Elverta Visual Arts Lessons

nearly all prepared and ready for their lessons. This makes both Coach and student more effective and the time together more enjoyable.

Perhaps you are reading this with both a little excitement and a little concern. Finding the right person for your or your student can be intimidating. A short introduction follows so that you know a little about me and my philosophy which can assist you make an informed decision. If we are a good fit, lessons and learning progress more joyfully.

I have been teaching music, performing music and enjoying music since I was a tiny three-year old. My first piano lessons were at age seven. I have since taught the students of former students! How fun is that?

Music has blessed my life in countless ways and given me opportunities I'd never dreamed of. Teaching at the Young Artists Conservatory of Music; Singing in Carnegie Hall, Performing across Europe and teaching the best students for over 25 years has been a delight.

I believe strongly that those who spend their time and resources for musical education are some of the brightest and most intelligent people around. Each of my students have their own individual goals and reasons for taking music lessons, which we revisit monthly. I believe that my role is to be a support and tool for them/you to accomplish the goals set, working with music that delights and educates.

You want the best teacher, who offers information, example, practice and performance opportunities and then gets out of the way of the student's own "voice" (whether playing or singing) so that they can be free to create their own style.

*** Lesson Details ***
In our lessons, we work with a predictable schedule of balance. We have weekly exercises to make strong fingers and or voices, and technique and theory practice to hone skills that will improve our performances, whether they are for others or for our own benefit. Each student of piano can learn how to create and write their own music in time, choose their own pieces to work on, and have a say in their classical and performance goals.

We have a program of advancement, so you and your loved ones can visually see your progress and measure your skills, complete with awards and trophies.

What you learn, has everything to do with your commitment. Practice doesn't make perfect, Practice makes permanent. Only perfect practice makes perfect.

Learning the piano ought to be a JOY. I believe in playing the piano, not 'practicing' it. Enjoy what you do, and you'll do it longer and with celebration instead of duty.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Piano - upright; CD player; Music stands; Dozens of music books and lesson materials; flash cards; computer and music writing program; mic and mirror, syllabus.

*** Travel Equipment ***
No travel.

*** Specialties ***
Over the years I have dabbled in most methods, but finally come to use my own syllabus and musicianship. I can easily adapt to your favourite if that is your desire. I specialize in a total music education, not merely in learning notes. It is like looking in a mirror and only seeing eyes and skin. Music has many facets and we discover all of them.

udent.

Teaching Philosophy -

My teaching philosophy is built on well rounded communication, explanation and examples. So, that a student can truly understand and learn a topic, surrounded in a very humorous, light and supportive environment.
Along with being provided good information, a student learns better and feels more motivated to learn when there is a balance of positive support and confidence building accompanied by constructive criticism and examples/information that can help a student assess what ever walls they may be meeting in their musical growth.

I understand that all students/artists have different goals they wish to achieve. So it is very important to me to accommodate each individuals needs and wants to help them grow in the fields they wish too; However, In that I have played music for a long time, I understand there are certain things that a student may not have been exposed to yet; It is important that while focusing on a students artistic goals they respect and are open to the suggestion and guidance of their teacher.

I truly believe music has an amazing influence on the world and has the ability to change peoples way of thinking. Therefore, I try and keep an open awareness to all music, so that I can understand all different musical languages utilized to communicate to people, and I don't believe I will ever know them all. I hold it to attention to influence my students somewhat similarly so that they can shape the landscape of how we communicate musically in the future.

I also try and be very patient with my students. Knowing that when I feel rushed, it makes information more difficult to comprehend, remember and allocate. I love watching the gears run in my students head, so I try and provide information that pushes a student but is within their abilities.

HUMOR is very important. I like to break people out of their shell by telling a joke and hopefully getting one back, so they feel more comfortable and free. One of a Artists worst enemies are nerves. Keeping things light-hearted and maybe even a little small talk can be very helpful to a students development and growth on a topic. After all, Art is meant to be fun and we should enjoy every moment of it, in fact we should enjoy every moment in life period.

