Leo Music Lessons

of my students, I am now at a point where I excel at honing in on the individual interests and learning styles of whoever comes to me for help. There are many ways to learn guitar. The best one is the one that engages and inspires you the most. That said, there are also music fundamentals that we all need to know. My joy as a teacher lies in finding a way for you to master the fundamentals while at the same time following your personal bliss and intuition. We plot the course together, combining your curiosity and enthusiasm with my years of experience.

I also love working with kids. While they are having fun jamming, I discretely provide them with the technique and musicianship they'll need to excel in any musical environment, whether it's conservatory study or playing in a great band.

*** Lesson Details ***
Your enthusiasm is the key to your success, so my lessons are tailored to the interests and abilities of each student. That said, my classical background and dedication to effective teaching inform everything I do.

All of my students learn Music Fundamentals:
-Technique (habits of movement)
-Theory (how music works)
-Aural skills (hearing pitches, chords and rhythms clearly)

Many of my students use books. There are hundreds of great books these days, and I will work with students from any book they choose. Listed here are the books I regularly use. They all deliver great results:

-Aaron Shearer "Leaning The Classic Guitar"
-Will Schmidt and Greg Koch "The Hal Leonard Method"
-Joe Pecoraro "Read This First"
-David Oaks "Music Reading For Guitar"
-William Leavitt "A Modern Method For Guitar"
-Mateo Carcassi "Melodic and Progressive Studies, Opus 60"
-Leo Brouwer "Simple Studies"

Many of my students prefer to work without a book, and that is a great option too. These students learn scales, chords and theory and develop a repertoire of songs. I will show you how to play any song you'd like to learn. You can also work on writing your own songs or compositions, or improvising in any context, be it jazz, blues, Indian raga or flamenco.

Singing is also encouraged!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Home studio: music stands, extensive library of all kinds of music, great sound system and ability to stream any song, several guitars, recording equipment, footstools, keyboard and percussion instruments.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I'll bring my guitar and books, accessories as needed.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in versatility. I regularly play gigs doing classical, jazz, blues, rock, pop, and world music. All of these genres have a place in my heart, and I've devoted years to learning to play and teach them well.

I am equally polyamorous when it comes to the various things musicians do. I love to sing pop songs, dissect jazz lines, delve into expressive groupings with classical pieces, drill scales and arpeggios, you name it. Reading, improvising, composing and notating, transcribing and playing by ear, memorization, classical technique, blues technique, bluegrass technique, theoretical analysis... hit me up for any of that, or whatever else interests you.

f learning, musicianship and artistry. I have most recently taught in Jerry City, Ohio for Elmwood Jr./Sr. High School, and have also been active for the past six years as a master class instructor for St. Peter's Lutheran Church, located in Ft. Wayne, IN. I am very happy to be working with you!

*** Lesson Details ***
You will find my teaching methods rewarding, enriching and exciting as you grow and learn. Students will be encouraged to take their own individual journey in singing. You can expect to work on diction, theory, breathing, and developing a general healthy technique.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Piano and CD player. There is also seating for parents who wish to sit in on lessons.

*** Specialties ***
I am a classically trained singer and most of my training is in art song and opera. However, I do have a vast knowledge of musical theater literature and I would feel very comfortable in that genre. I am also well versed in choral literature and gospel.

acting are hobbies for you or if you plan to make them your profession. I look forward to working with you!

years as college professor, where I taught classical composition, jazz piano, recording, film scoring and recording arts. Since leaving that world, I have been very happily and deeply engaged in gigging, teaching and writing the music that comes from deep in my soul and which expresses all my influences.

My approach to teaching also reflects all my skills, and starts with what you want to do with your music. If you want to develop your songwriting skills, we approach from any angle-harmony, development of basic ideas, or seeing what makes a Beatles or Beyonce tune work. If you want to develop your soloing chops, we can look at the deep traditions of jazz and blues. If you're an improvising player who wants to understand theory or develop your reading, I've got strong qualifications there. If you're a beginner, that's cool too! If you have a passion, then everything else follows with an experienced teacher. Bottom line-if you have an idea of where you want to go with your music, I probably have the experience to help you get there, no matter what the style!

I teach from my home studio, where I have a beautiful grand piano and many keyboards. I usually play bass with my students. I can provide customized backing tracks for you to practice with. I also teach on line. I can provide many testimonials from world-class professionals and former students who are now making a big splash.

'll be your biggest cheerleader. I'm patient, kind, and truly want those I work with to sing beautifully and healthily. Let's make some beautiful music together!