of their lesson as possible.