Tybee Island, GA Songwriting Lessons

ls with famous stars and some really great bands which will help me answer many of your questions. I am currently still working, teaching and recording all the time. I also have a professional recording studio in my home which you can take full advantage of.

*** Lesson Details ***
I want you to have fun learning and can help you with understanding and memorizing your songs.
I focus on sight-reading, ear training (like jamming and playing blues) and theory. You get to choose the areas you would like to learn.
Once we have established the basics including melody and chords, we will pick songs you want to learn to play with your friends or just by yourself. We can use music books or go on YouTube to learn your songs.
I have helped students with auditions as well as performances. After only a few lessons you will hear and see things differently than ever before.

*** Studio Equipment ***
My studio comes complete with acoustic and electric keyboards, acoustic and electric guitars, electric bass and amps to play through, as well as professional microphones for recording. I use ProTools for recording which is used in every major studio around the world and it's loaded with great software for demos or mastering songs.

*** Specialties ***
I teach beginner, intermediate and advanced students.
I teach all styles of music including Classical, Jazz, and Rock/Pop/Blues.
I also teach songwriting, performing and recording in my ProTools studio.

fidence to achieve their goals. I empathize deeply with the challenges students may face when pursuing a life in the creative and performing arts, having worked professionally in those arena's for most of my adult life. I believe, it is the teachers job to respect each students individual process of learning.
My students have gone on to become recording artists, Broadway performers, movie actors, blues and cabaret artists and published writers.

*** Lesson Details ***
Voice
I am an empathetic teacher, sensitive to the students individual process of learning. My singing lessons usually start with breathing and relaxation exercises. Vocal exercise come next, then when the student is fully warmed up, we will begin to work on songs. It is important that the student be part of the process of picking material since the more they personally respond to the material the more apt they are to be engaged in their lessons and the more quickly they will learn. After three to six months they will understand the fundamentals of breathing and relaxation and its importance to proper vocal training. They will have begun the process of extending their range and will understand the principles of performance in song.
Acting
As an acting teacher and coach, I tailor my classes to the needs of each student. I utilize improvisatory and sensory techniques to help unleash spontaneity. I also encourage the students to use their personal experiences as a way to access a full range of emotions. I enjoy working with the student on script analysis, so as to discover the underlying motivations of the character the student is working on.
Creative and Lyric Writing
I use prompts as a way to get the student writing. Often, I will ask the student to write for stretches of time without editing themselves. It is important to unleash imagination before beginning the process of editing. Many times it is the unexpected that is the must compelling.

*** Studio Equipment ***
home- 10 minutes away from Manhattan with piano, seating for parents
-practice studio seating for parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide a piano, cd/mp3 player and an large library of songbooks to work from. The student should bring sheet music of songs they want to work on and a recording device.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in teaching how to sing rock, pop, musical theater, jazz, and blues without hurting the voice as well as method acting instruction.

erall agenda is set, as far as what I expect students to learn, but how I present the material differs from person to person. I am interested in making sure that the student not only comprehends the lessons, but feels a sense of pride in their accomplishments. Ultimately, my purpose is to help the pupil connect to the music, so that it may become a life-long relationship, whether he/she becomes a professional musician or a music enthusiast.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Yamaha upright piano

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide books and materials. Students must have own instrument.

*** Specialties ***
Piano and Vocals: beg to adv

Jazz and contemporary music specialization

us classical choral masterworks at Carnegie Hall in New York City! "How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, Practice, Practice!"

I've been playing guitar in various bands since a very young age and have recently begun work on my first solo studio album. I am the guitarist in the band Tonight Theater. The styles I enjoy include (but are not limited to) Rock, Jazz, Classical, Reggae, Punk, Progressive Rock, Metal, Experimental, Avant Garde, Pop, Funk, Blues, and Jam. I can assist you with chords, scales, rhythm, improvisation, sight reading and rocking! I can also sing in nearly any style and can help you to do the same.

