Indianapolis, IN Songwriting Lessons

al Music Teachers (CAPMT), and Music Teachers National Association (MTNA).

*** Lesson Details ***
Good technique, styling, and musicianship are VERY important but you have got to have FUN learning and performing! I channel and encourage each student'€™s creativity while helping them to learn to use their gifts as expertly as possible. My students can be seen on Broadway, Off-Broadway, on television, in commercials, in the movies, and in professional regional theatre throughout the United States. I have proudly seen many of my students go on to pursue higher education and careers in music, theatre, and dance.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Studio/Office: desk, piano, mirrors, sound system, chairs, extensive collection of sheet music and arts related books.

Parents can sit in on lessons.

*** Specialties ***

Voice: Speech Level Singing, Broadway music, Popular music, Classical, Speaking
Piano: Classical, Improv, Harmonization, Songwritting
Acting: Theatrical acting, Acting for the camera, Voice over, Comedy, Improvisation
Other: Conducting, Ear Training, Performance Coaching, Audition Coaching, Music Theory

the east coast, I found my life's work in 2003 when I began teaching music.

I've successfully taught hundreds of different students since 2003, from 5-year-olds with special needs to middle-aged professional opera singers, from a professor in Saudi Arabia to a 65-year-old doctor of music, from kids of Radio Disney to students of the famed Actors Studio in New York, from busy stay-at-home parents to retirees with bucket lists, from CEOs to touring singer-songwriters.

I've created and led a workshop about singing called, "The Whole Body Singer". I've written dozens of articles about music and music education for the blog at TakeLessons.com.

My extensive knowledge of the voice has encouraged and empowered hundreds of singers and prepared many of them to win competitions, pageants and auditions, as well as roles in operas and musicals.

Having both taught myself piano and received formal training at a conservatory has prepared me to teach almost anyone how to play.
The intensive training and education that I received at Westminster Choir College in songwriting, music theory and sight reading has benefited my students at every level.

My current work as singer and keyboardist in the acoustic rock duo, Timberwood, has strengthened my knowledge of a broad range of styles and genres. I have a strong commitment to continuing my education. That's why I recently (2014) studied songwriting online with the Berklee College of Music in Boston.

In the lessons that I teach, I'm flexible, positive and encouraging. While I want my students to have fun and love music, not dread it, I expect hard work and persistence. I am caring, patient, nurturing, and compassionate. In piano lessons, I usually allow the student to choose a piece with which to warm up and then move on to technique and repertoire. In voice lessons, I usually warm up the singer and discuss technique and sight singing before focusing on song choices. Joan Frey Boytim wrote a book for voice that I like to use, and I like the Estelle Liebling exercises for the more advanced singer. Hanon exercises are a big part of my piano curriculum, and I enjoy the Bastien and Alfred books for young and old. I have used completely random songs pulled out of a piano bench and a karaoke CD for kids. I will use almost anything I can get my hands on if it means effectively teaching music.
Acting lessons consist of exercises and games that apply learned concepts, and monologue and audition coaching. Parents, siblings and spouses are always welcome to observe lessons quietly.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide an acoustic guitar to bring to both voice and guitar lessons. I expect my piano students to have a piano, an organ or a keyboard.

***Home Studio Equipment***
In my home studio, my students will have access to an acoustic guitar, an electronic keyboard, an acoustic piano and PC audio recording.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in teaching classical, country, pop and musical theater singing, classical and pop/rock/chordal style piano, and sightreading, including solfege syllables. I enjoy using Estelle Liebling as my voice method and Hanon for piano technique. My education includes coursework in jazz and pop theory and songwriting from both Westminster Choir College and the Berklee College. Teaching special needs individuals is also one of my specialties, and one that I highly enjoy. I've been trained in Meisner technique, and have experience in both theater acting and musical theater.

rs of a founding member of Earth Wind & Fire & lead singer of group led by Marko Babineau (Aerosmith, G&R.) I've also sung & ministered with outreaches to try & comfort the homeless in Skid Row-downtown LA... and put on a special special presentation for my Grandmother in her nursing home before she went on to her eternal home...the most wonderful thing I've ever done.

I sing with the 3 Gospel choirs in North Hollywood- once informed that I had become president of my Men's Choir-arranging,directing-doing the deal-as learned from personal musical mentors, Anthony Janflone Sr. (the Nicola Tesla of Music) & Motown Songwriter writer/ director, Stafford Floyd.

I also perform as a solo artist while recording/ performing with various artists including Naomi Nektare, Jillisa Lynn, Tru Addiction, Rich Vacarro, Gary Allen, Kenny Freeman & Marko Babineau & more.

*** Lesson Details ***
To connect with, meet you halfway on the path with, teach & direct from a sound & experienced mind the shortest and most direct methods to unveiling one's musical dreams coupled with on-going personal support, guidance, empowerment training, accompaniment and honest advice.

*** Studio Equipment ***
1971 Lowry Theatre Organ, Vox Tone Lab amp, Fender bass, acoustic & electric guitars, various microphones and recording equipment.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Bass Guitar, Korg Micro Synth, Accessories

*** Specialties ***
Pop, Rock, R&B, Soul, Funk, Hip Hop, Music Theatre, Blues, Hard Rock, Gospel, Psychadelia, Acid Jazz, Metal, Country, Comedy, Free Jazz, Spoken Word

a lot. I just believe if it starts to not be fun, what's the point? Music isn't just about perfect theory and note placement it's about enjoyment. That's why I tailor make every lesson specifically based on my student's goals. I have students that like a more traditional approach so I use standard method books with them. I also have students that want to learn how to play by ear so we use a less traditional method and I teach them chord structures and how to move around easily on their instrument. My favorite thing to teach is vocal lessons but I love teaching piano and guitar also.

*** Studio Equipment ***
The In-Studio lessons are taught on an upright piano or acoustic/electric guitar. Student should bring own guitar. No pets. Waiting room out front for parents.

*** Travel Equipment ***
They need their own instrument.

*** Specialties ***
I've performed at Carnegie Hall and I've had the opportunity to work with world renowned vocal coaches. I offer that as well as techniques that I've developed to help you reach your goals quickly and with great skill !

rtist I frequently take trips to Nashville for co-writing, recording, and meeting with record labels. I have written with well-known writers like Mia Fieldes from Hillsong, Tony Wood from Provident Label Group, Stu G from Delirious?, and Jon Steingard from Hawk Nelson. I love to mentor students who want to become effective, dynamic songwriters.

My personal passion is contemporary music but I firmly believe that great technique is essential to any and every style. I look forward to meeting you and helping you to become a better musician!

Grammys.........

I play and teach all styles; Classical, rock, Broadway, jazz,pop, etc.....

I have performed at the world class, A-list level in all the above mentioned styles as well.

I believe it is critical to be humble, down to earth and easy to work with, no matter how accomplished, student, teacher, or parent. :)..................

or artist development for musicians & artists of all kinds.

I use a unique-to-you approach in my coaching sessions. Using Life-Coaching practices in musical sessions allows me to dive deeper into goal setting and achievement for greater outcomes in your overall artistic expression and success.

My goal is to help you meet your goal(s) as quickly, accurately, and as efficiently as possible. I strive to coach for fast, meaningful, fulfilling, lasting results that you can actually use and apply in practical, real world musical situations for years to come.

Your friend and coach,

- Jake