Longwood, FL Blues Guitar 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, 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 interest in online or in-home lessons should send a message to her to request certain days and times of availability.

"Jill was 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
Yamaha keyboard
5 string bass guitar/amp
mandolin
5 string banjo
small MACKIE mixer with mics
Digital audio recording
computer
Gibson electric guitar with effects and amp
6 string Takamine e-coustic with amp
recorder (the instrument)
clarinet
violin
dulcimer
bongos
cymbals
tambourines and many percussion instruments
music stands
soprano and baritone ukuleles
trumpet
djembe
many amplifiers and sound system accessories
I-pad
drum set (at the Lake Underhill Rd. Orlando location only)
harmonica
various rhythm instruments
Wifi
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!!!

ears. His students generally range anywhere from 4-70+ years old and come from a wide range of backgrounds and levels of proficiency, from basic beginners to advanced. Some of his students have also gone on to pursue careers in music, others have just learned as a hobby, and some have been somewhere in between the two. All are welcome!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lessons in living room with couches, chairs, cables/amps, as well as extra guitars (acoustic and electric) and a bass guitar, if needed.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide amps and stands, etc if needs be. However, if they are already provided for the student's sake/in terms of the student (i.e. I'll bring the equipment needed for myself), this would be ideal.

*** Specialties ***
Pop, rock, jazz, blues, classical, metal and funk.

d music-production extensively. I graduated Magna Cume Laude with a Bachelor of Music-Media from UTA. After school, I spent 9 months interning/assistant engineering with acclaimed musician/composer/producer Brad Nyght at The Bakery Studio in Dallas- whose credits include being the drummer for The Michael Gungor Band and Desperation Band. Then, got hired as an on-staff session musician and music producer at Drive35 Productions. I have also played guitar, mandolin, and bass for multiple pit orchestras and guitar for the North Lake Jazz Ensemble with director Jim Eger.

My teaching style varies from student to student. Music is a wonderfully diverse subject and every student has his own aspirations. I will do my best to cater each lesson to the student's goals and interests. Whether that is classical guitar method, rock, jazz, folk, country, pop or anything in between.

I have an excellent internet connection and microphone set up for online lessons. I also utilize screen-sharing to make the lessons as close to real life as possible.

A few of my favorite artists include: Michael Gungor, Joe Pass, Andrew Bird, Chopin, Led Zeppelin, Glen Hansard, and Radiohead.

*** Lesson Details ***
Lessons will vary significantly from student to student. Not only does every student have different goals in mind, they all learn differently as well. I do my best to customize my lessons for each student's goals and needs. A typical guitar, bass, ukulele, or piano lesson may involve music-reading, chord studies, technical work, scale practice, theory, and of course learning awesome songs!

I consider myself a healthy balance between professional and light-hearted. As much as I want to make efficient use of the lesson-time, my primary goal is for the student to truly understand and enjoy music.

I have worked hard to be a flexible musician and teacher. I am competent in jazz, rock, classical, contemporary, blues, worship, country, and beyond and will be happy to teach any (or all) of these styles to any student.

*** Studio Equipment ***

Drive35 Productions:

-Large live tracking space
- Medium sized dead tracking space
- Pro Tools HD
- External Pres/Compressors/EQ (WARM, Manley, Vintech, etc.)
- DDA mixing console
- Several acoustic/electric/bass guitars (Epiphone, Fender, Taylor, Cort, Ibanez, Gibson, etc.)
- Lanakai Ukulele
- Gibson Mandolin
- Percussion
- Full drum kit
- 4 control/mixing rooms/practice spaces
- Breakroom
- Music stands/chairs
- Princeton Reverb, Vox AC15, Marshall, Ampeg amplifiers
- Several keyboards/controllers
- Rhodes
- Vintage organs
- Neumann U87, Senheissers, several SM57's, Lautin Audio Oceanus, Oktavas, AKG C414's

My at home studio:

- Chairs
- An 88-key Casio Privia keyboard
- Professional grade recording equipment (003r interface, behringer ada8000 with BLA mod, RNC by FMR, and more)
- High speed Internet access
- A printer
- A library of music resources
- Novation Launchkey MIDI controller
- Rode K2 condensor microphone
- Sm57
- Several Naiant stereo pair microphones
- 2 acoustic guitars (Cort and Zaeger), 2 electric guitars (Epiphone CS Custom, Fender Nashville Tele)
- An electric bass guitar (Epiphone Thunderbird with Bartolini Pickups)
- Lanakai Ukulele
- A Savannah Mandolin
- Double input amplifier (vox AC15C1)
- Music stand
- Metronomes/tuners
- Recording studio quality monitors (Yamaha HS8s)
- Large pedal board and pedal chain

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in contemporary, rock, blues, and worship guitar, but have extensive experience in classical and jazz guitar as well. I am also an on-staff session guitar player for Drive35 Productions and can help anyone interested in the skills necessary to play for a studio.

For piano, I teach beginner to intermediate level students in a variety of genres. I use piano on a daily basis for composing, arranging, and performing.

For bass, I can also teach a variety of genres. I specialize in blues/rock/contemporary but have experience in classical and jazz bass as well.

