Pico Rivera, CA Songwriting Lessons

and design that has not changed in 500 years! Be a part of that beautiful history!

*** Lesson Details ***
As my student, you will fall in love with music and with your instrument! It will create a whole new meaning to your life and you will learn so much about the world through music. Our lessons will begin with Alexander Technique - a system of "body-awareness," which is designed to promote well-being by ensuring minimum effort in maintaining postures and carrying out movements - in this case, holding a violin for a long time. My responsibility to my students is to ensure that no discomforting habits are created or prolonged through the playing of the instrument. Our lessons will follow the course of quality vs. quantity. My students learn to create a clean sound on the instrument before jumping into music. Practice is expected, but lessons will be fun and free-spirited to tailor the lesson to the child rather than the child to the lesson. I will play violin with students and when the student is ready, duets! I allow and promote lots of creativity on the student's part, and of course, singing! Using the voice improves inner-hearing and pitch, two things no violin can do without.

*** Travel Equipment ***
The student should have his or her own instrument, bow, shoulder rest, and rosin. If he or she does not have a music stand, I can provide. I will make copies of sheet music for students, though it would be excellent for student to purchase his/her own music.

*** Specialties ***
I use a combination of different methods and styles to keep the vitality for the instrument and the music. Each student has his or her own reason for playing an instrument, so I try to bring out the confidence and purpose in their playing by assimilating to the student's musical interests. With beginners, I start with a combination of Suzuki, Essentials for Strings, and Strictly Strings, as well as my own book of Russian melodies and tunes, and melodies I have written. I studied classical music in college but also ethnomusicology, so I incorporate a wide range of styles in lessons. Students need to constantly be excited and interested in what they are doing.

comes to have dinner and hang out. I named my son after the musical "Oliver" and the name suits him! I like that Oliver means " peace offering" I grew up in the Hollywood Hills, and love the history of Hollywoodland, I also love music and TV history. My uncle Sherwood co wrote 2 of the most iconic TV themes of all time in GIlligan's Island theme and the Brady Bunch. My mom, (Judithe) and I wrote songs together for 25 years. I named my first publishing company after my dog, Atso and he was the president and his legacy lives on in his name.

Employment History / Credits

Songwriting School of Los Angeles 2010- present
Musicians Institute 1992-present
Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LACHSA) 2013 - present
Neighborhood Rock School 2013- present
Dick Grove School of Music 1985-1992
LA Recording Workshop 1998-2005
The Baywatch Production Co / Fremantle Media 1989-1999

Education:

Dick Grove School of Music

Composition Program 1982-1983
Keyboard Program 1983-1984

Hollywood High School 1979
Honors in Music and History

ATAS member since 1997
Emmy judge for 15 years

Platinum Hit :" Tomorrow Doesn't Matter Tonight" Starship /RCA Records
"The Last Time" Agnetha Faltskog (ABBA) / WEA Records
Gold: "Where Are You Now" Roxus / Austrailia / Mushroom Records
Wrote numerous songs for TV show "Baywatch" 1989-1999
Songs /music in various TV movies, reality shows, films 1979-current
Collaborated with American Idol Top 5 finalist Brooke White
American Idol songwriting contest finalist 2007 / Jordin Sparks year
Co authored Music Book "The Lead Sheet Bible" A step by step guide to doing lead sheets and chord charts, published by Hal Leonard Publ. 1998

*** Lesson Details ***
To me every student is unique and special, therefore I design the lesson around what they need and or want to learn. With the younger students, I strongly suggest we work out of a book as well as me giving them handouts to work on too. There are many and various books by Faber and Faber I love to use. Hal Leonard and Alfred Publishing have some great books depending on the students needs. With kids, it's important to keep it fun and interesting, and get them on a practice schedule. I believe one must have much patience with the younger students and the level of communication must be high, keeping them engaged and focused. With teens and adults, it depends on where they are at, and I always ask what they want to concentrate on. A well rounded piano lesson would work on reading, technique, theory, songs. Again, depending on the type of student, the lesson would incorporate more /and or less of these components.
I've been coined the "Chord Queen" by many students because of my fascination with how theory plays a subconscious role in songwriters who write by ear and if I'm teaching songwriting, we are looking at how the song is structured, the lyrics,the music, and of course the harmony and arrangement and I'm here to guide the student to be able to finish the song, and them be happy when it comes to fruition.

