Harrods Creek, KY Songwriting Lessons

ve a strong jazz and theory background.

I look forward to working with you and being a part of your future success as a performing artist!

Sincerely,

Elizabeth; BFA & MEd, MA

*** Lesson Details ***
Lessons: Guitar, Songwriting, Jazz
Ages 6 to 106, children through adults

I provide well-structured lesson plans designed to take students from beginner to advanced levels, lessons are custom tailored to the student’s interests, goals, and particular learning style. Whether you are interested in learning to play the acoustic/electric guitar or are an aspiring songwriter, I have the perfect program that will cover all of the fundamentals and advanced skills.

Learn to play guitar, understand music theory, how to improvise and read music. Learn your favorite songs, write songs and marketing and music career development.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Guitar and study/practice material

*** Travel Equipment ***
Guitar and study/practice material

*** Specialties ***
Pop, Blues, Folk, Jazz, Americana, Rock, Acoustic, Classical

but will may assign a book after the first few lessons. Students should have an empty three-ring binder handy or iPad in addition to owning their own guitar or piano/keyboard. I recommend supporting local music stores before going to the big chains. I can help with choosing an instrument if needed.

Within 6 months*, the student should know and be able to play major and minor chords (instruments only), understand basic music notation, time signatures, and be able to follow basic sheet music. Students are encouraged to name songs that they wish to learn to keep them excited and interested in learning.

Emphasis will be on accuracy, performance techniques and having fun!

* results will vary with each student.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Each student needs a guitar or piano/keyboard and a 3 ring binder.

*** Specialties ***
Guitar, Piano, Songwriting: Folk, Rock, Blues & Country.

ced students who'd like fine tuning. The vast majority of my students have been beginners. I'm relaxed and laid back while encouraging you to reach your potential. Whether you're an absolute beginner or a seasoned expert in need of some fine tuning, I'll carefully evaluate your strengths and weakness and create a lesson plan suited to your individual learning style, interests and needs. We'll discuss where you'd like to go with music, and I'll help you get there! After 3 or 6 months with me, you'll learn the musical foundations of rhythm, ear training, posture, technique, music theory and performance, and a few of your favorite songs!

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

network television variety program, "The Gene Carroll Show", that was a television institution for over 30 years in the Midwest. I was a featured performer on that program for over 7 years, all the while perfecting the art of "playing to a camera." This experience was invaluable, and the knowledge I gathered is now included in my curriculum. I also began performing a solo act in the nightclub circuit at the age of 15, performing up and down the "north coast" from Cleveland, OH, (my home), to Erie. PA. At a very young age, I learned the difficult art of choosing musical material and pacing a show; also adapting to performing under a myriad of conditions with a vast array of musical accompaniment. After graduating college with a degree in Business Administration and Marketing, I assembled my own band, and took to the road. That experience eventually brought the act to Las Vegas in 1982. Over the years my show has been a staple in major casino cabarets in Las Vegas, and all over Nevada. Since my first engagement at The Landmark Hotel in the early 1980's, I have literally been up and down the famed Las Vegas Strip many times over. The Desert Inn, The Dunes, The Stardust, The Maxim, The Tropicana, New York New York, Mandalay Bay, MGM, Bally's, The Flamingo, The Imperial Palace, The Four Queens, The Golden Nugget, The Fremont, The Venetian, The Palazzo, and a three year engagement at The Riviera. My show is truly comprised of musical variety; classics, show tunes, jazz, rock, blues, r&b, country. Even a presentation of "Music of the Night" from Phantom of the Opera, that I perform in full costume. It is this ability to successfully deliver an extensive repertoire that I am enthusiastic about passing along to the next generation of entertainers.

I have been truly blessed in my career to have experienced so many highlights; too many to document. From winning an understudy roll in the Broadway Musical "Platinum" starring Hollywood actress Alexis Smith, to performing our National Anthem at events ranging from Major League Baseball to ESPN Boxing to receptions for major dignitaries, to recording 7 albums and a full-length video, to being asked to perform for Mr. Frank Sinatra at the Frank Sinatra Celebrity Golf Tournament, I have lived a full life on stage, learning and absorbing every bit of knowledge gathered along the way.
Now it is my desire to escalate my status as an educator to a more "one on one" experience; availing myself the opportunity to pass along that wealth of knowledge to individual students who aspire to enjoy the entertainment profession as I have, providing them with the skills needed to successfully compete. Or, should it be their choice not to pursue entertainment as a vocation, to gain a working understanding of all facets of their instrument so as to gain a better appreciation of music. Whatever the goal of the student, I feel that I am equipped to provide them with the tools needed to achieve that goal.

