Mead, CO Music Theory Lessons

olero and Bossa Nova.
I have performed all over the US and toured many countries including Mexico, Canada, Argentina, Uruguay, England and France. I have recorded more than 100 CDs for many artists (as well as my own original music) as a pianist/keyboardist, singer, guitarist and music producer. I have won many awards including most recently the Best Blues Band award as the pianist, guitarist and singer for the Lionel Young Band at the International Blues Challenge (the largest competition of blues bands in the world).
I have taught music through my whole career. Many of my students have gone on to study music as a career and have become successful professional musicians.
I am very comfortable teaching all levels from professional musicians to very beginners at any age.
I currently lead and perform with my group. We perform concerts, private events and some club work. My life as a professional musician has given me a lot of knowledge to share with my students.

*** Lesson Details ***
I adjust my approach based on what you want to learn, always with an emphasis on learning as much as possible while making the lessons fun and enjoyable. If you are a beginning piano/keyboard or guitar student I can teach you the basics of how to read music and how to play chords in the first few months and then we can decide whether you are interested in playing written music or more improvisational styles. I use different method books depending on the student and sometimes I use just my teaching materials if you are only interested in improvisational styles like Rock or Blues guitar or piano (for example). If you are a voice student, I teach with a combination of learning songs you like and using a CD/MP3s of vocal exercises that help develop good vocal technique. Whatever your instrument and musical preference you can be sure we'll have fun and you'll be making music from the very start!

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have a Yamaha upright piano and keyboards. I have acoustic and electric guitars, bass and amps. I have Shure Sm-58 mics to teach microphone technique with.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Student must have his/her own instrument and metronome (or equivalent) must purchase course book(s) if needed..

*** Specialties ***
I teach different styles depending on the students goals. I can teach a traditional classical style for those interested in classical music and I can teach more practical approaches for popular music such as learning by chords (for instrumental students- not voice obviously) and learning improvisation through scales, arpeggios and music theory.

ons.

ich I walked away saying "Man, I never KNEW that!" and it's my goal for you have that experience, too. Whether its how to play that chord or write a melody, how to get the best sound out of those stomp boxes, or when genres like shoegazer and post-rock were invented and what they sound like... there's something to be learned in every lesson.

The most important benefit of taking lessons from me is my experience. I started teaching casually as a teenager and have followed every opportunity since. My passion for music has allowed me to teach private lessons (10+ years), middle school guitar class (including a guitar ensemble), and college-level music theory classes. Extensive experience in writing, recording, and performing has only helped that passion to grow. I've developed a method to blend theory with practice every step of the way, and make the journey fun!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Music stand, Guitar picks, Amplifier, 1/4" cable, Footstool, and paper hand-outs provided for Students.

Lounge area, Kitchen area, Restrooms,and Parking provided for Parents

*** Specialties ***
guitar, acoustic guitar, music, songwriting, classical guitar, electric guitar, music theory

s will be exactly the same. I expect students to practice and be prepared for every lesson and be ready each and every time to learn something new. "Perfect practice makes perfect."

All piano students should be prepared begin to learning in the classical style. This course of study covers all the basics necessary to study all genres of music and will insure students learn the rudiments and technique needed for more difficult music. Piano students will be exposed to different styles of music as they progress and will also study and practice music theory, ear training, sight reading and learn about the history of music.

Voice students will be exposed to classical voice technique as well as music of their own style choice. Like piano, selections made are meant to teach the techniques involved in singing in a healthy and supported manner. Voice students will also be exposed to ear training, sight-singing, music theory and music history and will not just be singers but well rounded musicians.

**I only accept voice students 10 years of age and older and prefer ages 14 and older. As the voice is part of body it is subject to the changes involved with growing up and is still "growing" with the student. Younger students will be on a case by case basis.

*** Studio Equipment ***
It is recommended for voice students to have a recording device readily available as well as a keyboard or piano. Students/parents will be responsible for the purchasing of any music books through the teacher when required.

A piano or keyboard will be required for all piano students for practice purposes. Students/parents will be responsible for the purchasing of any music books through the teacher when required.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Students will need access to a piano or keyboard (88 keys preferably weighted) for all piano and voice lessons. It is also recommended for voice students to have a recording device readily available. Students/parents will be responsible for the purchasing of any music books required.

*** Specialties ***
Specialize in teaching beginning to intermediate piano age 5- and up
Have experience working with special needs children.

yself smoothly and precisely. I started getting more involved with harder rocking bands such as Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters and prided myself with the ability to match the vocal parts in both accuracy and intensity. I raised the level of professionalism up on my own writing skills as well and publishing a lyrical device in a poetry publication known as “In Dappled Sunlight.” I also enjoying some radio airplay for one of my songs and was fortunate enough to open for the illustrious Paul Kantner and Jefferson Starship in an acoustic set in Denver, Co.
Although my formal education was in Psychology and Counseling, I continued taking lessons in guitar and voice while simultaneously refining my sound and my skills. I also began teaching during this time working with students from 5 to sixty-five and focusing on acoustic guitar skills as well as vocal training and most of all, finding enjoyment in music. To me, teaching is an integral part of music as I truly believe that the gift of music is wasted unless its shared with others. Seeing a student realize his or her musical dreams is one of the greatest joys that I have experienced as a musician and I'm dedicated to the teaching process for life. I'm also dedicated to performing and to this day I have done over 1000 shows, playing the coziest of street corner pubs to big festivals with thousands of people present. I feel that this performance experience in combination with over 20 great years of teaching has made me the highly qualified instructor that I am today.
Although there are many singer/songwriters, I feel I am unique in that I strive to incorporate power and passion into the simplest of musical pieces and have learned how to teach this process to others. I feel that finding the passion in music, whether it be rhythm or lead guitar or voice, can make the difference between being a mediocre musician and a great one regardless of your skill level. I feel I have the insight and patience as well to work with anyone who has the desire and dedication to become a great musician.
I now live in the beautiful town of Fort Collins, Colorado where I both perform and teach with regularity and also operate my counseling practice where I specialize in helping children and adults work through anxiety and depression. I hope to work with each of you in the near future and help you to achieve the lofty musical goals that you have set out for yourself. Mark