The subjects I've taught:

Piano
Theory
Ear Training
Songwriting/ Artist Development
Music History
Transcribing/Chord Charts/Lead Sheets
Music Publishing/Copyright

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have a piano I teach at in my home, I have a photo copy machine to make copies and Wifi access if the student needs to bring their computer.Ipad, etc in regards to songwriting

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can bring music/paper/pens/pencils/hand outs/sheet music
Students should have piano/keyboard/Access to computer, or ipad would be helpful for research,examples. Lots of people have their music on their cell phones.

*** Specialties ***
Mostly Contemporary music,but have taught in many styles
pop/Rock/Country/Jazz/Soul genres

re harm than good. I believe attention must be paid to individual learning styles. Therefore, as a teacher I have learned to observe carefully at first and custom tailor a practice routine with each student aimed at achieving their goals. I believe the study of music helps foster a deep level of self-confidence and self realization, which eventually leads the student to discover a portion of himself he would otherwise never know. My goal is to inspire others with this joy, which is everyone's birthright and an important key in finding happiness.

A gifted singer-songwriter of Pop, Rock, World and Reggae songs that possess that timeless quality. He has recorded with 2 time Grammy nominated producer Barry Goldberg (Eagles, Robbie Robertson, Verve Pipe, Marilyn Manson). He has released three CDs, had songs featured in compilations and in feature length film, toured North America, and taught guitar, piano, and voice both privately and in an all ages Montessori school in Santa Monica. He consistently played in a variety of bands while earning an A.A. in music from SMC and later a B.A. in Ethnomusicology from UCLA, where he earned distinction as an excellent student both academically and in musical performance. He brought passion to his performances with legends, Fransisco Aguabellas Afro Cuban ensemble, Brazilian Batucada ensemble, African-American gospel choir, music and dance of Ghana, and the Balinese Gamelan ensemble. As a member of several original LA bands, (Las Manchas, Samson Simpson, Toussaint, Mentone, Cloth and Spicy Fernandez) he has performed at world famous venues and toured North America. He co-wrote and co-produced the first EP records by Samson Simson with Ronen Navah, and also co-produced Mentone's first full-length record, "Empire" with Ronen Navah and Aki Ehara" Currently he is developing his new band, Spicy Fernandez, which has released a few singles on the internet and is getting a good buzz from Industry heavy weights.

*** Lesson Details ***
I believe in custom tailoring a curriculum to fit the students needs, while still providing them with the same basic tools all musicians need to develop in order to play well (both with themselves and with others). Obviously, some students require more structure and discipline, while others have a stronger work ethic. Some may even need a teacher that is more laid back to balance them out, but more so my job is to facilitate learning and guide. A student studying with me can expect to receive a general assessment of their skill level in musicianship, theory, and on their instrument within the first couple of lessons (or once I feel that I have experienced enough of their abilities). Based on that assessment, I will work with the student to develop a plan of small goals to work toward. Progress will be monitored weekly and larger goals will unfold naturally in accord with the students own dreams and musical ambitions. Within 3 to 6 months of study with me students will learn to play a range of simple songs, basic scales, exercises, finger positions, and have a solid foundation for listening to, and playing to rhythm.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Full acoustic upright, Wurlizter electric piano, and keyboard synths, a computer based digital audio workstation...guitars...percussion...in the front room of my house. Has a full set-up for a band.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide copies of some sheet music, a library of music books, percussion instruments, digital recordings of lessons.
I expect that they provide their own instrument, pencil, notebook, 3-ring binder for sheet music, stereo/mp3 player, CD player, etc.

*** Specialties ***
I excel at popular music genres such as pop, blues, R&B, rock, and jazz. I am also trained classically and enjoy the challenges of standard repertoire from Bach to Chopin.
I began studying music as a student of the Suzuki method. However, today I find that my own practice resembles most closely, the Kodály, Dalcroze, and Orff-Schulwerk methodologies in philosophy and application.

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.

nt, based on their age, personality, natural ability and commitment to practicing. I want the students to be inspired to practice, but never through intimidation.

