Deland, FL Ukulele Lessons

the lesson. With an instrumental and choral background, Jill brings music to life and then shares with the students how to keep music in their lives forever. Many students who had vocal problems have achieved vocal success after taking several lessons with Jill and learning to keep their voices healthy for the rest of their lives.

Jill has worked with children, teens and adults in many schools, churches and after school programs that she designed. Her success with students who are very young or students who come with disabilities or autistic spectrum diagnosis are moved by the music Jill creates. With the help of the ORFF-SCHULWERK certification, Jill has many ways of reaching children through the use of instruments, rhythm activities, games and other fun ways of learning. Breaking barriers is Jill's best asset, she will not quit until the student has an understanding of the instrument or his/her voice.

The young and the older adults find that taking lessons with Jill has brought them to a place of realizing their potential. Successful stories include pre-school age through students who are retired. The length of time one studies depends on the student's practice and diligence. Many students have started with Jill in preschool or elementary school and have continued through high school and college. Several college age students wanted to improve their singing or instrumental skills so goals were set and met through Jill's successful teaching ability. Several students learn music theory and many students have learned song-writing and creating arrangements.

Many of Jill's students have become better musicians and a considerable number of students have chosen music professions for their careers. Multiple students have won contests, auditioned for parts in musicals, started local bands and have become songwriters and performers after taking lessons with Jill. One student has recently auditioned for American Idol and has made it through several auditions. Teaching a myriad of students from various places in the world who have come to the United States has been a great experience. The cultural differences makes the teaching of these students exciting since Jill learns about music in their own home countries. Some of the students are from China, Germany, Norway, Dominican Republic, Brazil, Colombia, Puerto Rico and many who moved to Florida from some other state in the U.S.A. What a joy it has been to learn to communicate with these students and to verify that music is a universal language. By special request Jill is available for online lessons through internet and devices as well as traveling to student locations when her schedule allows. Students interested in online or in-home lessons should send a message to her to request certain days and times of availability.

Jill held the title "Steinway Pianos Concert and Artist Director" in Dallas TX in the 80's, working with Steinway artists and Dallas Symphony, Opera, Ballet and other events like planning pianos for Prince Charles' visit and many other concerts and events. Jill also performed in many Dallas venues as well as providing pianos for the Cowboys, the clubs, hotels, country clubs and museums including The Dallas Museum of Art.

"Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, plans succeed. " (Proverbs 15:22) It is Jill's belief that with her teaching qualifications and past record of success with student achievement and great experience studying with wonderful advisers, teaching YOU or YOUR CHILD will be one of success!

*** Lesson Details ***
Jill's teaching technique is flexible. Some students require a stern and strict approach while others seem to work best with more creative license. Jill is open to each student's needs. When booking lessons with Jill, one will find that the first thing she will do is find out more about the student's needs and desires to succeed in their chosen instrument. Meeting goals are important in music and in life!

Because of her flexible approach, method books vary depending on the student's need to succeed. Sometimes young students will need to review several beginning methods until their reading skills are achieved. For the young students, Jill teaches theory and gives the young students time during the lesson to explore musical symbols and try their hands at improvisation, rhythms, manuscripts and creativity.

Some students may desire to learn to play "by ear" or through improvisational skills. Jill is very good with improv and her song writing skills are strong. When a student desires to write music, Jill is there to help with questions about time signatures, note values, key signatures and transpositions.

Taking lessons with Jill is a journey that those who have tried have not had regrets. Several parents and past students would be happy to tell you how their talents and gifts improved after working with Jill for a few months. After three months of working together, Jill will know how to pursue the student's musical career. After 6 months the student will be able to play complete songs and have a sense of basic music theory. The hope is for the student to be confident of their instrument's abilities and to have a list of repertoire for upcoming events in the student's life.

Several of Jill's students have taken their skills, gifts and talents to the professional level. Students who have studied with Jill are professional music directors in high schools, middle schools, elementary schools, churches, soloists and some who are in school studying music as their major. Taking lessons with Jill will be something that will add value to the student's life forever because MUSIC is her life! Without music, the world would be a very dull place and individuals would be unhappy and depressed in every walk of life. Music brings out the beauty of creation and man's ability to skillfully play an instrument for pleasure or for one's occupation.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Yamaha Conservatory Grand
Roland keyboard
5 string bass guitar/amp
mandolin
5 string banjo
small MACKIE mixer with Shure mics
Gibson electric guitar with effects and amp
6 string Takamine e-coustic with amp
recorder (the instrument)
violin
dulcimer
bongos
tambourines and many percussion instruments
music stands
soprano and baritone ukuleles
trumpet
djembe
I-pad
harmonica
various rhythm instruments
Mallets and tone blocks

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide my own equipment, but I expect the student to provide his/her own instruments and music stand.

