California, KY Songwriting Lessons

ts up my students for long-term success.

*** Equipment ***
It is preferred that private students have a piano or full size keyboard.
I also provide games, piano accompaniment tracks, and other accessories to make lessons more interactive and fun.

*** Specialties ***
Jazz, Gospel, Pop, Blues, Group Piano

inal and cover bands and have won high school and University level battle of the bands competitions. I was a Northwest regional finalist in Guitar Center's "King of the Blues" competition as well. I recently won a Fulbright Scholarship to study Spanish and Flamenco Guitar in Seville, Spain for 2015 and 16.

Jaxon the Teacher: I really love spreading the knowledge I've learned over the years about the guitar, bass guitar, songwriting, music theory, and everything music related to my students. I find a huge sense of fulfillment in seeing my students understand and enjoy learning and making beautiful music. I have a high level of knowledge and skills that I am very willing to use to teach students from the most beginner to the most advanced. Former students of mine have achieved lofty goals ranging from making it into a music program at the college level to winning their school's talent show to being accepted into their school's jazz band.

*** Lesson Details ***
My curriculum is based around YOU. I push my students hard, but I make sure they're always having fun and enjoying playing. I like to get my students playing real songs as fast as possible so they can see results immediately and get excited!

Online Lessons: I am a specialist in online teaching. and I go the extra mile to make sure you get your money's worth. Online lessons with me include personalized instruction, PDF's, play-along recordings, and instructional video recaps to help you practice.

Children: I am trained and specialized in teaching children fingerstyle guitar. I have taught hundreds of kids in schools, privately, and in groups over the years. The method I use is proven to give kids the best possible start to music and maximize their potential. If you have children and you want them to learn good technique and music principles through guitar, you don't need to look any further.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have stools, music stands, and an amp here so all you need to bring is your guitar!

*** Travel Equipment ***
I do not provide any equipment.
Student must have their own guitar and amp if they play electric.
I do have guitars available for rental.

*** Specialties ***
-Children's fingerstyle guitar
-Proficient in ABRSM and Suzuki method
-Specialist in classical guitar, though proficient up to advanced in any guitar style (blues, rock, country, jazz, pop, etc)
-Also very experienced teaching songwriting and music performance

pel church, living in a building filled with musicians, accompanying vocal master classes, studying Sanskrit, Indian raga, world percussion, creative arts therapy and performance wellness.

I now compose and sing my songs - interweaving voice with keyboard or guitar. Besides teaching privately, I can be found performing my songs in clubs, outdoor festivals, coffee houses, and poetry/healing events. I currently attended a certificate program in sound & music healing and the focus of my music rests here. I incorporate many techniques to aid students in relaxation, breath awareness, and de-stressing.

Using traditional teaching methods, I create meaningful experiences for students by:
- being patient, flexible and creative in approach
- using visual, aural, and tactile teaching tools

*** Lesson Details ***
After 3 to 6 Months OF Lessons, you can use the important music fundamentals you've learned to create music you love.
After about a year, you are invited to share your music with others in an intimate family recital or a performance for charity in service to your community!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Upright piano, piano synthesizer, guitar, percussion instruments

*** Travel Equipment ***
Carolyn carries her own guitar, teaching aids, manuscript paper, pen/pencils, and handouts.

Recommended for students:
KEYBOARD - ideally, have your own keyboard/piano, piano books, staff paper
ACOUSTIC UKULELE/GUITAR - your own guitar, capo, tuner, staff & TAB paper (you can wait for teacher to help you choose)
VOICE - have sheet music, lyrics or charts of your songs
SONGWRITING - have manuscript paper, recording device and journal/tablets to record their ideas
ALL STUDENTS - small tablet for notes & keeping track of assignments and a recording device to hear your playing/singing/compositions (optional)