It's important to me that a student has no holes in their playing. I tend to zero in on any weak points and find engaging ways to help students to improve in those areas.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Finished garage recording studio w/ baby grand and seating for parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
For piano lessons i expect the student to have a working keyboard or piano. I will supply the course curriculum.

*** Specialties ***
I work well with Jazz, popular music and electronic music and recording technology.

o what lies inside of us"-Ralph Waldo Emerson

*** Studio Equipment ***
Music stands; recording equipment as needed

*** Travel Equipment ***
Music stands; portable recording equipment as needed

*** Specialties ***
Flute: Western classical, Indian classical - Raga; Wooden flutes: Bansuri, Native-American flutes. Jazz / blues ; Middle-eastern music.
Guitar: Acoustic, Finger-style, Songwriting.
Tambura - drone instrument from India: Raga theory, singing Sargam, toning/chanting
Hand percussion - congas/dumbec - traditional African/Afro-Cuban, middle-eastern

most incredible teachers growing up, they supported me and help shape me as a artist and musician, I strive to do the same with my students. I genuinely care about each individual student I teach and want to help them achieve their highest potential!

*** Lesson Details ***
I approach each lesson catered to the individual. We all have different ways of learning. I studied classically as a chlid and went on to study Opera in University but I professional years have been spent doing a range of pop, blues, indie, folk and Americana. I have had many years in the music business and use that experience to help my students discover what they want to do with their voice. Are you an Artist? Do you just want to sing for fun? Are you an actor preparing a particular song for an audition? etc..

In all lessons we will focus on the connection of your breath. Basic warm up techniques, pitch control and full connection to the words you are singing. All music is telling a story and in my opinion that is one of the most crucial elements to a good singer is being able to successfully convey the story. And enjoying the process... its FUN!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Guitars, keyboard, ukulele, latest protools, vocal booth

***Specialties ***
I primarily teach popular music styles. I do have a background in Opera but I most of my students have been children, artist and actors that want to learn the fundamentals of proper singing techniques.

I told everyone that I was gonna be a rockstar when I grow up.

I spent my teenage years playing in bands and eventually moved on to the guitar. I played actively all over Sweden but told everyone that I was gonna move to LA to further my career. And in 2012 that dream became reality.

Since then I’ve been fortunate enough in this rollercoaster called the music industry/life to combine my two biggest passions in life, music and traveling, and have toured all over the US, the UK, played Warped Tour, US Air Force Bases in the Middle East and Japan and even cruise ships in the Caribbean (my favorite place on earth), all with several different bands. Somewhere along the way I also started passing on my knowledge and coaching music, with a contemporary pop/rock approach and focus on getting more girls into music.

When I’m not performing or teaching, I write music for film and television. You can hear me on the latest season of Vanderpump Rules on Bravo.

Endorsed by:
Washburn Guitars
Rockready gig bags/Osiamo

I am looking forward to working with you! :)
- Moa H

ing technique for two years. In the Spring of 2011 she completed the acclaimed Sound, Voice and Music Healing Certificate program at the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco.

Lynda has taught privately at many music schools in the San Francisco Bay Area for over 15 years before recently relocating to Long Beach. She has developed and taught piano and audio production courses for Pyramind Audio Training School and Ex'pression College for the Digital Arts in Emeryville, CA. In addition, she writes music and audio tutorial articles and reviews for popular online education magazine, Ask Audio. Lynda was a contributing writer for a Pyramind School text book published by Alfred called Music Theory, Songwriting and the Piano™ in 2013.

After studying classical music for many years throughout college, Lynda craved to find another way to express herself through music. With this solid music education foundation, she was able to expand into improvising, composing and performing in the rich San Francisco Bay Area arts and music scene. Learning digital recording opened up a whole new world of musical possibilities and paved the way for years of musical experimentation and song-writing “ merging the acoustic with electronic. She has multiple album releases on a variety of international record labels and has performed extensively at clubs and festivals worldwide.

Lynda thrives on teaching solid fundamentals of her instruments while finding the unique musical passions, talents and motivations of all her students. This integrated approach has been successful in student retention over the years. Many of Lynda™s students have stayed in her studio for 5 years or more and made music a part of their life long journey.