Douglasville, GA Music Theory Lessons

for projection of materials
Record to Cassette Tape, and Computer

*** Travel Equipment ***
N/A

*** Specialties ***
Jazz, Pop

for greatness no matter what their strengths and weaknesses are. No matter your age or ability level I will help you set your goals and reach them. All students should want to learn. I expect my students to be prepared and have an open mind. Learning to sing is a process. I focus on building technique and a strong musical foundation and customize my lessons for every student and individual needs. I use breathing techniques and exercises that are challenging and work toward quick and accurate results. I implement a variety of exercises to improve pitch, intonation, placement, strength, and endurance. My main goal in teaching is to encourage each student to get to know their vocal strengths and weaknesses while using all their skills to their advantage producing their best sound consistently.

*** Lesson Details ***
Your lesson is customized to meet your individual needs.All students should want to learn. I expect my students to be prepared and have an open mind. Learning to sing is a process. I focus on building technique and a strong musical foundation and customize my lessons for every student and individual needs.I use breathing techniques and exercises that are challenging and work toward quick and accurate results. I implement a variety of exercises to improve pitch, intonation, placement, strength, and endurance. My main goal in teaching is to encourage each student to get to know their vocal strengths and weaknesses while using all their skills to their advantage producing their best sound consistently. It is a slow building process but a student should always be happy with what they do every day but never be satisfied and know that what they do today will be ever better tomorrow. We all grow and learn together and improve every time we try. I expect my students to do the best they can, practice regularly, be on time and have patience. I am excited about music and know it is also important to have fun and enjoy the process. So lets make some goals and get started!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Music room with keyboard, stereo system with iPod connection, CD player and computer, futon sofa, large mirror.

*** Specialties ***
I teach a wide variety of styles and specialize in audition and performance preparation. I do vocal coaching as well as voice lessons. I teach, Pop, R&B, Country, Musical theater, classical, folk, choral music, praise band and others. I also work with music in different languages such as Latin, Italian, French, Spanish, German and of course English.

e always enjoyed discussing music and educating others on its many aspects. As such I began teaching during summers home from Berklee and found that it was something I had a great deal of talent for. Now, with seven years of teaching experience behind me, I look forward to bringing my skills and insights to students of all ages and bring not only ability on the guitar but a greater love of music to a fresh crop of open minds!!

In addition to guitar, I am also qualified to teach voice, public speaking, dramatic acting, and all aspects of music theory, the latter of which I incorporate into all of my music lessons.

A FEW THINGS TO BE AWARE OF:

1. I am able to take lessons in your home or over Skype. I am no longer accepting lessons in my home.

2. Please only pick one teacher. I don't know why people do this but on more than one occasion I've had students come to me and say "I'm doing lessons with you and this other guy. I figure I can learn different things from both of you." You only need one teacher- if that's not me, I understand.

3. I will NOT remove you as a client on Takelessons so that I can take money under the table from you directly. Sometimes clients will say "the lessons on Takelessons are expensive- is there any way I can just pay you directly?" No, you may not. The amount you are paying is MY specified fee from which Takelessons takes a commission so paying me directly would not save you money. Furthermore, I have a binding agreement with Takelessons not to do this. If you press me on this matter I will discontinue your lessons altogether.

*** Lesson Details ***
Although I follow a specific lesson plan, its important to customize that to each student's skill level and specific needs. Thus, I will spend the first lesson evaluating where the student is in terms of overall musical awareness, existing skill on the instrument, and long term interest.

By the end of the first month, my beginning students will be able to perform basic chromatic and major scales, name the notes on the instrument, and have command of a few basic chords. With these core concepts and regular, committed practice, they will be able to learn and perform songs in a wide variety of styles after 3 to 6 months have passed.

My more advanced students will have a lesson plan customized to their specific goals and desires. In 3 to 6 months with such a student I will have them well on the path to accomplishing their long term goals, whether those be playing, composition, harmonic awareness, understanding of theory, or all of the above.

*** Studio Equipment ***
dedicated music room; cables/amps; electric & acoustic guitars; keyboard

*** Travel Equipment ***
Electric or acoustic guitar as needed.

*** Specialties ***
Having graduated from the Berklee College of Music, I follow their approach in educating the student. In this regard I teach music theory along with the physical act of playing the guitar, which serves to not only enrich the experience for the student but demonstrate how what they are learning is applied to music on the whole.

I am fluent in many genres and specialize in rock, jazz, the blues, and various fusion genres. Because music functions off of the same principles regardless of genre, I can take whatever style the student might best appreciate and structure my lesson plan around it.

ic in addition to the mechanics of playing a string instrument. My ultimate goal is to help each student become their own teacher!

