Atlanta, GA Music Theory Lessons

llection on Blue Canoe Records. Music from that release can be found in both film and TV .

Buzz continues writing and producing for various artists as well as composing music for independent film.

The future holds a 2018 release of new music entitled, Muse Cafe along with a book ("Repeat Offender") related to his career as a record producer and touring artist.

*** Lesson Details ***
My approach to teaching is simple. The primary goal is to have fun and enjoy the experience of making and creating music. Whether you are interested in pursuing a career in music or just wanting to add a bit of a creative outlet to your life, let me help.

My specialties include jazz, r&b, and pop piano styles. I do teach a little classical but primarily to beginners only. My curriculum is simple. I try to teach you what it is YOU want to know and that which fit your needs. There are some fundamentals that we all must learn, but typically I can have you playing a song your first lesson. As you progress, you will be able to learn to play songs on your own and interpret simple chord charts with melody.

For those students who already actively play, I can help hone your skills, offer performance, recording and studio tips and techniques.

90 and 120 min lessons are only offered to those students wishing to learn production and do NOT apply to piano lessons.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Your lessons are given in my pre-production studio in my condo. Lessons take place on an upright piano. If you are taking production classes, then see the list of gear below. My space is tidy but not always immaculate. I am a working musician and often have several projects juggling at once. There is room for 2 to 3 in addition to the student. My living room is always available and wi-fi for those who wait on a student is also available. More than ample parking is available at any time.

Buzz uses Cubase 9 recording software
Sibelius 8 Notation Software
Chickering Upright Piano
Yamaha KX8
M-Audio Pro Keys 88
Casio Privia
full array of VST instrument & effect plug-ins for commercial recording (Waves, Spectrasonics, Kontakt 5, etc)

*** Specialties ***
adult, beginner, child, jazz, r&b, pop, EDM,modern, film scoring, sequencing, notation

for projection of materials
Record to Cassette Tape, and Computer

*** Travel Equipment ***
N/A

*** Specialties ***
Jazz, Pop

in an ensemble to have the opportunity to play and listen to other moving parts.

*** Specialties ***
music, bass guitar, bassoon, children's music, guitar, classical guitar, electric guitar, home recording, African drum, music theory, acoustic guitar, flute, oboe, trumpet, saxophone, tuba, songwriting, french horn, trombone, clarinet, recording school, piano
My method utilizes maracas and rhythm guitar, played Simultaneously to produce a full ensemble effect.

on, latin, rock and swing.Donny also attended the University of Tennessee, Knoxville for graphic design.

how to use all of this to make meaningful music.

erhaps you are someone interested in pursuing an ability to play a certain style - pop, jazz, hymns, oldies, classics, or certain artists. I customize our lessons to match your objectives.
My students have an opportunity to perform publicly several times a year which encourages practice and also builds confidence. After a few lessons, I can provide an idea of where a student will be in 3-6 months. You can always expect to find me prepared with fun ideas for our lesson. I have a grand piano as well as several keyboards to add variety and fun to our lessons.

*** Studio Equipment ***
home-grand piano in living room seating for parents
church- digital piano and seating for parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
I would bring my own violin to demonstrate but would expect students to have their own instrument.

*** Specialties ***
For piano, I use Faber & Faber, Alfred, Bastien and Music for Little Mozarts. I include sight reading books, rhythm workbooks, improv studies, and later scales and arpeggios. For violin I have created my own hybrid using traditional methods and Suzuki.

music lesson books and additional supplies upon request (music manuscript paper, metronome, etc.).

Some of the main areas taught to piano students are: recognizing various chord types and their structure on the piano; playing major/minor scales and finger exercises, and reading music as well as playing by ear. Performance Preparation is also covered. Repertoire will include songs assigned by the instructor and/or songs of the student’s choice.

Some of the main areas taught to vocal students are: 5 parts of the Vocal Mechanism; breathing and breath support; tone production and placement, pitch, and correct diction. Theory will include singing major and minor scales, vocal exercises, and reading music. Performance Preparation is also covered. Repertoire will include songs assigned by the instructor and/or songs of the student’s choice.

