Swisher, IA Music Theory Lessons

nic Orchestra and Choir, as well as productions of "Cats", "Phantom of the Opera", Sesame Street, and touring all over Australia, U.S.A. and Israel. I have also been a part of the worship teams at Hillsong Church and C3 Church Australia.

I studied at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, and also received my Licentiate Diploma from the Trinity College of London (L.T.C.L.) in French Horn (Teaching) and Licentiate Diploma from the Trinity College of London (L.T.C.L.) in Piano (Performance). So my experience not only comes from an inspiring teacher, but also from hundreds of performances on stages across the world working with the finest of musicians, singers, conductors and worship leaders.

I love music, and more so, love imparting it to others.

*** Lesson Details ***
Students come away from their lessons inspired and excited about their ability to accomplish their dreams. Whether it is to play 'Phantom of the Opera' or an Adele song, Debussy's Claire De Lune or Jingle Bells, I show them how to do it and help them get there. I am very thorough, taking no short cuts, but making it fun to learn an instrument. You will be amazed at what you are playing in three to six months!

*** Specialties ***
Classical, Jazz, Rock, Contemporary Christian

folk, punk, and experimental music. In my free time I like to circuit bend.

*** Lesson Details ***
When you take lessons from me expect to be inspired and pushed. I thoroughly love teaching music and want the best for my students. I try my best to involve and invite students to join or listen to live music ensembles, recitals, and performances of different genres. I teach all styles of music for voice, piano, and guitar. I am very diligent with practicing, teaching you how to practice, and keeping track of it. In 3 or 6 months you will have a basic understanding of music theory and a solid foundation of piano, voice, or guitar techniques. I thrive to boost self esteem and confidence in all the students that I teach. I also teach composition, students really enjoy writing their own songs and performing them.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide a guitar. I expect students that want voice or piano lessons to have some kind of keyboard in working condition.

*** Specialties ***

As a member of of MTNA (Music Teachers National Association) I am able to give your students great resources and opportunities to enter competitions.

I am also a member of New York State Music Teachers Association.

I am also a Pro Tools certified user.

in taking lessons!!

of music, including Rock, Pop, and Jazz. Since then, he was awarded a full scholarship to the University of Akron as a Teaching Assistant and later received his Master’s under the tutelage of Stephen Aron. Philip is currently working towards his Doctorate at FSU. Philip has played a number of feature concerts and masterclasses with great guitarists of our time, such as David Russell, Andrew York, Dusan Bogdanovic, Roland Dyens, Michael Chapdelaine, and many other artists.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*** Lesson Details ***
The first step will be evaluating the student's musical and technical skill level, then I build a curriculum from that point. As an example, a beginning student would learn how to read music, play basic rhythms, use proper left and right hand technique, and the notes in the first position on individual strings. After I have evaluated the current level of the student and their musical interest, I will begin to move my curriculum around their various needs.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I will have a music stand for you to use at your lesson. I require the student to have their own instrument so that they may practice outside of their lesson.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Music Stand

*** Specialties ***
Classical - Pop - Jazz - Songwriting - Digital Arts - Recording - Music Production - Theory - General Music

s of music as opposed to just "picking and grinning", IE learning only "By Ear." I do specialize in music theory, and have many students taking lessons simply for this excellent foundation for songwriting also.

I am a classically trained guitarist that performs both as a soloist and for ensemble in a wide variety of styles. I graduated in 1996 from Schoolcraft College with an Associates degree in Music performance, and then, studying under the tutelage of Brian Roberts went on to receive my Bachelor's degree in Guitar Performance with a secondary in Jazz from Wayne State University in 2004. While at Wayne State and along the way I've performed and participated in several masterclasses with renowned artists: William Kanengiser, John Holmquest, Philip Candelaria, Jason Vieaux, Scott Tennant, and Antigoni Goni. I have also completed the teacher requirements for books 1-a and 1-b for the Suzuki Guitar Institute.

Many of my classical guitar and electric guitar students have went on to study further at the collegiate level, some achieving scholarships. My most recent students are current Berklee school of music graduates now in a band called "Flight of Fire", recently opened for Bonjovi this past summer and are getting air time on local radio stations... well on their way to living the dream! …the bulk of my students become full time professional musicians.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am an extremely patient person who has been teaching for over 20 years. I am laid back so there will be no pressure. With my electric and steel string guitar students, I host a special "Jam Session" 2 - 3 times a year to which will be one of your goals to participate in. This includes playing with a drummer, bassist, singer and another guitar player (usually me) and having it recorded. This should serve as your motivation to practice. This really eliminates the need for me to pull out a "yardstick" and "smack" your hands over the knuckles when not practicing your scales as many old traditional teachers may have done!

At your first lesson I will talk with you and give you examples of music that is played with a Flat-Pick, or music that uses the Finger-Style technique. This will be an important process as it will dictate which direction you will go in as a musician and especially during our lessons.

For the most part, playing with a Flat-Pick is generally used with the electric guitar and with most mainstream styles of music like "Rock and Roll", "Blues", "Rock-a-Billy" "Funk", and playing with the Finger-Style technique is used in styles like "Classical" and "Folk." After a while, I will introduce you to the other style of playing as well, as most great guitar players use both techniques in their playing...musicians (guitarists) such as: “Jimmy Page“, “Brian Setzer”, “Stevie Ray Vaughan”, “Joe Satriani”, “Lindsey Buckingham”, “Paul McCartney”, “John Mayer”, and many, many more.

To make learning the guitar Fun, I make sure to incorporate your main interest(s) first. Whether it be learning your new favorite song(s), learning how to write a song, or just learning some basics that you can use for when sitting around the campfire. This will be intertwined with which style you choose to start with: Flat-Pick or Finger-Style.

