Westlake Village, CA Music Performance Lessons

tyle and I try my best to cater my lessons around each student's individual needs and goals. I was fortunate enough to grow up in an incredibly musical household. My dad toured with Bryan Adams as his guitarist and my mom’s worked with heavy weights such as David Foster as a professional vocalist. I was mentored by some of the best in the music business since childhood. I started learning piano at the age of four and started recording vocals for radio commercials at the age of six. The experience I've acquired over the years from recording in world class studios and touring internationally I believe has given me invaluable insight to impart with my students. I’m very passionate about teaching. Whether you want to learn how to play your favorite song on the piano or polish your vocal skills to sing professionally on a big stage in front of a large crowd, I’m your gal!

*** Lesson Details ***
I understand that starting lessons can feel a bit scary and outside of ones comfort zone. It takes courage to try something new! I take pride in creating a fun, stress free learning environment, as I know it's incredibly important. I like to encourage having the best of both worlds when it comes to learning voice and piano. That means introducing some sight-reading as well as how to play freestyle, or without sheet music. What to expect upon your first lesson would be an easygoing assessment as well as something to take home and practice. I want to find out what your music tastes and background are and your personal goals, what you would like to get out of lessons. I tailor lessons around each student and their personal learning style.
Piano students: The following is an example of what students can expect to learn, proper technique, sight reading, chords and popular song progressions, how to develop a piece of music, rhythmic training, ear training, how to play their favorite song(s). I use a combo of music books, Alfred Series, Bastien and Dozen a Day for technique and finger exercises as well write out music for students too on the song they would like to learn. I make a list of songs you would like to learn and also suggest some too that I think you would like and can also further develop your piano playing skills.

Voice Lessons: I’m a firm believer that we can learn a lot from hearing ourselves back on recordings. We are our own toughest critic. Recording ourselves singing helps us hear where our strengths and weaknesses are. It might seem a little uncomfortable at first listening back, I know! However, it offers fresh perspective for us to able to take our voices to the next level. I record using an app on my iPhone or iPad and encourage my students to record as well. If they do not have a recording device I email the recording to them to study along with the notes and exercises they are given to work on. This enables the students to witness their personal progress from lesson to lesson! It’s a great learning tool!
The following is an example of what voice students can expect to learn: proper breathing techniques, how improve tone and extend their range, how to develop agility, pop riffs, and dynamic control, how to prepare for auditions, live shows and studio recording and much more!

What I expect from my students: To come to lessons with an open mind, a readiness to learn, to try new things and to apply what they learn each lesson to continue making weekly steady progress ☺ We only get out of something what we put into it right?

I like to be as flexible as possible, I understand that often times students have many other things going on in their lives whether it be sports, school or work etc. We go at a pace you feel comfortable with but enough where you feel you are getting a bit of a challenge each week to be growing. Let’s make some beautiful music together!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Yamaha Mox8 (88 weighted keys). Acoustic Guitar, Sound System, Allen & Heath Mixing board, SM58 Mic, Mic Stand, Music Stand, Shecter Electric Guitar, Pro Tools 9, Duet Apogee

*** Travel Equipment ***
I expect my student to provide a keyboard at least 77-88keys or piano. i can provide a powered speaker, sm58 mic, mic stand for practicing voice and performance.

*** Specialties ***
Pop, Rock, Blues, Jazz, R&B, Classical

Details ***
All lessons are tailored to the students needs and goals. I like for all students to have serious music/etudes to work on as well as something fun that you enjoy playing. I teach everything from classical to pop music, beginner to advanced, age 4 to 99. Whatever your goals are, I can help you achieve them!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Music stand and chair

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide nothing, students must have instrument, books and music stand.

*** Specialties ***
Contemporary flute techniques and performance.
Early childhood music and movement for young children.

ialties ***
I specialize in jazz improvisation on piano and guitar.
I also teach recreational guitar and piano for adults, including classical and blues styles.
I coach bass players and drummers in playing stylistically correct grooves for jazz, rock and latin music.

r creativity.

Backed by an extensive musical background debuting with the Philadelphia Orchestra and continuing her career singing with Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic, Jan L. went on to receive a Bachelor’s of Education in Opera at Temple University and two Master’s Degrees from Combs College of Music in Theatre Arts and Composition.

Jan is the author of the performance book called "Once More With Feeling."