*** Lesson Details ***
Simply stated, students can expect what they're willing to contribute to the learning process. At least half of learning is done before or after the lesson during the student's practice time so the time in between lessons is extremely important. Although I am a laid back instructor, I also have high expectations of the student and will define those in the first lesson. The curriculum is based on years of teaching experience and will be tailor-made to your current age, development and experience level. The word "dedication" is an important one here as well because if you're dedicated, then you 'll become a life-time learner and musician rather than a part time participant. So, after 3-6 months you may learn almost nothing or you will become a proficient player, it's all up to you!

*** Studio Equipment ***
loft 400 sq feet open, airy multiple instruments seating for parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can bring instruments although I would hope they also have some of their own as well.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in manifesting powerful dynamics in voice and performance, specifically in blues, rock, alternative and folk music. I also incorporate some of the Alexander technique into some of my teaching (no, I am not certified in Alexander but have participated in some of the classes).

ild Jazz Trumpet Solo Competition, finalist in the Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Solo Competition, recipient of the ASCAP Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Award, selected-participant at the Banff International Summer Intensive Program in Jazz and Creative Music and the School of Improvisational Music Summer Intensive Program, recipient of 5 Semi-Finalist selections and 1 finalist/honorable-mention selection in the International Songwriting Competition.

As an educator, I have taught all-level/all-age group music playing and appreciation courses for several New York-based organizations: The Afro-Latin Jazz Academy, The Gramercy Brass Orchestra of New York, New York Ensemble Classes, the Lyceum Kennedy International School, Jubilee Enrichment Programs, and The New York Jazz Academy. Currently, I am finishing 6 semesters of service as a Graduate Part-Time Instructor at the University of Colorado, Boulder, where I teach multiple ensembles as well as a 100+ student History of Jazz lecture class.

I have also been practicing various forms of meditation practices and Yoga practices for the past 5 years. My influences span from Astral Projection to Reiki, to Vipassana Meditation, to Visualization Techniques, and much more. I believe and live by the idea that creativity is an energy that flows through us, and one's creative abilities can be improved and expanded, through the emotional body, which is influenced by one's perceptions. Throughout my training in music and the arts, I have realized that creative flow and love for what one is and does can be applied to anything in life.

Because of my 7+ years experience as a professional artist living in New York City, my students receive both guidance in discovering their own voice and comfort within their desired field of practice, and also practical approaches to retain and utilize their training and pre-ordained skill sets, with self-application and diligence. Through study with me, my students enable themselves to swiftly make progress and move toward a life of renewed purpose and fulfilment. Through specific assignments, exercises, and practices my students foster a real relationship with their instruments, and themselves, thus unlocking their creative minds, for usage in all aspects of their lives.

I teach out of a my home apartment studio on the upper east side, complete with weighted 88-key digital piano, Bose high quality speakers, recording equipment, as well as musical media, and tablature spanning many musical genres, cultures and time periods. I also am equipped with a spacious floor space for Yoga, Pilates, Weight Lifting, Meditation, and more. Additionally, I am able to travel to any location within the five boroughs for an additional travel fee (TBD based on location).

While I specialize in the following broad areas of musical study, my specialties are not limited to: General Music, Composition, Arranging, Ear Training, Music History (includes classical, jazz, and world musics), Music Theory, Sight Singing, and Songwriting. I also specialize in the following instruments: Trumpet, flugelhorn, and Piano/Keyboards.

I look forward to helping you realize your potential! Let's get started...

theatrical dance show Dancing at the Crossroads and his arrangements have been played by chamber groups throughout northern Colorado.

*** Lesson Details ***
My lessons are geared towards a set of goals that are created between the student's wants and my expectations for them to be successful at what the student wants to achieve. For each student, I use a different set of pedagogical tools designed to get them to the goals they want. The main goal I have for all my students is that their fundamentals on their instrument will be at the level that they can complete their goals with ease. Over their time with me, they will have the skills to coach themselves when they practice and tackle any music they come across.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I expect them to provide and music stand and their music. These are both things that they need to have at their home for practice.

*** Specialties ***
I teach and perform both jazz and classical music. Almost any style that uses a trombone or brass instruments, I have performed in and have a strong foundation in.

the intermediate levels the most. I enjoy watching people discover things for the first time, and in my teaching I really do my best to craft my lessons to the needs of the students. My primary aim in teaching is that I would cultivate in my students a love for music and learning. With these two things in place, a student can go on to be and learn anything.

Join me and my studio. We'll have a great time, and we'll get you to your goals while we're enjoying the journey of music together!!