*** Lesson Details ***
My lessons will guide you in becoming a well rounded and proficient musician. I strive to ensure your development of healthy technique and encourage you to practice consistently. My biggest commitment as your music teacher is to your steady forward progress. My lessons are specifically designed to solidify your comprehension and to enable your application of the skills being learned. Your music lessons will typically follow this format:

*Tuning of the instrument (if applicable).
*Ear Training: exercises and techniques to develop your listening and aural skills.
*Review of current assignments, techniques, and music theory concepts.
*Introduction of new concepts, techniques, and exercises.
*Work on current repertoire assignments. Songs are chosen by the student and the teacher and are level/age appropriate.
*Final thoughts on the day's lesson and a quick review of key concepts covered.

I look forward to helping you reach your dreams! No goal is too lofty! :)

*** Studio Equipment ***
There is a living room for parents to wait during the lesson if they'd like. My studio contains amplifiers, an upright grand piano, multiple acoustic and electric guitars, some computer recording equipment, and seating for parents to sit in on the lesson if they'd prefer.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Small Tube Amplifier, Music Stand, Tuner, Picks, Teaching Materials.

*** Specialties ***
I pride myself on my distinct ability as a rock guitar improvisor. Improvisation is at the core of my live performance. If you want to hear a song played the same way over and over again, listen to a recording. Live performance, to me, is about constantly providing new life and breath to the material being played. Each distinct performance captures unique attributes only available for channeling at that one moment and it will never be recreated.

private saxophone lessons, saxophone quartets, private oboe lessons, and group guitar class.

Carl completed his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in saxophone performance at the University of Kansas in 2014, and his Master of Music Pedagogy and Performance from Oklahoma State University in 2011. He graduated from Harrah High School in 2002, earned his Bachelor of Music Education from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 2008, and was a 5th-12th grade Head Band Director at Fairview Public schools. He is currently a member of the North American Saxophone Alliance, the Jazz Education Network, Music Teachers National Association, treasurer of the National Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors, and an Honorary Member of Tau Beta Sigma. He has held previous memberships with Kappa Kappa Psi, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Kappa Delta Pi, and the Oklahoma Bandmasters Association.

While at KU, Carl was also a graduate teaching assistant for the saxophone studio and jazz studies program. His responsibilities included Assistant Director of the KU Jazz Festival, directing Jazz Ensembles II-III, directing Jazz Combo III-VI, assisting with the KU Jazz Festival, directing Saxophone Quartets II-III, teaching private saxophone lessons, assisting in saxophone studio class, and teaching the music education woodwind methods course. His Lecture Recital Document, A Performer’s Analysis of Selected Jazz Works for Saxophone Quartet, featured an interview with Bob Mintzer. Carl was a member of KU Jazz Ensemble I, KU Saxophone Quartet I, and KU's Helianthus New Music Ensemble. As a member of KU's Jazz Ensemble 1, Carl has performed with Dave Douglas, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Alex Sipiagin, Steve Owen, Gary Foster, Steve Houghton, Clint Ashlock, David von Kampen, Peter Epstein, Jeff Miley, James Miley, Roger Shew, and Brian Hamada, Brandon Draper, Rich Wheeler, Beau Bledsoe, Jeff Harshbarger, and Matt Otto. In July 2014, Carl went on a European tour with KU Jazz Ensemble I featuring Steve Leisring and Deborah Brown. Together, they performed at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, the Vienne Jazz Festival in France, and performed in several cities in Germany. Recordings by this band resulted in KU winning the DownBeat Student Award (Graduate College Large Jazz Ensemble Division) in 2015.

While at OSU, Carl was a GTA for the saxophone studio and music theory programs. His responsibilities included Music Theory I-IV tutoring and grading, sight-singing grading, piano labs, classical and jazz saxophone lessons, saxophone quartet coaching, saxophone studio Webmaster, and saxophone studio class. Carl was a member of the OSU Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble 1. He had a regularly performing jazz trio and played in OSU's X2End saxophone quartet. The X2End quartet performed locally at the 2011 Navy Band Saxophone Symposium in Washington D.C., at the 2011 NASA Region IV Conference, and has won the state and division rounds of the 2010-2011 MTNA Chamber Music Competition. The X2End quartet went on to win the 3rd place prize at the national final round of the MTNA Chamber Music Competition. They also were the Division II Chamber Ensemble winners at the 2011 Hubbard Music Competition where they were awarded the 2nd place prize in the overall finals. Carl's final degree paper at OSU was a study of composer/performer collaboration. He traveled to Texas, Michigan, and Ohio to interview saxophonists and composers including David Dees, Peter Fischer, John Sampen,Marilyn Shrude, Joe Lulloff, and Charles Ruggiero. He has presented his lecture at the 2011 Navy Band Saxophone Symposium, the 2011 NASA Region IV Conference, and the 2012 OSU Single Reed Summit. As a member of OSU's Jazz Ensemble 1, he has performed with Bob Sheppard, Conrad Herwig, Wayne Bergeron, and Andy Martin.

