California, KY Music Performance Lessons

rporates what you already know, with what you will need to learn in order to achieve your goals.

*** Lesson Details ***
Whether you want to play flute, clarinet, sing, act, or learn to play piano, I am here to help you become the best musician you can be. Classically trained, I also work with the styles of musical theatre, pop, rock, and jazz. I can teach you the proper techniques, posture, and breathing necessary to perform to the best of your ability and teach you how to utilize your full lung capacity to extend phrasing length and dynamic range. I will also help you learn to read and write music. Together, we will keep a log to track your progress lesson to lesson. This will also help you keep a record of the steps you are taking to obtain and achieve your goals and dreams.

*** Specialties ***
Young and beginner students.
Senior & Retired students
Students with special needs.
Performance techniques.
Audition preparation
Speech techniques (public speaking/voice-overs, etc.)
Bel Canto technique.
Performance anxiety
Life coaching!

"I would teach children music, physics, and philosophy; but most importantly music, for in the patterns of music and all the arts are the keys of learning" ~Plato

**if you need a particular time slot or one not listed on my availability I will do my best to accommodate your needs**

**All lessons will be scheduled in advance with confirmation of both the student and instructor. If cancellation is necessary, a written notice 48 hour cancellation policy is in effect or you forfeit the lesson credit. For lessons scheduled outside of the areas provided, a surcharge for travel will be added.**

different time periods.

I enjoy working with students of all ages. Regardless of your ability, age, or experience, I will work with you. We can work out a plan for lesson times, intensity of practice and work, and tailor the lesson to the right pace for you.

*** Lesson Details ***
My lessons tend to be tailored to the needs of individual students. I am not as much a fan of a strict curriculum that I use on each student. For beginners, one can expect to be given method books to get them moving in the right direction. As one advances, we eventually move on to repertoire. I take an approach to lessons that emphasizes total body awareness and high level mental awareness. The most important thing anyone can learn in music is that it isn't just about the right notes; it isn't about the right rhythm. It is about the complete musicianship and the complete awareness needed to truly understand and perform a work of music. In order to make this approach work, my strictness as a teacher varies depending on the level of devotion the student is willing to put forth. After six months with me as a teacher, expect to notice changes in the way you see music and comprehend your technique at the keyboard.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I expect students to purchase their own music. For beginners with method books, I have these available to the students to purchase from me.

*** Specialties ***
I am very highly trained in performance practices of the Baroque era, especially on the organ. I am also very specialized in body movement and efficient keyboard technique. I also have a lot of experience in the Romantic repertoire of the piano. Lastly, I am also well trained as an accompanist on both the organ and the piano.

a structured practice routine and working knowledge of music and their instrument, but it has to be fun. I have students who learn Classical, rock, and Jazz. Each lesson is different. Some people just want to be able to play their favorite songs by a camp fire, and others want to go on to perform at Carnegie Hall. I enjoy teaching both lessons and put forth the same enthusiasm for each one. You get out of the guitar or bass what you put into it in terms of learning and practicing. The level of achievement is up to you, I will help guide you to meet your goals regardless of how large or small they are.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Spare music room: guitars, amps, bass; computer with recording software, ProTools seating for parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
I have all the equipment necessary. I would like the student to have an instrument, but if not I can provide one for the lesson.

*** Specialties ***
I'm really pretty versatile. Over 18 years of teaching anywhere from 80 to 100 students a week will do that.

to the arts such as Mathematics and Science.

One of the most important aspects of playing Music is being able to Play by Ear. This has been a priceless gift that I have developed throughout my life and I encourage all musicians, young and old, to do the same. The use of simple Rhythmic Dictation and Ear Training exercises can do wonders for "picking out" Beats and Harmonies no matter what Genre we are interested in.

I attended music courses at The Boston School of Contemporary Music, Thomas Jefferson College (MI), and have a BA double majoring in Music Composition and English at Columbia College Chicago.

Besides touring internationally as a Guitarist and Saxophonist, I am a Songwriter. THIRD BORDER's "Sun of Water; Sea of Light" was selected to be nominated for the Grammy's as The Best Alternative Album of the Year in 2006. On this record, I played Guitar, Saxophone, sang Lead Vocal and wrote all Songs. So, if you are a songwriter, we can polish up your approach!

