Miami, FL Songwriting Lessons

for 4 years.

He currently is attending Florida International University working on his Master's Degree in Music Education after Graduating with a Bachelors Degree in Music Performance. He has also been featured as a Saxophonist on Carnival Cruise Lines Cruises. Chris continues to be involved heavily in the Education of music to all age groups and levels in the South Florida community specializing in woodwind instruments in both Jazz ad Classical.

Chris is available for special one on one or group instruction and any upcoming special event that you may have in the future. Where this is for group or private instruction, for solo's and ensembles, reaching that 1st chair position, becoming a better performer/ musician or expanding your education outside of the classroom I will make sure we complete the task/goal at hand...

Individual Awards include:
• 4 FBA STATE SUPERIORS FOR PERFORMANCE
• 12 FBA COUNTY SUPERIORS FOR PERFORMANCE
• 3 LOUIS ARMSTRONG JAZZ AWARDS
• 8 ALL COUNTY HONOR BAND APPEARANCES
• 1 ALL STATE HONOR BAND APPEARANCES
• 2 SOUTH FLORIDA HONOR BAND APPEARANCES
• 4 STRAIGHT SUPERIOR AWARDS (COUNTY)
• 4 STRAIGHT SUPERIOR AWARDS (STATE)
• SCHOOL PRIDE AWARD
• AWARD FOR RECOGNITION (BAND SECRETARY, BAND MANAGER)
• NAFME TRIM HONOR MUSIC SOCIETY

INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCES INCLUDE:
PERFORMED ALONGSIDE GREATS SUCH AS ARTURO SANDOVAL, ED CALLE, GARY KELLER, CARLOS AVERHOFF, GARY CAMPBELL, DAVE FERNANDEZ, MIKE ORTA, ED MAINA, JON FADDIS, PAQUITO D’ RIVERA, DAVE SAMUELS, GIOVANNI HIDALGO. TOURED WITH THE U.S. ARMY BANDS ACROSS THE NATION AND GLOBE AS THE LEAD SAXOPHONIST.

*** Lesson Details ***
A lead instrumentalist my entire career in music was no easy feat but I was fortunate enough to receive a world class education through much experience and world class instructors like Gary Keller, Gary Campbell, Dave Fernandez, Carlos Averhoff, Ed Maina, Richard Procopio, Ed Calle, I am able to pass this world class education to my students. No matter your level of musical knowledge and ability, beginner to advance I can take you to the next level using the same literature and curriculum/ policy design that was incorporated to me when I was educated by the some of the world's greatest.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Studio Microphones, Headphones, Pro-Tools, Professional Video/Audio equipment and programs...

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide music, stands, students provide equipment needed to perform (reeds, mouthpieces, paper, and pencil).

*** Specialties ***
All Styles and Genres

to my pupils. I am a funny, cool, easy going guy that knows his stuff like you won't believe; and if the guitar is what you want to master, it is me who you are after!

*** Lesson Details ***
Here is what to expect for those who are interested in taking lessons from me:
1) A beautiful, clean and spacious study environmental oriented for the musician.
2) My 100% full attention and instruction.
3) Amazing teaching techniques and the best supplemental material (books, stereos, music stands, tuner, chord charts, lot of books, and everything else you could possibly think of)

The Curriculum (Classical, Electric, Blues, Pop and Acoustic Guitar)
-Beginner- (All styles)
1. Mastering the proper posture, finger styles and position of the hands.
2. Basic music reading and language, intro to the music world.
3. Simple Great sounding songs!

-Intermediate- (All styles)
1. Scales and chords.
2. Intermediate music theory (chord building, reading, intro to solos, building scales)
3. Popular songs (student's choice)
4. Music Composition (student's choice)

-Advanced- (Classical, Pop, Electric and acoustic guitar)
1. All scales and advanced arpeggios.
2. Advanced Music Theory (music analysis, advanced solos, scale modes, advanced music notation and reading)
3. Challenging songs, guitar solos and electric guitar lead parts. Tremolo for classical guitar.
4. Complex composition if student's desire (multiple parts, writing music using Finale software and recording)

-Professional- (Only Classical Guitar)
1. Concert repertoire pieces ( Tarrega, Barrios, Villa lobos, etc.)
2. Music dynamics, tempo changes, speed, emotion in music and consistent and fast tremolo.
3. Classical composition and writing in Finale.
4. In-depth music analyzing and development of pitch.

Class Schedule (All styles and levels)
1. Greetings, setting up, tuning, cookies maybe? :)
2. Warm up exercises (scales arpegios, etc)
3. Student shows progress done on homework for instructor feedback.
4. Song, composition or exercise rehearsal or new material introduced.
5. Homework for next class assigned.

Things to remember:
1. I can provide guitars if the student does not have, yet it recommended that he or she acquire one as soon as possible.
2. I have stereo, recording equipment and music writing software for those interested in composition;.
3. Music sheets and exercises can be provided either in print or digitally to the student.
4. Parents and relatives or friends are welcome to observe the class.
5. After 3-6 months if student practices expect astonishing results specially in beginner and intermediate levels (students will be able to play most popular songs and be introduced to soloing).
6. You get out of it what you put into it! Practice practice practice and before you know it you will be blowing people away with your skills!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Living room: spacious, chairs, 5 guitars, amps, books, music stand, tuner, staff paper. Additional seating for parents.