I understand music requires focus and discipline and I have certain expectation of a student to understand that and practice. You can't buy chops, you can't buy music theory etc. you can get help but eventually your the one who must understand it and play it.

I am here to help you. Based on what I know and what I have extensively studied, I will do all that I can to help you achieve your musical goals. I am here to answer your questions and help you grow. I love teaching because I love sharing knowledge; As long as your seek it, it is here for you. Otherwise, I'd still love to hear some jokes.

Education -

MUSIC
_Bachelors in Music - 2016 - Guitar Performance (Musicians Institute, CA)
_Associates in Music - 2011 - Guitar Performance (Musicians Institute, CA)
_Major in Music - (Academy for Visual and Performing Arts) - 2008
_Garden of Angels - 2003 - Performance Academy

DANCE
_Krump, Pop-n-Lock - 2012 - (Xtreme)
_Break Dancing - 2011 - (Fun.Krew)
_Traditional Brazilian Dance & Samba - 2014

MARTIAL ARTS
_Capoeira - Current - (Capoeira Batuque with Mestre Amen)
_Wing Tsun - 2013 - (Johnny from the Emin Boztepe School)

ART
_Graffiti - 2011 - (Fun.Krew)
_General Art - 2008 - (AVPA)
_Painting - 2003 - (Garden of Angels)

Much Love,
Azuri Zen M.

*** Lesson Details ***
I'm very disciplined but am also very light hearted. It's important for me to assess things seriously, so that one can understand a topic or piece of information.

I generate my lessons based on the individuals needs and therefore draw from various curriculums, sources and examples, such as : MI curriculum for ear training, Theory, Single string Technique, Reading, Rhythm guitar, Ted Greenes Chord Chemistry, Berklee Guitar Method, as well as The Real Book, other artist books(Eric Clapton, etc.) The Guitar Players Hand Book, Bach pieces and self developed curriculums, relative to the topic at hand and students personal goals, amongst many others.

-Beginning students within three months of consistent lessons should have the ability to solo and playing chords to songs that they are interested in and songs provided in the lesson along with a basic understanding of the major scale and its relationship to all of the diatonic music.

-intermediate students should have an elevated understanding of scale and chord patters along with the theory that explains modal relationships and use of these concepts.

-Advanced students should learn all of diatonic scale shapes and modes assuming they don't already know them in which case their specifically situation will be assessed

-Professional students I expect to have specific questions therefore where they grow should be largely subjective.

Overall, in a short amount of time on a scale of 1 - 10 I expect to in three months at-least elevate a students musical abilities one full point if not more.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Studio in home in private room with guitars, amps, piano, and seating.
Em's studio is family owned cafe with studio in finished basement with an office, recording equipment, and teaching space for acting and guitar.

*** Specialties ***
As a Musician I try and play as many styles and be proficient in as many as possible and therefore can play most. However, in the fields of blues, jazz, funk, flamenco and Latin I excel.

Rock, Jazz and Folk Music of your choice. Today's modern new guitars are easy to play and you will enjoy learning Guitar right away. That is how it should be.
When you study there is a basic understanding of Guitar to be learned that allows an ease of use for anyone for years to come. This will help you reach your goal and improve each week. My students learn to practice in a way that feels comfortable and makes sense. This takes all the stress out of learning and gives everyone something to smile about and look forward to each week.

The good feeling of playing along with friends and taking a solo is within every students grasp. I will show you the way there. And with a solid and straightforward approach to the theory as it applies directly to the guitar you will feel confident and unafraid of any music endeavor. We'll cover harmony and fingerboard theory and give you a road map of the guitar neck that makes it a pleasure to play. You learn the basics and much more than you thought possible retaining 90 percent of what you learn!

Having been a student myself I was deeply involved in music since age 12 and played in bands and duos for over 15 years . I can help you to be a well rounded player and performer with a smile, a laugh and a joy for music whether your in a band or a budding solo artist.

