Private Classical Guitar tutoring lessons Lake Mary, FL.

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. Students have been successful in auditions, both locally and nationally. For instance, one student auditioned for American Idol and made it through several steps to the finals.

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.

Jill moved to Florida to play with an all original Blues Band in 1992 and has been performing, directing and teaching since that time.

"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. The student is responsible for the cost of materials used in class.

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. Many students have copyrighted their material and are successful songwriters!

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
drums (only at Orlando location which is limited)

*** 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!!!

of my students, I am now at a point where I excel at honing in on the individual interests and learning styles of whoever comes to me for help. There are many ways to learn guitar. The best one is the one that engages and inspires you the most. That said, there are also music fundamentals that we all need to know. My joy as a teacher lies in finding a way for you to master the fundamentals while at the same time following your personal bliss and intuition. We plot the course together, combining your curiosity and enthusiasm with my years of experience.

I also love working with kids. While they are having fun jamming, I discretely provide them with the technique and musicianship they'll need to excel in any musical environment, whether it's conservatory study or playing in a great band.

*** Lesson Details ***
Your enthusiasm is the key to your success, so my lessons are tailored to the interests and abilities of each student. That said, my classical background and dedication to effective teaching inform everything I do.

All of my students learn Music Fundamentals:
-Technique (habits of movement)
-Theory (how music works)
-Aural skills (hearing pitches, chords and rhythms clearly)

Many of my students use books. There are hundreds of great books these days, and I will work with students from any book they choose. Listed here are the books I regularly use. They all deliver great results:

-Aaron Shearer "Leaning The Classic Guitar"
-Will Schmidt and Greg Koch "The Hal Leonard Method"
-Joe Pecoraro "Read This First"
-David Oaks "Music Reading For Guitar"
-William Leavitt "A Modern Method For Guitar"
-Mateo Carcassi "Melodic and Progressive Studies, Opus 60"
-Leo Brouwer "Simple Studies"

Many of my students prefer to work without a book, and that is a great option too. These students learn scales, chords and theory and develop a repertoire of songs. I will show you how to play any song you'd like to learn. You can also work on writing your own songs or compositions, or improvising in any context, be it jazz, blues, Indian raga or flamenco.

Singing is also encouraged!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Home studio: music stands, extensive library of all kinds of music, great sound system and ability to stream any song, several guitars, recording equipment, footstools, keyboard and percussion instruments.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I'll bring my guitar and books, accessories as needed.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in versatility. I regularly play gigs doing classical, jazz, blues, rock, pop, and world music. All of these genres have a place in my heart, and I've devoted years to learning to play and teach them well.

I am equally polyamorous when it comes to the various things musicians do. I love to sing pop songs, dissect jazz lines, delve into expressive groupings with classical pieces, drill scales and arpeggios, you name it. Reading, improvising, composing and notating, transcribing and playing by ear, memorization, classical technique, blues technique, bluegrass technique, theoretical analysis... hit me up for any of that, or whatever else interests you.

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

sses in New Mexico high schools to Elementary students in Japan to a variety of private students of various musical instruments and genres everywhere I've been. Since relocating to the Bay Area in 2010, I've had the pleasure of working with lots of great students from kids to adults with a wide range of ambitions. Since 2012 I've been running my own full time studio.

Philosophy of Learning

Lessons are generally designed to work towards giving students the tools to accomplish their goals and become increasingly independent over time. While all students will study similar fundamentals regarding technique, theory, and performance, every lesson is as different as every person. What kind of music do you want to make? I'll tell you what you need to do to get there, and help you take the steps to achieve your aspirations.

I also love to help students put together a song, record, and produce it for them so that they can have a recording to share with their friends and family.

I also hold events for my students. (Check out our pictures and videos below!)
Younger students have opportunities to perform for friends and family at my studio every few months. Once or twice a year we'll also stage a larger event off site for more individual students and bands classes to perform.
Adult students also occasionally have events where they get a chance to get together and play music as well.

Aside from in-studio lessons, students also have the option to sign up for online lessons via Skype.
(*Online lessons offered during different times than in-studio lessons.)

*Unfortunately due to scheduling issues, I'm not currently accepting students for bi-weekly lessons. I can do regular weekly lessons, or occasional drop-in lessons, but bi-weekly appointments make it really hard for me to give the best scheduled times to my existing weekly students. I'm sorry for the inconvenience.

My studio is equipped with:

*Music Stands

*A P.A. System

*Vocal and instrument microphones

*Guitars, Basses, Ukulele, Banjos, etc

*Two guitar amps and a bass amp

*Various percussion including a fully equipped acoustic drum set

*A Roland V-Drums electronic drum set

*An electric piano console and Yamaha organ

*A MicroKorg Synthesizer

*A Tuba, Trombone, Cornet, Saxophone, and Flute

*An extensive physical and virtual music library

*A recording system that students are not only welcome to use but encouraged to

*HD Webcam and condenser microphone for high fidelity online lessons via Skype

tarting from the beginning of what a student knows and moving forward step by step will only lead to perfection in their lessons. Having fun doing this, is the only way to keep a student focused and progressing. Enjoyment is the number one focus of Damien's lessons. If a student isn't enjoying and having fun with their lessons then they will not progress.
Damien teaches ages of 5-99. You are never too young or old to learn. Damien's main focus is guitar and music theory

*** Travel Equipment ***
I would expect the student to provide their own guitar (if necessary) and a notebook
I have private parking for my students, so they don't have to worry about parking, ever !
*** Specialties ***
I have been taught, on a college level, of classical, jazz, ethnic musics. I specialize in guitar, theory, composition.

s

ing style a student may have. I am capable of teaching all styles of guitar at any skill level with an emphasis on ear training and general knowledge of guitar techniques.

Slight disclaimer in regards to lesson length, price, and student interest:

Over the past year or so I have tried a new teaching structure that I find to be quite rewarding for myself and the students I have had. My lessons do not have a maximum time limit, meaning a lesson could go for 2 hours, if that is what the student wanted, for the same price as a 45 min lesson.

This may sound strange in that I would be losing out on a large amount of potential money but the simple answer is this: I love music and guitar as well as teaching music and guitar. If we are in the middle of a great topic that you, the student, is really interested in, there is no way that I am simply going to stop talking about it when the "timer" stops and there is no way I am going to charge you more for getting into a topic you want to learn.

I find that students who spend more time in the lessons tend to become more interested in guitar and thus, better at playing. I do have to instill a minimum time limit of 45 mins however, any less is honestly just not enough time to get anything worth while accomplished.

One last thing, music and guitar have made up the majority of my daily routine for the past 10 or so years and have literally paid for everything that I currently own as I have never had any other type of job. What this means is that I take the craft very seriously and I project that in the lessons. Basically, if you are genuinely interested in learning guitar and music at any skill level, I will show you everything I possibly can to let you meet your goals. However, if you do not take it seriously, as in you don't pick up or even think about the guitar except for lesson days, the lessons may quickly feel pointless.

For more information on what I teach, feel free to look into the category entitled "Guitar" as well as any of the other subcategories that you are interested in.