*** Specialties ***
My specialty in voice comes from years of lessons and performance experience. Including solo gigs, bands and service performances such as parties, weddings, funerals, organizational roles, skills, clubs, recordings, hotels, country clubs, churches, schools and much more. She uses many methods, handouts and books to bring out various ideas to learn to sing correctly. Jill takes each individual at his/her level and tries to improve breathing technique, posture, enunciation with style and phrasing, depending on the student's aspirations.

Jill plays most instruments including piano, guitar, bass guitar, band instruments, ukulele, banjo, dulcimer, drums, percussion, harmonica, trumpet, clarinet, recorder, mandolin and violin. Jill enjoys many styles of music and she has played with many bands and groups throughout her musical career. She is a full time musician, music teacher and music director. Years of experience traveling the U.S. And Bahamas with bands, choirs and ensembles enables Jill to work well with many styles of music including contemporary, rock, Christian, Broadway, classical, country, bluegrass, jazz and her favorite, blues.

Sign up for five lessons today and you will not be disappointed.

Here's to your success!!!

need to purchase additional books and sheet music.

c performed in numerous Master Classes for internationally acclaimed artists such as Manuel Barrueco, Christopher Parkening, Oscar Ghiglia, Michael Lorimer, and Carlos Barbosa-Lima.

Eric has taught guitar at the college level for over twenty years teaching on the music faculties of University of Central Florida, Rollins College, Stetson University, Bethune Cookman College, Florida Southern College, and St. Leo College.

Eric's experience includes performances with rock groups, stage bands, folk groups, classical ensembles, jazz combos, Broadway shows, operas, solo recitals, and concerto appearances. Eric has appeared hundreds times at Disney and Sea World as well as other venues around Central Florida.

Throughout the years he has had many unique experiences while performing, one of his favorites being the opportunity to play the MASH theme song for Alan Alda as well as other stars in attendance at a cast party for the show, Win, Lose or Draw at EPCOT Center.

Although he enjoys performing, Eric considers teaching music to be highly gratifying. The importance of giving students a good foundation with the proper technique and performance skills cannot be underestimated. When a student can play a song from beginning to end with style and confidence you know you've given them a gift that will offer them enjoyment for the rest of their lives.

*** Lesson Details ***
If you're looking at this site, you're already on your way to becoming an AWESOME musician! Whether this is your first attempt at music lessons or you've been playing for a while and trying to improve your skills, I'm EXCITED about working with you. I am a professional music educator and performer that has a passion for music and teaching. I will gear each lesson to fit your musical interests and playing level while I encourage and motivate. My goal is to use proven teaching methods and a supportive learning environment to help you realize your musical potential, as well as having FUN while doing it.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Ipad apps, music stand, instrument stands, tuner, metronome, amp, chairs,

*** Specialties ***

Fingerstyle- Classical, Fingerstyle Jazz, Folk, Celtic.

Pickstyle- Rock, Blues, Jazz.

to get you READY to play music, but perhaps was not music in and of itself.

I find that when I get right down to the nitty gritty of playing, and show my students a song they love and know, and get them playing guitar by the end of the session that they are usually thrilled and excited.

In the end it makes them work harder and practice long because THEY ARE PLAYING MUSIC ON THE GUITAR!!!

Certainly exercises are of paramount importance, but when you can make that connection with a student and help them to relate to the guitar the exercises are ultimately easier to them, and the experience of playing guitar an enjoyable and less alienating task.

Grab your guitar and start today!! Let's get you playing TODAY!!!!

TESTIMONIALS:

“I've been working with David for a couple of months, and it has been a great experience. I'm new to bass, with a little guitar experience--he quickly sized up what I knew and had me working on exercises and a great bass line that got me playing right away. He has been very flexible and accommodating of my schedule needs, and he gives plenty of positive and constructive feedback. I've been working in education for nearly 30 years, and I know a great teacher when I see one. David fits the bill, and I'm lucky to be working with him.”

Rudy F., Principal
Middle School

“My son had been taking lessons for seven years and was losing interest. David's passion for music, knowledge of music theory, ability to read the student and know the best way to approach the lessons is exactly what my son needed. Along with his background in a wide variety of genres….classical, rock, jazz, etc. has made learning more exciting, resulting in a renewed interest.”

Tammy S., University Place

“David is an outstanding instructor! My son is 5 years old and loves him. My son is occasionally a difficult child with his own special quirks, but David is so patient and observant and tailors the lessons as we go along week to week to keep my son engaged, encouraged and learning. I also have two younger children who must tag along to the lesson and even they are excited during the lessons and are already asking when they start their lessons! We will be starting at least one more child's lessons with him during this coming school year! He is great!”

