Chestnut Mountain Music 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 9.5 recording software
Sibelius 8 Notation Software
Chickering Upright Piano
Yamaha KX8
M-Audio Pro Keys 88
Casio Privia
Roland V-Synth
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

While at Georgia State, I had the good fortune to observe in action some of the most phenomenal musicians in Atlanta: Dwight Coleman, Dr. Peter Marshall, and Maestro Michael Palmer. Since that time, I’ve studied voice privately with bass Jason Hardy and soprano Sharon Stephenson, and I’ve fine-tuned, pun intended, both my vocal and pianistic musicianship by singing in choirs led by phenomenal directors like Dr. Eric Nelson, Walter Huff, and Dr. Dale Adelmann.

And not being a stranger to accomplishments in teaching (voice and piano), in 2013 I was recognized as a Top Teacher for student retention, communication with parents and staff, general positive feedback, and overall professionalism. In addition, both my voice and piano students regularly receive superior ratings at the local National Federation of Music Clubs festivals, pass ABRSM theory and piano exams, earn leading roles in school productions, and place in local talent shows.

P.S. For potential voice students, how many of you want to be a famous opera singer? My guess is, not many of you (to say the least :) However, what if I say, who would like to pretend they’re a famous bullfighter, a bird catcher (who likes to dress like a bird), an Ancient Egyptian, or a King or Queen while singing awesome music? Hopefully, more of you would try it. That’s why I love opera and classical singing. So I encourage you to watch, not just listen to, classical singing. You may be surprised at how cool it can be.

ts work together, why we need to have a flexible wrist to play certain passages, why we push our elbows out to play some notes, why we use different weight transfer to the hands, why we don’t attack notes, why we rock our hands back and forth to play certain notes, why we round up the notes rather than pressing the keys down, as early as the students are able to comprehend.

Piano studying is not only about learning the notations but also expressions, interpretations, phrasing, structures, tonal relationships, mood, articulations, analysis, and etc. for intermediate and advanced piano students. I include some music history in association with the pieces the students are learning to play, besides the theory and structure of it. I would ask my students to find any patterns in the pieces and any differences between the same or similar passages. I often ask students to tell me what they can find throughout the pieces based on the knowledge they have and what they have acquired through the lessons. I ask them to listen while playing and train them to listen. When they make mistakes, they likely do notice the weirdness about them by listening the sound. I imitate HOW they play a passage and HOW I play it, and ask them what the differences are in terms of techniques and artistic interpretation. I explain how the students should practice and how they can tackle and isolate a problematic area. Competitive endeavors and striving for excellence are appreciated with pedagogic approaches.

It is important for me, as a piano instructor, to understand what purposes each student would like to achieve. Although striving for excellence is my personal goal and is what I would like my students to have, not every student takes piano lessons for the same purpose. Some students take piano lessons simply because they just enjoying the therapeutic quality of playing the piano. I am totally respecting that. Having said that, my approach of teaching varies, according to the needs of the students. I don't ever use a universal single method or approach to teach all. Some methods work better for some students but not others. That's why I use different method books to different students.

It always makes my day when I hear music pieces my students play with their hearts and enjoyment. It is my joy to see them grow and immerse in music and music studies.

*** Lesson Details ***
Various teaching methods for different individuals for sight-reading, ear-training, techniques, interpretation, performance, artistry.

*** Specialties ***
classical piano

ed prizewinner at the 2008 South Carolina Music Teachers National Association Young Artist Competition, and adjudicated for the 2012 Arthur Fraser International Piano Competition Young Jury. While he enjoys the opportunity to perform, Caleb's primary pursuit is teaching, using his professional experience to educate students by exploring the beauty of music. Caleb enjoys concertizing as a soloist and collaborative artist, and has experience preparing students for exams and competitions, including Associate Board of Royal Schools of Music Exam and the National Federation Music Competition.

er people for the random professions that I enjoy!

for True Colors Theatre's Act Like A Lady Program - a program that uses theatre as a way to build character in girls grades 6-8. I am extremely serious and passionate about my craft, and I will give you the skills to achieve your goals!

mental to progress.

Thanks for reading.

Steve