*** Lesson Details ***
Content of Sessions

Generally, the first 10-15 minutes of each lesson will be focused on vocal warm up and exercise. (For guitar students, we will review the previous
week's assignment). For Vocal Students, it is understood that the voice mechanism is made up of muscles, and as an athlete prepares for a sporting event, a singer must prepare to vocalize. It is at this time in our lesson when the student will develop good habits of voice maintenance, which will serve them well throughout their careers. The proper care and preservation of the vocal unit cannot be stressed enough, especially for pubescent and pre-pubescent students. Vocal chords in a developmental stage are most susceptible to damage, and because they are particularly sensitive, they must be handled with care. Our warm up regimen is designed to strengthen as well as preserve the singing voice.

I am not an advocate of getting too involved and "bogged down" in the technical aspects of singing, especially with the young students, and
especially early in our program. This is not to say that breath control, tonality, pitch, etc. are not vital to good singing, because these workings are ESSENTIAL, and their application will certainly be incorporated into our studies. Some instructors, on occasion, have a tendency to lose sight of the fact that much to do with singing happens "naturally", and too much focus on the "technical" can actually be inhibiting. This can alter a beautiful, natural tone into one that is unnatural and contrived.

I adhere to the philosophy that above all else, SINGERS WANT TO SING SONGS, and musicians-in-training want to play music. That is our focus, and all of our training is conceived with that objective in mind. All the technical knowledge and coaching serves no purpose without practical application. It is my belief that the most significant progress occurs when a vocalist is singing a song.

Nearly every element of instruction can be utilized in the performance of one song. This is why the majority of our session time will be spent "in song". For the very young student, we will concentrate our efforts with the students choices of favorite and familiar songs. The older students will undoubtedly have favorite songs, styles and artists. Special attention will be paid to the genre most enjoyed by the student, but diversity will be emphasized as well, and a variety of genres will be unpacked and explored. I believe that whatever a student's musical goals and aspirations, it is in their best interest to gain knowledge and insight in all facets of music, singing, and performance.

The most vital pre-requisite for any student is their enthusiasm. My ambition will be to harness that enthusiasm and channel it productively through stimulating instruction. Our sessions will be informative and educational, but always predicated upon "having fun with music".

I am proud to feature a curriculum that emphasizes the entertainment aspect of singing as well as the technical; created to benefit all ages and experience levels, from beginner to seasoned professional. After just weeks of my "Triple Threat Training" a student will begin to see astounding results: vocally, musically, and in the art of performance. I am excited to share my knowledge with you. Let's get started!

*** Studio Equipment ***
My studio is equipped with a full vocal sound system with microphones that I utilize to teach the valuable art of mic technique. Young students enjoy using the mics and hearing themselves sing and perform. Since our lessons are predicated on enjoying the art of singing, this opportunity has proven invaluable. For the advanced performer, studying all aspects of amplification and what a singer should know about their stage sound is a part of our educational curriculum. My studio is furnished with the equipment that is essential to mastering that knowledge.
Since the practical aspect of my course is based on singing songs, I provide all the latest technology required to allow my students the opportunity to sing the songs of their choosing, with and without the lead vocal tracks. I feel that when students are singing their favorite songs, it offers me the greatest teaching opportunities. I make certain the every musical genre can be represented, and feel I have the knowledge and ability to guide the student is whatever their musical tastes. My studio is also equipped with piano (for vocal exercises), and guitars, which gives me opportunity to accompany my students when the musical moment is appropriate. Be assured that all the technology I need to fulfill the educational needs of my students is but a step away!!

tinuous improvement, education, and training.

During the same 26 years of my business career, I have been a professional musician - session musician and teacher. I was formally trained at the American Conservatory of Music and the Chicago Musical College, both located in Chicago. I won the Presidential Scholarship in Classical Guitar Performance at the American Conservatory of Music and another full-ride scholarship in Classical Guitar Performance to attend the Chicago Musical College.

My primary Classical Guitar Instructor at both institutions was Paul Henry. I also studied Rock Guitar with Dave Uhrich while attending both institutions and privately studied Jazz Guitar with Scott Reed. I studied voice with Audrey Evans at the American Conservatory of Music and Robert Long at the Chicago Musical College.