*** Specialties ***
Performing Singer-Songwriter specializing in improvisation and Sound & Music Healing.

yself smoothly and precisely. I started getting more involved with harder rocking bands such as Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters and prided myself with the ability to match the vocal parts in both accuracy and intensity. I raised the level of professionalism up on my own writing skills as well and publishing a lyrical device in a poetry publication known as “In Dappled Sunlight.” I also enjoying some radio airplay for one of my songs and was fortunate enough to open for the illustrious Paul Kantner and Jefferson Starship in an acoustic set in Denver, Co.
Although my formal education was in Psychology and Counseling, I continued taking lessons in guitar and voice while simultaneously refining my sound and my skills. I also began teaching during this time working with students from 5 to sixty-five and focusing on acoustic guitar skills as well as vocal training and most of all, finding enjoyment in music. To me, teaching is an integral part of music as I truly believe that the gift of music is wasted unless its shared with others. Seeing a student realize his or her musical dreams is one of the greatest joys that I have experienced as a musician and I'm dedicated to the teaching process for life. I'm also dedicated to performing and to this day I have done over 1000 shows, playing the coziest of street corner pubs to big festivals with thousands of people present. I feel that this performance experience in combination with over 20 great years of teaching has made me the highly qualified instructor that I am today.
Although there are many singer/songwriters, I feel I am unique in that I strive to incorporate power and passion into the simplest of musical pieces and have learned how to teach this process to others. I feel that finding the passion in music, whether it be rhythm or lead guitar or voice, can make the difference between being a mediocre musician and a great one regardless of your skill level. I feel I have the insight and patience as well to work with anyone who has the desire and dedication to become a great musician.
I now live in the beautiful town of Fort Collins, Colorado where I both perform and teach with regularity and also operate my counseling practice where I specialize in helping children and adults work through anxiety and depression. I hope to work with each of you in the near future and help you to achieve the lofty musical goals that you have set out for yourself. Mark

*** Lesson Details ***
Simply stated, students can expect what they're willing to contribute to the learning process. At least half of learning is done before or after the lesson during the student's practice time so the time in between lessons is extremely important. Although I am a laid back instructor, I also have high expectations of the student and will define those in the first lesson. The curriculum is based on years of teaching experience and will be tailor-made to your current age, development and experience level. The word "dedication" is an important one here as well because if you're dedicated, then you 'll become a life-time learner and musician rather than a part time participant. So, after 3-6 months you may learn almost nothing or you will become a proficient player, it's all up to you!

*** Studio Equipment ***
loft 400 sq feet open, airy multiple instruments seating for parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can bring instruments although I would hope they also have some of their own as well.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in manifesting powerful dynamics in voice and performance, specifically in blues, rock, alternative and folk music. I also incorporate some of the Alexander technique into some of my teaching (no, I am not certified in Alexander but have participated in some of the classes).

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.

curriculum just for them based on their musical desires, strengths and weaknesses so I can help them become the best player that they can be. Each lessons will be a balance of learning new technique and theory and applying them in songs that excite and inspire.
Things such as: music theory, ear and harmony training, single string technique, sight and cord chart reading, cord structure, song writing, tone shaping, guitar maintenance and playing live will be covered with students as they advance. Feed back is always welcome and appreciated. This is your lesson, let's make sure you get the most out of it.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Music Studio: Guitars, amps, mixing board, protools, computer with external stereo, seating for parents can be arranged

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can bring my own guitar and cables. But the student will need to have their own guitar, amp etc

*** Specialties ***
Blues, Rock, Metal, Jazz, Funk and Country

either of those styles.

My purpose as a teacher: help people have a fun experience, learning in an organized way, adapted to your learning style and goals, while learning to do exactly what you wanted to do when you decided you wanted to play the guitar.

In 1994, I was let go from my job at a music store because I was sick. Which sounds awful, but was the best thing to ever happen to me- it was then I got over my fears and became a full-time musician, teaching and writing and performing. I have never looked back! I may not be a household name, but I am living the dream.

Whether you want to sing to your kids or play for an audience of 50,000, or just play guitar for yourself, you first have to get started.

Wait no longer! The guitar is calling!

the intermediate levels the most. I enjoy watching people discover things for the first time, and in my teaching I really do my best to craft my lessons to the needs of the students. My primary aim in teaching is that I would cultivate in my students a love for music and learning. With these two things in place, a student can go on to be and learn anything.

Join me and my studio. We'll have a great time, and we'll get you to your goals while we're enjoying the journey of music together!!

ute, and voice lessons at the Umoja Music School. Danielle received her Master's Degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education "Arts in Education" program and a Bachelor's Degree in Music Composition from Vanderbilt University.