While at SWOSU, Carl performed as a member of the marching band, wind ensemble, Jazz Ensemble A, saxophone quartet, and his own jazz combo named Five-Seven. As a member of SWOSU's Jazz Ensemble A, he has performed with Dan Haerle, Bob Bowman, Jack Mouse, Fred Forney, Janice Borla, Eddie Daniels, Pamela York, Lynn Seaton, Carl Allen, Dr. Michael Cox, Tom Williams, Dr. Robert Chambers, Dave Hanson, Drori Mondlak, Delores Williams, Byron Stripling, Frank Wess, Kenny Drew Jr.,Dennis Mackrel, Bill Watrous, Rich Eames, Jennifer Leitham, and Randy Drake.
​
Carl's primary saxophone instructors have been Vince Gnojek, Dr. Jeffrey Loeffert, Dr. Ann Bradfield, Dr. Keith Talley, and William Rodney Hull. He has had additional instruction in lessons and masterclasses from Gary Foster, Dr. Joseph Murphy, Dr. Michael Cox, Bob Sheppard, Johnny Salinas, Dr. Kimberly Goddard Loeffert, Dr. Geoffrey Deibel, Dr. Jonathan Nichol, Dr. Griffin Campbell, Dr. James Laughlin, and Dr. David Dees. Carl's jazz directors have included Dan Gailey, Bob McCurdy, Dr. Jonathan Martin, Dr. Keith Talley, and Dr. Terry Segress.

​Carl lives in Brookings, South Dakota. He enjoys recording several instruments in his home studio and composing new music. His compositions that have been performed include his big band arrangement of Cat Battles by Joshua Redman,September in the Refrain (alto saxophone and electronics), Funk-o-matic (jazz combo), Smooth (jazz combo), and The Deadline Arrives at Dawn (alto saxophone and electronics). As an advocate of new music involving the saxophone, he has participated in a commissioning consortium for Alone Together by composer David MacDonald through Kick Starter. In 2013, Carl performed the premier of Cuento #3 by Nelson Ramirez Diaz. During summer of 2014, he recorded selections from Dr. John Walker's "The Alto Saxophone in the Attic," published by Carl Fischer. At the 10th Annual SDSU/Brookings Optimist Jazz Festival in 2015, Carl directed SDSU Jazz Ensemble I's premier of Dog, Tired by David von Kampen.

​Dr. Carl is a Conn-Selmer Endorsing Artist. He hosted the North American Saxophone Alliance Region 3 (ND, SD, NE, MN, IA) Conference at South Dakota State University on March 17-18, 2017. On Saturday, April 8, 2017, Carl performed Dreams in the Dusk by David Biedenbender with South Dakota State University's Wind Symphony, directed by Dr. Jacob Wallace. On Monday, February 6, 2017, Carl will be performed the premiere of Lhotse for alto saxophone and percussion by Steve Danyew with Dr. Aaron Ragsdale.

your passion for a certain genre of music, or possibly learning and playing songs you love. In another example, you may have been playing for a period of time and possibly you desire to heighten your game, learning new skills and technique regarding your instrument. Or quite possibly, you want to blend the joy of singing while playing the piano or the guitar! It's time to go through the joy and benefits in playing a musical instrument and or singing!

PERFORMANCE
Steven B has extensive experience in performance. For many years, he performed piano and sang at many fine establishments throughout San Diego and Los Angeles. Later on, he produced a concert tour and performed 50 concerts to 15,000 young people throughout San Diego. The title of his concert tour is Heroes In Our World. Steven B played keyboards, guitar and sang. The concerts honored real-life moms, dads, doctors, nurses, teachers, athletes, entertainers who give back to charity, police officers, firemen, and explorers who make our world a better place. His list of performances continues. He has a record of being the only musician to write a song, produce it, playing the instruments and vocals, along with filming and editing the videos of the performances each week for 52 consecutive weeks. His students benefit because he teaches many aspects in performance and can prepare students for any kind of audition or performance.