There is exciting news with Jan. Jan has been teaching online on Zoom.us. It's like Skype but better because you can record the whole lesson. For those of you who want a world class teacher, you can learn from Jan who has 20 Grammy winners. No driving, Just sit yourself in front of your computer screen. You will love the intimacy without leaving your home. Give it a try.

Jan teaches vocal technique that connects the chest middle head voice with a gospel belt. Jan covers proper breathing, vocal technique, performance coaching and recording in her protools studio.

"Jan L. is an award winning songwriter, producer, actress, and artist developer. Her studio, Angel Diva Music, is designed to improve artist abilities on and off the stage as well as giving the clientele first-hand knowledge of the industry while increasing their creativity."

Writer of performance book called "Once More With Feeling:

the lesson, we start with simple warm ups and vocalizes and then apply techniques to the songs you want to sing. I realize each student is different and I customize the lesson to the student's particular needs. I specialize in classical and music theater, however the basics of singing apply to all styles of music. In addition to working on breathing and technique for singing, we'll also focus on interpretation of the songs you are working on as well as how to overcome performance nervousness. Most students find that they are able to sing with more freedom, less tension and will have more confidence as they progress.

I also teach beginning piano, using the John W. Schaum series.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lessons in the main room, upright piano

*** Travel Equipment ***
They need to provide a piano or keyboard if I am going to their home.
I have a piano in my home.

*** Specialties ***
I work on using the breath as a fundamental technique for singing. Singing should never hurt. I use a lot of imagery to achieve freedom in singing.

Neumann.

I attended the AVPA from 2006 to 2009 and have a degree in Psychology.

*** Lesson Details ***
In the lesson setting I want the student to become as comfortable with the drums as possible. I like to maintain a relaxed environment, allowing the student to move at his or her own pace. This in mind, I believe the fundamentals are the most important to learn.

Students will first learn the basic hand techniques needed for accomplished drum playing, before moving on to more complex ideas behind groove, and feel. Reading music and keeping effective time will be emphasized in early lessons.

I also like to teach students that drums are a musical instrument that is typically played with other musicians. A student will learn how to play and interact well with other musicians in a variety of musical settings.

I use a combination of books for teaching including:
Syncopation by Ted Reed
The All-American Drummer by Charley Wilcoxon
The Drummer's Bible by Mick Berry and Jason Gianni
Stick Control by George Lawrence Stone
I will also use various drum charts and exercises as well as the use of videos and recordings.

After 3 to 6 months a student will be able to read drum notation and rhythms at a competent level and will be able to play basic drum beats on the drum kit as well as have a basic understanding of how to play with other musicians in various styles of music.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Equipment includes two drumsets, drum pads, sticks, and instructional material.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Can bring drums if necessary, would prefer to bring a drum pad.
Expect the student to have drums.

*** Specialties ***
Rock, Jazz, Funk, Blues

ust try something new for the first time, I will help you succeed and have fun along the way! I will help you build a technical foundation and let you help to determine the focus of the lessons based on what your goals are.

*** Studio Equipment ***
LivingRoom: electric piano, couch and chairs, dining room table and chairs, parents can sit in on lesson

*** Travel Equipment ***
Student must provide piano or keyboard if teaching in student's home

icks that allowed me to impress the Hollywood composer that first invited me to Los Angeles to work on my first blockbuster. That opportunity led to many years of success in the industry and some notoriety.
I have always had a passion for teaching, sharing my knowledge with others and watching other people take immense pleasure in their own achievements. I have been told time and time again that I have a very special gift for teaching and I would very much like to share it with you, whether you want to learn an instrument, musicianship, ear training, composition, hone your vocal or mic skills or learn how to arrange an orchestral piece in just a few hours!
I look forward to talking to you about your specific needs and goals and having the opportunity to help you realize them in a fun friendly and authentic atmosphere.
Andrew

e. I have a routine I do, that I will start students with, but am very open to modification based on student needs/desires.

I perform jazz professionally in Los Angeles, and have spent time touring in playing in the San Francisco Bay Area, New York, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Macedonia, Canada, and have performed or led groups internationally at the Umbria Jazz Festival, the North Sea Jazz Festival, the Montreux Jazz Festival, the Tuscia Jazz Festival, the Angel City Jazz Festival and the Monterey Jazz Festival. You can hear my original compositions and playing on bandcamp or soundcloud.

my personal website. There can be found a full biography, bands I have worked with, examples of my playing, and current news. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask!

Personal Website:
OnTheWingsOfDragons.com

May the rest of your day be fun, and productive!
-JD McGibney