Cherise H., Parkland

“Loving the relaxed atmosphere with David. Bargain prices for the one on one experience with such an awesome, educated and talented musician.”

Raven R., Tacoma

“David is an amazing talent and provides me with much needed inspiration. In little over a year, I have learned a tremendous amount about nearly all styles of guitar, classical and lead guitar in particular. It's very helpful to have an awesome instructor who is extremely knowledgeable and very patient. His lesson plans are geared towards what I want to learn and the lessons that we work on cover all the techniques that are necessary to take my skills to the next level. He makes every lesson fun and he works with me until I am comfortable to move on.”

Larry L., Gig Harbor

“David tailors each lesson dynamically to my own progression which has been great. Gauges progression and gives you things to work on before the next lesson. Highly recommend him!”

Kory J., Tacoma

"David has been our son's guitar instructor for the better part of a year. During that time we've appreciated his patient encouragement, especially during the early weeks of instruction. His ability to individually tailor his teaching to his students , incorporating their musical interests has helped our son progress quickly and helped keep him motivated. he really is a wonderful teacher."

Amy L., Tacoma

"Where do I begin? I started with a guitar and a couple of chords...(A lot of desire but basically an empty canvas)." 'This was my life for a number of years until I met David.

Now I must first admit, I am ADD so teaching me and captivating my attention is no easy task...David not only broke through that barrier but opened the door to world of music I had aways felt and now suddenly I could touch.

If you posses the desire to learn and the drive to work...the sky is the limit."

Wes H.
City of Destiny
Tacoma, WA

"I am very happy with my decision to take lessons with David. In just 2 months I've gone from strumming some chords to understanding picking patterns, learning how to put together an entire song, and expanding my techniques. I am very surprised at how much technical skill I have been able to pick up in such a short period of time"

Marianne B., Tacoma

"I'm 46 years old and my only known talent is for overcomplicating things. I've always admired a good guitar player and wanted to learn to play myself--who doesn't?--but felt I didn't have the talent or just "couldn't do it." Then I found David and he said, 'Oh yes you can. Commit to 4 lessons up front and you'll see that you can.' I took the leap and sure enough, he had me playing blues riffs in less than one month. All I had to do was listen and do as he instructed me to and it all comes very naturally. There's no stress, just a whole lot of fun! If you're like me and you thought you couldn't play guitar, start with David and just have some fun with it. It's simple. You won't want to put the guitar down again!"

Dan D., Tacoma

I had been playing guitar for about 5 years and had only been self taught. I found myself completely stuck playing the same chords and not able to play riffs or solos at all. In my first lesson I was playing the blues with slides and hammer ons and pull offs. In a couple of lessons he had me soloing in different keys and playing riffs from guitar gods! He was able to teach me in a couple lessons what took me years trying to teach myself! He makes lessons so much fun because not only are you learning the music theory but he relates it to popular songs that you can practice along with. He also has so much knowledge in other aspects as well. He can teach you about music gear and amps or help you compose your own music. He caters to your style and taste in music and can teach you ANYTHING!

Ashley A.

I love guitar period, but it's overtly frustrating when you have no idea where to start, or how to play at all. I went through multiple guitar instructors trying to learn how to play and each of them weren't very specific, or didn't hone in on any one thing at a time so you could really start to get it down and process it. Then we happened to find David, and he was really what we were looking for. I started picking up chords like no other, It helped, and is helping tremendously. He goes into depth about the song,letting you comprehend it a little more, and ultimately learning it quicker and better.

Skye R., Tacoma WA

I have had 4 different Blues guitar Teacher in the last 6 months, getting nowhere as far as really playing some Blues until I ran across David. The other teachers just wanted me to learn the pentatonic scales, Major and Minor. That took a lot of boring weeks and I am sure I will need to know those scales but I just wanted someone to show / teach me Blues chords, related to Blues songs and the timing to the chord changes so I could start playing some kind of Blues. I have had 6 one hour lessons so far with David and I am playing the Blues. The first 4 hours Dave showed me a E, A, B7 blues chord progression with some step up and step down notes. The 2nd 2 hours Dave showed me a A, D9, A7,E9 Blues chords and Blues timing with slides.

I take one hour Lessons every Thursday and in 6 hours I am playing the Blues. I picked up the guitar about 6 months ago, started teaching myself and not really getting anywhere. I am not a fast learner, about average in learning something new. Now I set a home Learning my guitar and polishing the Blues songs that David has taught me, starting to get FUN.

Les F. Tacoma, Wa.

Working with David has made me focus on areas of my chops that needed fine tuning. He provides the basic exercises and tools that, when practiced enough in a zen-like manner, clarifies your understanding of movement on the fret board, and makes you sound a bit more professional. Questions regarding speed, theory, notation, composition, and even string size, are ready for answer with David, which is what keeps me working with him. From begining, to intermediate, to professional levels, if you're looking to improve your chops, Dave's your guy.