*** Lesson Details ***
Most students want to play the Guitar to play their favorite songs and I'm the same way. Music is something we carry with us in our hearts and minds. Students will learn what they wish to learn and work at a pace that is comfortable to them. Whether you are a student, “weekend warrior” or a parent whose child has expressed an interest in Guitar anyone can learn all there is to know about Harmony and Theory for the Guitar and how to play their favorite songs.

We cover theory in an easy and straightforward no nonsense way in the first half of each lesson and then apply it to the song you wish to learn. This creates an atmosphere where you understand and feel at home with the Guitar. You get an understanding right away and because it is immediately fun it allows you to feel comfortable at any level. Music is fun, and songs are the creative expression of what we feel. Combining theory and the freedom to play and sing songs allows us to express ourselves through music. 
After 6 months students will have a solid foundation in theory, and a road map of the guitar fretboard enabling them to advance to an intermediate level if they are ready to do so. Students will know enough that music as it relates to the Guitar, which is the world’s most popular instrument in contemporary music, is not a mystery but is a welcome friend. And they will be able to play songs by popular artists and advance at a pace that is satisfying and enjoyable.
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Student Comments:
What Students Are Saying About ~ James Teaching Style

“James’ patience, knowledge and under-standing made learning guitar fun. I like the lessons. He cares.”
--Rebecca L., guitar
student, Venice Beach, CA 2003

“James taught me to
play pop and rock, and
introduced me to
fingerstyle guitar. I love it!”
--Joseph E., guitar student, Vancouver, BC 2006

“I studied guitar privately with James in 2010. His style of teaching helped me to get
past my blocks. He opened new doors for me. Thanks!”
--Daniel S., guitar
student, Los Angeles, CA 2010
""James is a trustworthy man, great with answering back right away. Always ready to help with new members. I would definitely recommend him." ~ PJ Stover of PJ Stover Voices; Independent Film & Recording voice-over artist
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What James spouse says about working on songwriting with him:

"James is my husband for over 10 years now. Over the years, I have seen James give guidance and counsel to many hopeful musicians of all ages, and inspire others about how music influences and benefits our lives. I would highly recommend James to anyone who wants to learn guitar, voice, music theory, and acting. James is a great talent, and study with him would benefit anyone with the sincere desire to grow as an artist. When we married, I had fallen in love with James’ conversational style, and his vast knowledge of music. When I heard him play guitar, I knew that I wanted to write songs with him, and we released our first album, in 2012 on iTunes."

Regards,
Keri W.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Ovation Glen Campbell Artist Acoustic Electric Guitar, Ovation Pacemaker 12 string Guitar, Ibanez PF 5 Acoustic Electric Guitar, Fender Telecaster 6 string Electric Guitar. Korg Mini Pandora III Amplifier/Studio EFX, Toshiba Laptop Satelite Pro with PreSonus Studio One Artist Software, PreSonusUSB Audiobox, HD7 Studio Monitor Headphones, M7 Condenser Mic, PreSonus Studio Producer software with SoundCloud integration, iBook G4 with Garageband 3 and iLife Studio. Godin Summit CT Electric Guitar is the guitar I now endorse exclusively !

*** Travel Equipment ***
Lesson Plans, Godin Summit CT Guitar, Fender and Ovation Guitars, Tuner, Android Smartphone and apps, iPads, Korg Mini Pandora Amp, Toshiba Satelite Pro Laptop. Android LG Smartphone with Tuners, Voice Recorder, and Metronome and Chord Reference Guide, and Guitar Tuner, iPod Touch Pro Studio.

*** Specialties ***
Songs in the following styles: Pop, Rock and Modern Country Music. Also Composition Analysis while learning the song.

NPO from India called UNIVERSAL PEACE CENTER, for yoga, research, education, and humanitarian programs. I am now working on creating the American branch of the association. It will be called SUNYOGA AMERICA.

WHAT ABOUT TEACHING? Everybody wants the best. I believe QUALITY is the most important. I also believe each person is UNIQUE and should be treated in a unique way with unique lessons.