Pending on the level that you are starting at, (beginner, intermediate, advanced) I will include tidbits of music theory that will be used in a consistent manner. These will usually be progressive, pending on your level. For example, the songs you learn will be written out in an easy to understand chart that will have the fundamental aspects of theory (IE, chords, key, and rhythm pattern) that all musicians should understand.

With Children learning with a Flat-Pick, I encourage the use of a basic guitar instruction book.
Level One (beginners) :

"Hal Leonard Guitar Method Book One" by Will Schmid.

I will also use as a substitute for Level One:
"Alfred's Basic Guitar Method" by Alfred's Publishing Co.

More advanced players who can read music already (and graduates from book one) I prefer;
"Hal Leonard Guitar Method Book Two"

With Adults, I will ask if learning to read music interests you. It is a vital part of a practicing musician, but sometimes your needs may require a more one dimensional approach as time may be of essence. Again, I learned by ear and educated myself later...so I understand the person who wants to hold off on reading right away.

Students who want to learn the Classical (Finger-Style) approach will be encouraged to purchase a beginners book that I use written by one of my first instructors/mentor. It is a very intuitive book that covers the technique in great detail yet is very easy to understand (along with my help.) I will provide means of acquiring this book at your first lesson.

Students who want to learn the Folk (Finger-Style) approach will usually start in the above book, unless your an adult who just wants to learn some basics.

At your first lesson I will also provide you with documentation that goes more in depth about the various styles of guitar as the above info is scaled down.

*** Studio Equipment ***
-Amps

-Guitars (Electric, Acoustic, Classical, Bass)

- PA (loud speakers so you can Turn it Up! When playing along)

-Band in a Box (to play along with real prerecorded instruments seamlessly interleaved into a band type setting with almost unlimited genre choices...very impressive technology)

- Pro Tools (recording gear for all needs)

- Guitar Pro and Finale (to transpose music into sheet music)

-Skype (for out of town interactivity. Can do lessons via Skype)

-Basement with plenty of seating for parents, and or observers.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in Classical Guitar, Electric Guitar, and Acoustic Guitar; Improvisation, Songwriting, Backup Vocals, Fretboard Harmony, Music Theory, Performance, and Recording.

understand what they couldn't in the classroom. I help the students by teaching in innovative ways that will catch their attention more than standard teaching methods. Students should consider me for I can make learning fun and never a chore!

*** Lesson Details ***
I use a wide variety of techniques to sing, play piano and other instruments. Techniques include straight vowel singing (no words) to test how long to hold notes, using color to help people sight read, using improvisational techniques in order to play jazz, rock, classical and many other styles of music.
I use what they student has under his or her belt as a starting point to see what lessons we could start them on.
I also assist with online lessons to make transportation a thing of the past. If you've got a webcam or Skype, I can do long-distance lessons with you! So, I am here to help!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Alesis Recital Keyboard
Music sheets
Web cam
Mac computer (MacBook Pro)
Finale music notation software to help in composition and theory lessons.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Music paper for away lessons.
Finale for composition and music theory lessons.
Can use macbook for more elaborate teaching or demonstration if need be.

*** Specialties ***
I do teach classical composition with specialties in ensemble and chamber music. I also specialize in songwriting for pop and other media.
I teach voice and vocal techniques of sacred choral and vocal music.
I teach classical and jazz piano and improvisation. I also have the distinction in being able to teach students with special needs or learning disabilities as I have a mild form of cerebral palsy and understand what students with special needs go through.

a, or Bach, the concepts underlying music are basically the same. I will make sure you can play the music you love and hopefully help you explore new music as well.

*** Studio Equipment ***
In my studio I have a Guild Classical, Alvarez Acoustic, and Epiphone Electric.

All the accessories needed as well. Music Stands, Foot Stools, Picks, Straps, Slides, Tuners, Books, etc.

I also use an iMac in lessons. I like incorporating technology when appropriate, to look up tunes, or do a recording session, it's a necessary tool to learn nowadays.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I will bring everything we need to conduct a proper lesson remotely. I do recommend you have your own guitar though.

*** Specialties ***
For all the advanced knowledge I have and years of teaching students of all kinds, my favorite is teaching beginners. I love seeing someone come in with no knowledge of music, and taking them from milestone to milestone. I love watching new musicians blossom.

I play, teach, and perform most frequently in classical, rock, blues, and pop genres.

reed Haque, Matt Wilson, Greg Gisbert, The Lettermen, and many others. Ryan performs regularly with the TomaScoyk Duo, the Black Diamond Quartet, and the Promethean Quartet, whose debut album "Through Adam's Fall" was released in 2013. Ryan's newest recording project, "Somewhere Between," will be released in early 2016. Equally split as a performer and educator, Ryan is an energetic and innovative teacher, as well as an experienced music arranger and recording engineer.

t West Music in Coralville.

Currently I am affiliated with two professional orchestras in the Eastern Iowa area. I am the second trombonist in Orchestra Iowa based out of Cedar Rapids, and will be filling in as an interim second trombone for the 2017-2018 Quad City Symphony season. I have been playing in professional orchestras for the last ten years and can teach you orchestral style, and audition preparation.

In addition to my orchestra playing, I was also a member of Axiom Brass Quintet from 2012-2014 where we were the first prize winners at the International brass competition held in Passau Germany.

As a soloist, I was also the grand prize winner of the Chicago International Brass solo competition in 2012 on euphonium.
Currently, I am also an active member with the New Chicago Brass, a modern brass ensemble based out of Chicago. I am comfortable teaching all brass instruments for all ages and skill levels. I look forward to answering any questions you may have in regard to taking lessons on a brass instrument.