Frank L., Seattle WA

I had tried many different instructors and had become very frustrated with trying to learn guitar. Within one lesson David had me playing ACDC and RUSH! David just has a way of explaining things so that they make sense and doesn't waste any time getting right down to the nuts and bolts of guitar. A lot of other instructors spend alot of time getting you 'ready' to play guitar, but with David we got down to playing guitar right away!

Stevie J., Olympia WA

“I started receiving lessons from David a few years ago, to improve my guitar abilities. I always used to tell people, "I've been playing guitar since the Eighties, though you would never know it." At the time I started, I knew some Metal riffs, three-chord Punk Rock progressions, and simple 12-bar blues. Though I took two guitar classes and first-year Music Theory in college in the early Nineties, the only scale I could say I knew was "blues pentatonic," emphasis on the quotation marks.

My goal was to relearn Modes/Scales, and brush up on theory, so that I could write more complex material. David taught me that, and so much more. Over these few years, I've learned Progressive Rock, Fusion/Jazz, and even some Country styles, as well as a great deal more about Metal and, yes, even Punk from David. I can play leads and solos with much more proficiency, in timing with the rhythm, and more tonally correct, than I ever could before. He has also helped me read music better, construct more professional-sounding compositions, and has started me on my own path to produce my own recordings, from recommending and using recording software, to capturing dynamics with mic placement, to mixing the rough takes to get the most out of the sound.

For a musician of any level or caliber, having an instructor like David is a true asset--for he has the knowledge and skills to take an entry-level musician every step of the way to becoming a professional performer, recorder, mixer, engineer, and producer. The only limit to the lesson's potential is your own level of determination, which David quite expertly helps you to improve with every session. Even if your goal is to simply learn to play one song on one instrument--and David teaches MANY instruments--he will have you playing that song like the musician who wrote it before you realize it--as long as you stick with your practice between lessons. That part's up to you!”

Marc D., Apple Valley CA

*** Studio Equipment ***
Mac
Logic
Presonus
invariable guitars, amps, keyboards, and other stuff.
Tama drumset, Full Mic's.
University trained mind and honed skills. Who cares about the software.

*** Specialties ***
Generally come from conservatory/ classical background so utilize classical methods of teaching with a contemporary application to suit modern day application

nce from many avenues including band, private lessons, choirs, and musical gigs. I taught music theory and ear training at an after school music and arts business for 1.5 years and worked with a variety of students ranging from 6 years old to twenty years old. As a music therapist, I am required to be proficient on my main instrument (flute) plus on guitar and piano. I am also required to be proficient in the creation and implementation of goals and objectives, people skills, and to have an empathetic, understanding, and positive approach in all I do. I believe these skills contribute greatly to the effectiveness of my teaching. I am also qualified and willing to teach adaptive lessons for students with all types of disabilities. This includes mental and physical.

PSYCHOLOGY:
I am currently pursuing a masters in mental health counseling and have a minor in psychology. I have completed a practicum at a behavioral health hospital, an internship at another behavioral health hospital, and am currently completing a practicum in which I provide individuals in the community with counseling services.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE:
Education experience: I taught music theory for 1.5 years in Tallahassee, Florida. I am currently a certified substitute teacher in Volusia county Florida for elementary through high school and I teach flute sectionals at local middle schools and high schools. I have also been a teachers aide in two kindergarten classrooms. This job required me to teach students individually and in small groups. I also provided music groups with the kindergarteners once a week. Prior to this I have been a regular dividend in a kindergarten classroom for a semester, have lead flute choir and flute sectionals, and have volunteered often in an elementary art classroom.

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY:
My teaching style is organized yet laid-back. I am sympathetic and positive in my approach. I am understanding of your busy schedules so am very flexible although my schedule is quite limited and it may be difficult to reschedule lessons.
I have access to lesson books/textbooks and can make suggestions for you based on your needs and desires. If you are a beginning piano student you will need to purchase your own book. (It's about $6.00 on Amazon.)
Our first lessons will be based around assessing your strengths and weaknesses. From there I will create a schedule customized to your specific needs. Your input is important to me as I am always willing to be flexible based on your personal needs and preferences.
Learning music is FUN so I will make sure you are enjoying the lessons as well as getting the most out of them that you can!

PRICING INFO:
Flute, piano, and guitar lessons are $25/30 minutes and ukulele is $20/30 minutes. This is a set price. I do not haggle. I do provide sibling discounts!

ike to begin by letting the student lead.
In addition to learning from you, I intend to present you with new information, to try and broaden your musical tastes and teach you how to be an active listener.

n't see on my schedule, feel free to ask. Sometimes I can make an exception.