All lessons will designed according to the individual student’s areas of interest. You will receive lesson assignments on a weekly basis, so your progress is dependent upon application of the material given as well as consistent practice!

Hope to hear from you soon!

Equipment:
Roland XP-80 Piano (76 Key)
Roland Digital Recording Workstations

*** Specialties ***
gospel, pop, rhythm & blues, jazz, intermediate claassical

w music thoroughly, not just to “play.” I desire my students to comprehend elements of the score, to use their bodies effectively to make good sound, and to interpret music creatively and according to historical performance practices across all genres of music. Thus, I give students a purposeful education in technique, quality literature, performance and artistry, music theory, and music history.

Although students differ in ability and development, I maintain high expectations for our students. I expect attention and respect in lessons, faithful and diligent practice, careful adherence to instructions, and an “I’ll-do-my-best” attitude. If students regularly meet these expectations, then they will excel to the level that they are able. It is my joy to help students master their music, to do the best they can, and to strive for and achieve excellence.

Lastly, I want students to enjoy and appreciate their instrument, music, and music-making; and I know as as a teacher, I am very influential in making this happen. Students develop enjoyment of music by understanding music, experiencing success in music, being exposed to good and varied genres of music, and receiving instruction from a teacher who is enthusiastic and encouraging. It is my goal to provide all of these opportunities for students, and as a result their lives will be enriched as they enjoy their instrument.

ful instruction, I will work with you to achieve your goals in a relaxed, and encouraging environment with positivity and praise.

e many musicians at the beginner intermediate and advanced levels of training. His practical systematic and thorough teaching method allows students to develop quickly and rise to their full potential. Retiring from military music recently Ray is busy working on various recording projects and freelancing as a pianist/keyboardist teaching private lessons and providing music media services in the greater Atlanta area.

MY PERFORMANCE:
As a performing artist Ray has worked as a professional musician for the last 25 years performing around the world in more than 20 different countries with various ensembles. He has recorded on numerous albums with various artists to include the Army Ground Forces Band, Orquesta Sensacional, and most recently with the Ian Charleton Big Band (Brain Chatter Album available on Spotify). Ray is fluent and proficient in many different styles and genres of music. Specializing in jazz and Latin styles he is truly a master improviser and soloist. Ray's style of playing is influenced by artist like Herbie Hancock Chic Corea Oscar Peterson and Thelonious Monk. Ray has also performed and,or recorded with some of the most accomplished musicians from around the world to include Grover Washington Jr., Hillary Jones, Gerald Chavis, Roy Richardson, Gary Harris, Don Tillman, Brett Anderson, Corey Cross, Alfie Moss, Abdu Salim, Joel Joyner, Dexter Whitaker, Jim Lambie, Jamie Abersold, and Wayne Bergeron just to name a few. He has also had the distinguished honor to perform for former presidents Ronald Regan and George Bush. Ray aspires to be the consummate musician.

FOR BEGINNER PIANO STUDENTS:
For students just starting out I use the Leila Fletcher Piano series, John Thompson, or Alfred series. After students are doing establish the basic and are doing well I introduce music theory and technique (scales, basic chords, and technical exercises) as well.

FOR INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED LEVEL STUDENTS:
I define intermediate level students as students who already have had 2 yo 4 years of lessons and experience and can already play pretty well. With this level of student I work on strengthening their foundation and rounding out and diversifying their skill set. usually with this level of student they have specific goals in mind that we work towards as well.

The intermediate level is also where various piano and music styles are addressed to include classical, pop, rock, R&B, country, blues, jazz (modern & swing) and Latin, contemporary christian, and gospel. The technical aspects of playing these styles like chords, chord progressions, scales, modes, licks and ornaments,technical exercises, sight reading, lead sheet interpretation, music theory, ear training, playing by ear, song form, and improvisation, intros & endings, and performance concepts and techniques are addressed as well.

OVERVIEW:
Overall my students that apply themselves usually progress quickly and exponentially. some of them have went on to be professional musicians and band leaders and have far surpassed their initial intended goals and objectives.