If you would like to learn how to compose a Solo, a Duet or Ensemble, I can get you started in a low-stress, one-step-at-a-time procedure. As a Composer, I have done Sound Design for Film, Dance, Spoken Word and Multi-media Performance - most notably with renowned poet Anne Carson and former members of The Merce Cunningham Dance Co. I am Composer and Conductor for New York City's first full-on Saxophone Orchestra; a 13-member ensemble.

I hope to talk to you soon!
Benjamin

*** Lesson Details ***
My teaching style is relaxed with a forte on Patience and Encouragement. Though I have specific expectations on what needs to be learned, I gear each lesson towards the student's wishes and their personal direction in Creativity. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced student, I can guide you wherever you are headed!

For Guitar (acoustic or electric), you will learn the fundamentals of Music Theory, Chord Structure, varied Strumming and Picking Techniques, and Scale Positions to travel from one part of the neck to the other. Any song you wish to learn, I can teach!

For Saxophone, you will learn proper Embouchure technique, Notation, Music Theory, and Scale Patterns for improvisation. Whether you are interested in a Classical, Blues, Funk or Jazz approach, I can help you find your own sound that is both personal and professional.

I teach 2nd year Piano and Drums/Percussion directing you into Intermediate level.

For those leaning toward the experimental genres, I am well-versed in the use of Electronics. Much can be accomplished with my lessons on Sound-Scape Improvisation either as 1 on 1 or Group Workshops.

*** Studio Equipment ***
At Home Studio: music stands, metronome, guitar amps, electric and acoustic guitars, guitar tablature, staff music paper, a scanner for weekly homework. I can also record and send MP3s of our lessons to review at home if you wish.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Students will need their own instrument, a mutually chosen music book to learn from, a metronome, and hopefully easy access to a keyboard (very helpful!)

*** Specialties ***
I am fluent in Rock genres, Blues, Beginning Jazz, Beginning Classical technique, Prepared Guitar, Electronics/Sound Art.

When drumming playing with music, learning improvisation, and playing by ear is important. I also focus on this, having students learn their favorite songs, and learn to play with new music as well. This keeps students interested, and adds a fun personal element to their lessons. I also have implemented use of a teaching app, so while practicing if students have a question they can ask me right then so to not forget, and I can give feedback. It also has a practice tracker tool. If you have any questions feel free to email me.

I look forward to meeting you, and helping you reach your music goals!

~ Zaky N.

coach for the Grammy Award Winning Pacific Boychoir. I also sang professionally for ensembles such as the San Francisco Symphony Chorus, Clerestory, American Bach Soloists and San Francisco Pocket Opera.

I am currently a vocal instructor for Sweetwater Music Academy, music director for the Jesters (a theatre ensemble for people with developmental disabilities) and I sing for hospital patients as a Parkview Healing Artist. I have taught grade levels K-8 in private schools so I am accustomed to all age levels.

As a songwriter I have composed and performed music for MTV, VHI, E! and the Oxygen Network, and have acted on commercials for Southern Comfort, Old Spice, & Anthem Blue Cross.

I am also the songwriter and front man for the original regional RootsRock band, Fernando T. & The Wickersham Bros and have established myself as a teaching artist for young audiences through the Carnegie Hall Link Up Concert Series.

I look forward any questions you may have and hope to help you or your child find creative fulfillment from the most unique instrument in the world- your voice!

[PLEASE NOTE: I will be teaching exclusively online from June-December 2017 period and am happy to squeeze in as many in in location lessons you would like before then]

c or to make singing your lifelong career; I am the person who will help you elevate yourself.

he Boston Philharmonic Orchestra. He has conducted educational outreach with the Eureka Ensemble, Boston Landmarks Orchestra, North End Music and Performing Arts Center, and the Boston Philharmonic’s Crescendo! Program. An ardent educator in many fields, he is a contracted tutor in subjects as wide-ranging as music theory, Latin, English, Geometry, Algebra, MCAS prep, and SAT/ACT prep.

His musical life has led him to assist composers and manage music ensembles around Boston. In 2015, David was the live-in Personal Assistant to Gunther Schuller. Now a days he works as an assistant to composer Robert Honstein, is General Manager of Collage New Music, and is Director of Community Outreach with the Eureka Ensemble.

Originally from California, he received a Bachelors of Music in Saxophone Performance from Cal State University, Fullerton with the President's full-tuition scholarship for academic achievement. He recently completed a Double Master’s Degree in Saxophone Performance and Music Theory from the New England Conservatory.