What comes first? Question or answer? When we arrive on our first day at school do we have final exams? First the teacher shares knowledge during class. Depending on the teacher's talent, passion, and love for his work, the students will learn something. Then only we have exams.

Hopefully wisdom will come out of this process. All we need is a little support to all grow together.

Teaching is a big responsibility. Parents and teachers, it is our duty to teach the best. Let's do our best together. Thank you.

As a photographer my motto is
ENLIGHTEN YOUR EVENT, BRING LIFE TO YOUR STORY

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟Voted Top 5 MN Photographer by CBS News Minnesota
👍Creative Business, Event, Portrait, Commercial, Performance Photographer
🎨Fine Art Photographer
🐣Photography Workshops Teacher/ Coach for ↪beginners ↪advanced ↪pros💯

can achieve what they want with the right mindset and the right opportunity. My aim is to help you reach your goals and make you feel accomplished!

ed students from five to sixty-five in how to confidently connect with people in a broad range of contexts, from very private to frighteningly public. But my lessons are about much more than saying the right things in front of people. Life is about relationships and all relationships start (and sadly often fail) with communication. Being a great conversationalist, story teller, or compelling public speaker is all about connecting with your audience, whether with one or one thousand. My goal is to help you learn to confidently listen, express yourself, and connect at a heart level. In our times together you'll learn things like:

• Organizing your thoughts in a way that resonates with your listeners
• Actively engaging with people and not just transferring information
• Turning fear and timidity into powerful tools for connecting
• Cultivating approachability and confidence with your audience

Regarding Math, some people are naturally good at math and some are like deer in the headlights. Studying Physics, Engineering, and Architecture at M.I.T. meant learning and doing *lots* of math. I find the greatest delight helping those who aren’t naturally good at math learn to appreciate and conquer it in the context of their regular, day to day lives. My greatest accomplishment in this respect has been teaching one of my daughters who hates math to embrace it as a wonderful, dependable, and mysterious, faith-building part of life. My approach is to make math real, that is, to connect math to life so that not just how to do it, but why doing it, is valuable and makes sense.

Regarding Art, I began drawing in three dimensions at the age of two (it was a stuffed panda bear doll if you must know). I am a keenly visual person, and began winning awards in art in elementary school, and eventually went on to become student artist of the year in New York state while a sophomore in high school. That same year I had a show in a gallery in Manhattan. The following year I made my own short animated film and was hired by a private academy to do all their creative print marketing. My approach to teaching art is similar to my approach to teaching communication. Sometimes art is about telling a story. Often it can be about making a point (even if that point is just about beauty or dysfunction, or beauty in dysfunction). But whatever its purpose, art is *always* about seeing, with more than your eyes. The best forms of art capture and captivate all of who we are and how we perceive, whether we’re talking pencil sketches or making movies. While I teach lots of different styles, techniques, and media (including pencil, pen and ink, charcoal, pastels, watercolors, acrylic and oil painting, graphic design, and print forms, among others), this fundamental how you perceive approach to the creative process is what I strive to teach when I teach art.

Regarding the Bible, I have been an exhaustive student and teacher of the Bible for 32 years and would welcome the opportunity to help you either learn it, teach it, or both (which is what often happens). Nothing that I have taught in my life is as important as the truths and life lessons I have learned and taught from its pages. It is scary and funny and crazy and tender (among many things) but most of all it is more than what most of us have heard (especially in church), and it will change us if we let it. Our studies would include language, history, culture, geography, and even science, combined with lots of thought provoking questions, and creative insight. We won’t shy away from the difficult topics that often cause doubt or division, but we will certainly avoid the canned, off-the-shelf answers that do more harm than good in helping people digest this book. This is not a safe class. If you already think you have a pretty good handle on the Bible, then this class is probably not for you. But if, like me, something about the profession and practice of Christianity around you seems terribly off, or missing, then this may be exactly what you’re looking for. Expect that much of what you thought or believed (but perhaps never really read or studied) will likely be challenged. This is not an academic study, but rather an upfront and personal interaction with The Truth.