University: practice room in music department, chairs, music stands, additional seating for parents.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide everything from books to guitars if the student does not have it, yet I urge that eventual they do acquire the necessary gear.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in the classical Spanish guitar. I also enjoy teaching students how to compose so they can tap into their inner creativity. I can teach any style of rock with the electric guitar and also acoustic guitar.

albums with various ensembles and bands. In college I already knew from my previous experience that I wanted to teach and pass on the joy that music brought to my life. I studied Music Theory and Jazz and finished my degree in Music Education. I have been teaching all in all for about 14 yrs. And I have enjoyed every minute I have spent with my students learning as much from them, as them from me. I am looking forward to meeting new and eager students who really want to bring their inner music out to share with the rest of us music aficionados! and develop their skills to the peak of their abilities.

*** Lesson Details ***
My teaching method ranges depending on the student. I believe in my experience that everyone learns differently, therefore everyone develops at their own pace. I try to find key strengths in each student and expose this to their advantage, using their abilities to further develop their skills, this method has shown the most promising results and students usually find themselves playing and performing just a couple of months after their first lessons. Part of my method involves a lot of performance and recital opportunities to help break any fears and inhibitions a student may bring with them. Music is about sharing, so an early exposure to this method helps to strengthen and stabilize a core acceptance of a students style and path, giving them and those close to them a very clear picture of their development and achievements.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Has all instruments at both his home and college studio

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide lesson material, song charts and a progression scale. I require student to have an Instrument and recommended technique literature.

*** Specialties ***
My classical training began in High School with Influences in Segovia, and Romero I studied classical for 4 yrs. and trained in Jazz and Improvisation with performances In Big Band and group ensemble. Also sang and played in the school gospel choir.

****Personal Statement*****

If you needed a reason

There is no question that music touches us instantly and activates images, emotions and memories that linger with us throughout our lives. As a casual listener or an obsessive music elitist, there are times in our lives when we get blown away by a sound so unique our entire body vibrates and resonates with the touch of something out of this world. I can honestly say when this happens to me I feel as close to a spiritual connection than anything I have experienced otherwise. I believe it is these exact events that have triggered my need to be completely involved in the making, performing and consuming of music. The creative process, to me, is the single obvious reason we exist in this world. We create and share, learn and interpret, build on previous ideas and inspire others to perfect upon this process. It is no doubt a very humbling experience to realize you are part of it all. During this process you come to realize how important you are as an Individual, how there is no other vessel like you in this world, nor has there ever been or ever will. You are here now and your voice, your talent, your gift is an instrument to the great choir of the human spirit. No one but you can relate this, a reason to be, to create, to give.

rn how to read basic music, but I can teach you how to play by ear too. Before we have completed our series you or your children will have basic knowledge of all these things and a desire to explore at least some of these aspects further.

For me, the most interesting music reveals the unique perspective and feelings of the person who makes it. Having conquered the essentials I will encourage you to be creative with your developing talents. I can teach you about song structure and I can teach you how to jam with your friends. If you are interested in writing and composing, I can help you with that too. We can take a look at your favorite artists and try to discover how they accomplished and perfected their sound. If you want to learn how to record I have a computer equipped with Pro Tools and would be glad to show you how to use it.

You'll spend time listening to me of course, but I hope to spend much of my time listening to you as well. If reading music doesn't inspire you we can focus more on learning by ear. It's up to you. You'll need your own instrument obviously, though you can leave it at home if you don't want to carry it back and forth. I have guitars here. I request that you purchase a book with text and exercises so that you can practice and study what you learn in the class. Even if you do not want to read music, you will need to know the neck and conquer scale formations and chords. We can choose the text based on your needs.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Six guitars, a keyboard, a computer equipped with Ableton and Reason, interface and MIDI controller.

Equiptment

GUITARS
Fender American Deluxe Telecaster
Fender 65 Mustang
Martin Koa Acoustic
Breedlove Acoustic/Electric cutaway
Gibson 12-string acoustic
Danelectro 12-string semi-hollow electric

AMPS
Fender Cyber Twin Deluxe
Line 6 Spyder III

DIGITAL PIANO
Yamaha YDP-141

RECORDING EQUIPTMENT
Saffire 6 USB Interface
Novation Zero SLMkII USB mixer
Akai LPK25 MIDI keyboard

SOFTWARE
Ableton Live 9
Reason 6

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can travel with any of my guitars and my Lunchbox amp is also easily portable.

rning something new and exciting every time We meet for the lesson.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have a Mac and a PC Computer with recording software... All types of effects processors, Guitar Amps and Microphones.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I have all the equipment needed for Electric or Acoustic Guitar, and Bass. I also have some books as well.
I want the student to have a Guitar or Bass depending on the instrument they want to learn.

*** Specialties ***
Along with being able to read Music. I also encourage the student to learn a song by hearing it. First by listening to each instrument separately, then playing what they hear.
Also, when I think a student is ready I will help them compose a song from the beginning. They will write each part separately, Vocals, or Lyrics, Guitar, Drums and so on, record each part on the computer. Then put them all together to complete the Song.

in in the simplest manner the many concepts of music. I help students develop good habits of practice so they can improve their skills by giving them personal tips. Each student is unique and learns at a particular pace. I'm in tune with the student and move accordingly helping him/her navigate thru the music lesson while providing assistance towards reaching their specific goals.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Piano /keyboards/ protools in my studio with living room seating for parents. Coffee/water always complementary. Protools recording studio available for my student singers at discounted rates. Affordable and competitive rates for amateur-professional singers looking to record/produce a demo.

*** Travel Equipment ***
None. Currently not traveling to students homes. Lessons available at my studio only.

*** Specialties ***
Studied Jazz & Classical. Performed Pop, Rock, R&B and Latin musical styles.