*Now also offering online lessons*
Guitar
David picked up the guitar when he moved from his hometown of Phoenix, Arizona in 2001 at the age of 19 and hasn't looked back since. 7 years and countless hours of practicing, performing and teaching later, David plays at multiple venues in the Kansas City area while teaching from his studio at Guitar Source in Overland Park,, Southland Conservatory in Raymore, and in home tutoring service Mobile Music Teachers. David also teaches and records from his home studio in Raytown, MO where he offers lessons for home schoolers during the daytime hours.
As a guitarist David is motivated primarily by his passion for music. Growing up he was influenced by classical, jazz, and film scores. Since picking up the guitar he has been inspired by guitarists from such diverse backgrounds as Eric Johnson, Robben Ford, Pat Martino, Pat Metheny, Martin Taylor, and James Taylor, to name a few. Today David plays and teaches a variety of different styles, ranging from rock and blues to classical and jazz.
Piano
David started to play the piano after years of playing the guitar. Although a second instrument, it in many ways it was the first as everything David has aspired to on the guitar is pianistic, and he draws much of his inspiration on the instrument from piano players. Correspondingly, it wasn't long before David picked up the piano itself, studying privately first with Tatev Amir and later with Karen, Kushner, Professor of Piano Studies at UMKC. David applies many of the same principles to the piano that he does the guitar including stressing a comprehensive knowledge of music theory, self transcription, ear training and classical technique as well as the more traditional facets of piano pedagogy such as sight reading and rhythm work. Students learn music theory as applied to the keyboard, sight-reading, improvisation and the application of classical technique to modern styles.
As a pianist David is motivated primarily by his passion for music. Growing up he was influenced by classical, jazz, and film scores. Since picking up the piano he has been inspired by pianists from such diverse backgrounds as Art Tatum, Nicolai Lugansky, Oscar Peterson, and Bill Evans among others. Today David plays and teaches a variety of different styles, ranging from rock and blues to classical and jazz.
*** Lesson Details ***
I have extensive experience with all ages and skill levels. I use a curriculum specifically geared towards the guitar, as opposed to more traditional (and inferior) methods that emphasize note reading and piano pedagogy, my method will teach you music theory as it relates to the neck of the guitar and the music that the student are interested in. I am a fairly laid back teacher; we will go at your pace, but I do expect you to work hard.
With piano I use classical literature to develop technique but emphasize the development of a comprehensive understanding of music theory as applied to the keyboard. This includes but is not limited to studies in pop, rock, jazz and other style of contemporary piano.
*** Studio Equipment ***
#1) Dedicated music room seating for parents
#2) Practice/rehearsal room seating for parents
#3) Amplification provided and music stand.
#4) Keyboard/Piano for student use
#5) Broadband network, dual camera, file sharing and the latest technology utilized for online lessons.
*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide a music stand, my instrument, curriculum materials, music paper materials and amplification (if needed). I expect the student to have their own instrument and potentially amplification. I provide a piano for instruction but I expect my students to have a piano or keyboard for practice at home.
*** Specialties ***
I specialize in classical and jazz guitar, however I am fluent in most styles, including rock, blues, fingerstyle, and miscellaneous. I teach from Jay EuDaly's "Vertical Truth: Chordal Mechanisms for the Guitar" but I also supplement this with a variety of other curriculum.
In piano I specialize in classical piano as well as jazz and pop.