For ukulele, I specialize in pop music adaptation and classical.

For mandolin, I teach basic beginner music skills- reading and strumming techniques.

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.

If you want some examples of my playing/writing/recordings, check out the videos below or any of these links to the various projects that I produce.

https://www.youtube.com/user/calogagl
https://eliotandtheeveningnoose.bandcamp.com/releases
https://galiasocial.bandcamp.com
https://kaloking.bandcamp.com/releases

unique abilities, limitations, preferences, and interests. Whether students prefer, or do better, with traditional materials, playing/singing along with their favorite recordings, improvisation, or anything in between, I am more than happy to accommodate and bring out each student’s best!

I teach real music -- students begin playing music they love almost from day-one. For example, many of my piano and guitar students pride themselves on learning to play every song on Beatles One ... playing right along with the CD! Reading, playing by ear, improvisation (jamming), singing while you play ... there are so many ways to play and avenues to explore in music.

**** MY STUDIO ****

My studio is spacious (very spacious – no cubicles here!), well-appointed, and very quiet. Unlike music stores and multi-lesson facilities, there are no other lessons on the premises, no drummer going crazy on the other side of the wall. This means students can concentrate better and learn faster. There is also plenty of room for parents and siblings who may wish to sit in on lessons.

**** STYLES / GENRES ****

I believe that students make the most progress learning music they love and I am very happy to teach every student the style of music he or she loves most.

My most requested genres are: pop, rock, country, blues, film/television, classic rock, jazz, and classical. Some students arrive knowing exactly what they want, but most are happy to explore various styles that interest them in search of the perfect fit. It is not at all uncommon for a student to spend part of their lesson polishing up a Beethoven piece or jazz standard, then finish up playing the chords to “Hotel California” along with the CD. Another student might start off their lesson learning a Taylor Swift hit, then move over to doing some blues improvisation. Variety is a wonderful thing and it is highly encouraged.

**** MY STUDENTS ****

Over the years, I have taught students from four years old to eighty-somethings. I’ve taught absolute beginners (most of my students start from square-one), hobbyists, seasoned professionals, even a Grammy nominee and a Grammy winner! Many of my young students have gone on to perform in school bands / jazz bands and/or professionally. In all cases, they acquire a skill that will last for a lifetime and provide joy, enrichment, and satisfaction.

Do you have a song or two in your heart. Contact me today and I will help you reach your musical goals no matter what they may be!

e I’ve taught music theory, composition, and musicianship at the college level for seven years, and where I continue to perform with the UW Modern Ensemble, Inverted Space Ensemble, and Seattle Modern Orchestra.

A major priority of my guitar teaching is to have students making expressive, compelling music every time they touch the instrument. And as I believe that a good guitarist is, first and foremost, a strong musician, I fold a number of diverse activities into weekly lessons, developing skills in music theory, fretboard knowledge, ear training, sight reading, composition, and improvisation, all of which reinforce the acquisition of strong technique.

I teach a wide array of styles—including classical, folk, rock, flamenco, and heavy metal—and I look forward to helping you realize your musical goals!

ram with honors from USC in 2005.

After graduating, Donovan has been active as a professional musician in the Southern California area, with several recording and live credits, including some of the top venues in Southern California.

In 2010, Donovan completed a master's degree in Guitar Performance (Jazz Studies) from the Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University, Long Beach, studying 7-string guitar with Ron Eschete. While at CSULB, Donovan wrote his master's thesis on the life of music of Michael Hedges entitled "Michael Hedges and the Re-Invention of Acoustic Fingerstyle Guitar"

Donovan has been very active as an educator, and currently holds faculty positions teaching guitar at Concordia University, Irivne and Golden West College in Huntington Beach. In 2008, Donovan self-published a guitar method book entitled "The Practical Guitar Method: Real-World Instruction for the Beginning to Advanced Guitarist"

first on the scene when MIDI and digital recording systems for home computers became available, selling and installing early systems while managing the guitar department. I soon had produced enough original material that led to moving to Los Angeles, where I started Orange County's first electronic label, and was soon signed to Astralwerks/Virgin as a solo artist. This is where I learned about publishing, licensing, and the way the business works. I was soon licensing and producing soundtrack music, as well as touring and playing on records with Sugar Blue (the harmonica player for the Stones) Carl Zephyr (Rick James' bass player) H.R. from Bad Brains, Al Jourgenson from Ministry, Jello from the Dead Kennedys, and sold music to major companies like Microsoft ( millions of kids got that first X-box console with 'Gotham Racing', featuring one of my songs!) and New Line Cinema, Sony, Warner, etc. When internet piracy came around, the entire music business took a dive. I returned to another love of mine, computers, and finished my degree last July. I think it's time to share what I have learned with some very special people who want to know not only how Blues music is played, but also how those emotions are transmuted through your fingers, through the guitar and out to the crowd, where the slightest nuance can tell a story, or express a feeling that can't be said in words. This is how I approach the guitar. If you are interested in learning the music of John Lee Hooker, Elmore James, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Lightnin' Hopkins, Robert Johnson, and other great Blues artists, then I'd be honored.Thanks for your time.