Placentia, CA Songwriting Lessons

ls with famous stars and some really great bands which will help me answer many of your questions. I am currently still working, teaching and recording all the time. I also have a professional recording studio in my home which you can take full advantage of.

*** Lesson Details ***
I want you to have fun learning and can help you with understanding and memorizing your songs.
I focus on sight-reading, ear training (like jamming and playing blues) and theory. You get to choose the areas you would like to learn.
Once we have established the basics including melody and chords, we will pick songs you want to learn to play with your friends or just by yourself. We can use music books or go on YouTube to learn your songs.
I have helped students with auditions as well as performances. After only a few lessons you will hear and see things differently than ever before.

*** Studio Equipment ***
My studio comes complete with acoustic and electric keyboards, acoustic and electric guitars, electric bass and amps to play through, as well as professional microphones for recording. I use ProTools for recording which is used in every major studio around the world and it's loaded with great software for demos or mastering songs.

*** Specialties ***
I teach beginner, intermediate and advanced students.
I teach all styles of music including Classical, Jazz, and Rock/Pop/Blues.
I also teach songwriting, performing and recording in my ProTools studio.

Spears), and I am currently the lead singer (also playing guitar & piano) in the alternative rock band "Stripe Coats". In August of 2009, this band released a 5-song EP and after a month we landed a record deal with label Tate Music Group. In August 3rd of 2010, Stripe Coats released their 11-song album under the band name Kaden. This album features artists such as guitarist Michael Thompson (played for Michael Jackson, Christina Aguilera), and drummer John Robinson (played for Quincy Jones, Elton John). The album also contains three songs that were recorded and produced by Producer Wyn Davis (producer of No Doubt, Sublime). Wyn Davis said, "Stripe Coats is one of the most promising new bands to come through Total Access [Studios] in a long time.  After doing records and watching young bands enter and exit the studio for over 30 years, it is STILL very exciting to work with a band that brings so much love, passion, and skill to what they do."

Stripe Coats™' songs are on rotation on Live 365 Internet Radio, and TMG Internet Radio. Our songs have also been featured on Alcoa Tennessee'™s Love 89.1 Radio and on hundreds of other radio stations, such as Refuge, CSN, and WCTL.

*** Lesson Details ***
I divide my class into 4 parts: 1. Scales/Chords/Arpeggios/Warm-ups 2. Sight-Reading 3. Theory 4. Improvisation. Depending on the instrument of your choice, and also what your specific goals are, each of these parts are customized. You will learn quickly.

*** Studio Equipment ***
A weighted 88 keyboard is used. Free parking on street and lot.

*** Specialties ***
My emphasis was voice (Tenor) at Vanguard University. I am classically trained and trained in Rock/Pop. I've done many professional recordings and performances throughout my career.

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

r other styles, we will find the best avenue to progress toward your goals. At the same time I believe it should always be a fun thing to do!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Guitars - Drums - Amplifiers - Accordion - Ukes and other assorted instruments

*** Specialties ***
Depending on student interest, I teach numerous styles (Rock, Blues Jazz improvisation) by reading music or by ear. Some students are more visual while others are auditory learners. Whichever is best for the student.

d have won high school battle of the bands competitions and recently placed 2nd in BYU's battle of the bands 2011. I was a regional finalist in Guitar Center's "King of the Blues" competition as well.

Jaxon the Teacher: I really love spreading the knowledge I've learned over the years about the guitar, bass guitar, songwriting, music theory, and everything music related to my students. I find a huge sense of fulfillment in seeing my students understand and enjoy learning and making beautiful music. I have a high level of knowledge and skills that I am very willing to use to teach students from the most beginner to the most advanced. Former students of mine have achieved lofty goals ranging from making it into a music program at the college level to winning their school's talent show to being accepted into their school's jazz band.

*** Lesson Details ***
My curriculum is based around YOU. I push my students hard, but I make sure they're always having fun and enjoying playing. I like to get my students playing real songs as fast as possible so they can see results immediately and get excited!

Note: I am trained and specialized in teaching children fingerstyle guitar. I have taught hundreds of kids in schools, privately, and in groups over the last two years. The method I use is proven to give kids the best possible start to music and maximize their potential. If you have children and you want them to learn good technique and music principles through guitar, you don't want to look any further, I promise.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have stools, music stands, and an amp here so all you need to bring is your guitar!

*** Travel Equipment ***
I do not provide any equipment.
Student must have their own guitar and amp if they play electric.
I do have guitars available for rental.

*** Specialties ***
-Children's fingerstyle guitar
-Proficient in Suzuki method
-Specialist in classical guitar, though proficient up to highly advanced in any guitar style (blues, rock, country, jazz, pop, etc)
-Also very experienced teaching songwriting and music performance

ds for 12 years as an electric guitarist and also for 4 years as a solo acoustic guitarist mixing Bossa Nova, Classical Guitar and original compositions into my performance repertoire.

*** Lesson Details ***
I'm a patient teacher that's passionate about guitar and helping students reach their musical goals whether they are casual players or serious musicians. For beginners, I use Hal Leonard instructional guitar books along with paper handouts and sheet music. I believe it's important for everyone to learn the fundamentals of music to create a strong base of skills in order to continue playing and learning music throughout one's life. For more experienced players, I like to teach various modern rock/pop songs, classical guitar songs, picking patterns, finger picking patters, improvisation, scales and music theory. I teach nylon string acoustic, steel string acoustic guitar and electric guitar and bass
I believe the most basic goal for a guitar student is to be able to play a song in it's entirety, whether it's by themselves or with other musicians/music students. I believe that some of the most important music skills are learned while actually playing with other musicians. It is crucial when learning an instrument to be able to play in 'real time'; playing music with a steady sense of rhythm.

*** Specialties ***
I teach Classical Guitar, Brazilian Jazz, bass guitar, rock, pop, blues, funk and folk guitar using method books, sheet music and guitar tablature.

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.

d interests. Everyone learns differently and I like to make the lessons enjoyable while developing a solid foundation. I teach note-reading and incorporate music that the student wants to play or sing. I am very patient and teach all levels and ages.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Keyboard, Computer, Guitar, Uke, Amplifier, Microphone, Guitar and more. Everything you need to get started.

*** Specialties ***
Singing Lessons: Everyone can sing!!! I will help you develop your technique and expand your range, pitch and confidence! You will have a fun time learning about your instrument. I teach Blues, Jazz, Rock, Country, Musical Theater, and Pop styles, even though I am Classically trained. The technique will crossover into all styles.

Song-writing: I will be happy to help you structure and develop your art. It's story telling at it's finest.

Guitar: Have fun learning songs you like and get a great foundation too. I teach finger picking, tab, theory, scales, note-reading along with music you like.

composition Ryan is an avid composer, composing for various genres and ensembles. Among these genres Ryan’s specialty is composing new musical theater works/songwriting. In 2010 he joined the Academy of New Musical Theater and with that organization he composed his first musical theater piece Shoot Ma! which premiered at the Colony Theater in Burbank. In 2011 he composed his second musical Experience Magic! A Musical Within a Magic Show, which premiered at the Sierra Madre Playhouse in 2012.