In conclusion, whether you want to learn to play an instrument and/or sing just for your own benefit and joy... Or you want to perform... Or you want to be professional earning money with music - you have come to the correct place. He will be looking forward in working with you. Again, he teaches all styles, ages and skill levels. Beginners are most welcome. He currently has one or two openings for new students.

Reviews From Students and Parents (Piano - Guitar - Voice)

“I just wanted to say Thank You and let you know how much I appreciate all the information and help you have given Mikey. You helped him form a great hobby that he loves to do and the family loves to hear. He has come so far since his first lesson and I am happy you kept the Piano lessons interesting for him. Thanks again for being a kind, great teacher to him.” - Cheryl, 5 Stars! 

“Steven B, a patient, gifted teacher has supervised my studies on guitar with good humor, wit and flexibility.  I would recommend him without hesitation to players young and old.” - Tim, 5 Stars!  

“I took voice and piano lessons in Steven B’s Coronado Music Studio and also online via Skype.  Both experiences were great, and it was really convenient to do the lessons on Skype.  Steven B is an excellent teacher, and he is very patient.  I recommend him to anyone who wants to learn to play an instrument or sing!” - Kat , 5 Stars! 

“Steven B’s fun and patient teaching style rocks. I see how his bright, fun-loving personality, and knowledge of music for piano makes him top choice as my daughter’s music instructor.” - Anthony, 5 Stars!   

“Steven B is a wonderful teacher!  He is talented, always enthusiastic, and extremely motivational! Each lesson is designed specifically for our daughter Kelsey's ability and desired genre of music! Kelsey began guitar and vocal lessons in the Coronado studio and is now taking lessons via Skype since our move to Virginia.  The lessons are convenient, affordable, and productive. We are excited to be able to still have Steven B as her guitar and vocal teacher!” - Amy, 5 Stars!  

“I came to Steven B as a beginner in piano and I took the piano lessons on my Casio keyboard. I just wanted to learn my favorite songs. Steven B got me into the music I really enjoy!  In only three months, I was able to play and sing a song I truly love titled “Angel” from Sarah McLachian.  My teacher said I performed it as well as the artist. My friends, loved my performance of the song!” - Katrina, 5 Stars! 

“My son has taken guitar and voice lessons with Steven B for the last year.  We are pleased with classes and the improvement we've seen in comparison to a previous instructor.  Steven B is punctual and extremely respectful of the time and money it takes to provide lessons.  He can be counted on to be both friendly and professional.  He comes prepared for lessons and expects the same of his students.  If you are serious about learning and improving your skills, we highly recommend him.” - Christina, 5 Stars! 

“My time in being instructed by Steven B on piano was a great, informative experience. Ever since the first lesson, he is a very good teacher that clearly knows what he is doing. Mr. Bruce taught me at my own pace, taking time to help me work on skills, especially small details that help me perform much better. He is a very skilled instructor, teaching me pieces from not only music books that he provides, but also the valuable skill of learning by ear, a skill few other teachers bother to touch on. Steven B has helped on a number of occasions with songs that I am learning on my own and fit time into our lessons to work on them. He is always willing to let the student work on what they like as well as what he gives out. When I once mentioned my liking for jazz, we soon started an in-depth series of lessons into the genre, teaching me much more than I ever knew prior to it. I’ve never felt pressured by my assignments and pieces to bring home, as Steven B knows everyone goes at their own pace and can take anytime from a few days to a few weeks to learn a song. My time with him was a very fun and informative time that I thoroughly enjoyed.” - Michael, 5 Stars!

PIANO - GUITAR - VOICE LESSONS:
- In Your Home Via Webcam with Steven B (See Teacher's Special)
- In The Teacher's Coronado Music Studio

aying music, and look forward to meeting you. Lets get started and make some music!
You can hear me performing around San Diego at Bourre', Harbor Music Hall, The Amigo Spot, and other venues as a trumpeter/vocalist.

ontemporary artists.