***Special Needs***
I am more than happy to explore ways in which students with special needs can engage music through listening, reading, writing, singing and even playing an instrument...let's talk!!

a lot of structure and others prefer a looser approach and I am quite comfortable teaching both ways. If the student maintains a consistent practice regimen, they should be able to play songs from the radio within 3 or 4 months.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lessons in the living room with an amp, keyboard, computer, desk, parents can sit on couch in a separate room

*** Travel Equipment ***
I expect my student to provide their instrument (including amp if necessary) and any instructional materials required.

*** Specialties ***
I have had a lot of experience teaching beginning and intermediate students with method books, and have used them to teach reading, theory, technique, and repertoire. Most often, I take a slightly looser approach which I feel allows me to mold my teaching to fit the individual student's needs

how to use all of this to make meaningful music.

acements in film and television. Whether you are looking to just begin learning an instrument for fun or would like to take your skills further and move towards becoming a professional musician, I have the skills and expertise to help you along every step of the way. I tailor each lesson to meet the needs of the student, teaching them exactly what they would like to learn and having lots of fun doing it!

*** Lesson Details ***
For the first lesson, we will discuss what you are hoping to achieve, what kind of structure you would like for your lessons (theory, performance etc) and I will assess your skill level. Then I will tailor exercises, lessons and study to suit your needs.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Fender Rhodes Piano
Doric Vintage Organ
Microphones and Stands
Pro Tools
Fender Amp
Jaguar Bass
1968 Hagstrom Bass
Gibson Les Paul Guitar
Dan Electro Guitar
1950s Burns Bass
Fender Acoustic
Yamaha Mini Acoustic
Small Boss Keyboard
Flutes, Harmonicas, Percussion
Ipod, cd player
Various effects pedals for voice and guitar etc

*** Travel Equipment ***
Can bring guitars, mics, stands, practice amp and small keyboard

*** Specialities ***
Specialising in rock, pop and soundtrack music, I can also teach performance and acting stage skills and voice projection.

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.

gwriting and keyboard through the online program so that I can live here in Georgia.

Come by and together let's create MUSIC MAGIC

ight years.

My professional affiliations have included membership in the National Association of Music Educators, board member with Atlanta based TORCH (Together Orchestras Revitalize Community Harmony), board member and music director with Florida based For-Kids-Only and music director with Atlanta based Yes You Can! Foundation. All three organizations work through music to benefit a wide range of needs for children and communities.

I have worked extensively as a pianist, multi- keyboardist, vocalist, soloist, group performer, accompanist, teacher, music director, conductor and arranger as well as being an international recording artist.

THE ACCOMPANIST ~~~
To be an accompanist is an art form that requires the ability to cross effortlessly between multiple styles. It also requires that the lead vocal or instrument is supported to the fullest degree that allows total freedom of expression while knowing each moment of a performance can be undertaken with complete confidence.
This is the art form that I have mastered and give total attention to detail in each performance.

THE TEACHER ~~~
Teaching is an area that I am passionate about. Working with young aspiring musicians as well as seasoned professionals and amateurs of all ages, I found many people lacking a well rounded understanding of theory and how music works in general. This prompted me to begin teaching many years ago. When I studied with William Walton who was a Dennis Sandole disciple, I was given full permission to teach the same method and expand upon it as it naturally evolved. My varied experience gives my a unique perspective on working with people who are truly interested in expanding their talents and musical understanding.

Highlights of my career include performances as conductor and pianist for the one-and-only Mickey Rooney and pianist for a series of teaching clinics with the most recorded guitarist in the world, Tommy Tedesco.

I have also appeared for or performed with: actress & singer - Susan Anton, R&B artist - Archie Bell, Mr. QVC - Bob Bowersox, jazz & classical guitarist - Charlie Byrd, jazz guitarist - Jerry Byrd, Oregon, Rochester and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra principal bassist - Colin Corner, the one-and-only - Rodney Dangerfield, NBC Today Show Superstar Vocal Winner - Dan Gardner, legendary big band vocalist - Connie Haynes, guitarist - Jef Lee Johnson, guitar superstar - Earl Klugh, R&B superstars - Blue Magic, sports legends - Mike Schmidt & Fran Tarkenton, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame members - The Shirelles, Broadway sensation Susan Stroman, legendary trumpeter & saxophonist - Glenn Zottola, governors, mayors, major political figures and prominent diplomats.