I have participated in Classical Guitar Master Classes with:
• Hubert Kappel
• Dale Kavanagh
• Eleftheria Kotzia
• Bruce Holzman
• Stephen Aron
• Raphaella Smits
• Richard Provost
• Nicholas Goluses
• William Buonocore.

*** Lesson Details ***

I design lessons individually according to the needs and "wants" of each student. I specialize in developing and correcting technique in technique to improve the student's overall skill. Students that dedicate the time and effort each week to practicing see rapid and sustained results.

However, if you have a busy life and merely want to learn guitar for personal enjoyment, I will design your lessons to develop your skill at a pace that works for you, which can fluctuate according to your schedule.

***Young & Special Needs Students***

I teach children as young as 13 years old and adults to the age of 70 years old. When teaching younger children and individuals with special needs, it is significantly beneficial for parents to attend each lesson - I have parent seating available. When parent(s) attend lessons, the parent can assist the younger student while practicing during the week at home.

In my experience, the overall musical development and progress of younger students improve considerably when parents are involved.

***Thoughts on Musical Talent***

Musical talent is a wonderful gift, but correct technique is not easily acquired without proper instruction. Your skill level eventually plateaus and your ability to learn and perform more complicated music is inhibited, unless you have a solid foundation in music theory as it applies to your instrument(s) as well as proper technique.

I can help you build this solid foundation and will guide you through the development of musical skills; correcting flaws in technique is my specialty.

*** Studio Equipment ***

GUITARS & BASSES: Gibson, Charvel, Fender, Peavey, Cordoba, Guild, Takamine, Yamaha

GUITAR & BASS AMPS: Blackstar, Egnater, Fender, Line 6, Peavey, Roland, and Behringer

MICS: Mojave Audio, AKG, Audio Technica, CAD Audio, Rode, Sennheiser, Shure, Studio Projects, and Yamaha

KEYBOARDS & SYNTHESIZERS: Korg, Roland, Yamaha, Casio

DRUMS: Pearl, Roland Digital

OUTBOARD GEAR: Universal Audio, JDK Audio, Alesis, Art, Audio Logic, Behringer, and Studio Projects

SOFTWARE: Cakewalk Sonar Platinum, Universal Audio UAD-2 Quad Flexi DSP, Soundtoys Bundle, Celemony Melodyne, Slate Digital FG-X, Steven Slate Drums Platinum, Antares Auto-Tune, Aspire, Antares Articulator, Choir, Harmony Engine, Throat, WAVES Waverider, OneKnob Series Bundle, CLA Artist & Kramer Signature, XLN Audio Addictive Drums, BBE Sonic Maximizer, Line 6 POD Farm 2.5 w/multiple packs

TakeLessons Articles I've Written:

Tips for Parents: Help Your Child Succeed in their Music Lessons
http://takelessons.com/blog/parents-help-children-succeed

Improving Guitar Technique
http://takelessons.com/blog/guitar-exercises-for-technique

Why Piano Theory is Important for ALL Musicians
http://takelessons.com/blog/piano-theory-for-all-musicians

Guitar Basics: Technique
http://takelessons.com/blog/guitar-technique

How to Play the Song "Breathe" by Ana Nalick on Guitar
http://takelessons.com/blog/cool-songs-to-learn-on-guitar-breathe

ons or just looking to have fun in your spare time, I look forward to helping you.

*** Areas of Study ***

Performance
Songwriting & Composition
Recording
Ear Training & Transcribing
Music Theory
Technique
Improvisation
Reading (notation, TAB, charts)

*** Studio Equipment ***

Mac
Pro Tools
Logic
Band in a Box
Transcribe
Sibelius
Superior Drummer
East West Quantum Leap
KRK Systems
Focusrite
M-Audio
Fractal Audio Axe-Fx II XL
Mesa Boogie & ENGL Amps
PRS, Fender, Taylor & Gitane guitars/basses
TC Electronics, JRockett, Wampler, Dunlop, Xotic & Ernie Ball effects
MXL, Shure & Sennheiser microphones

High School. a Substitute Teacher, and a Tutor. Overcoming challenges to show my students success is what I do!

I hope to work with you soon!

to all/both of them. I strive to help every student find their own creative voice, while building the skill sets required to work in any style of music.

I also offer group lessons for 3 or more students. For friends at similar skill levels, this can offer a fun and more affordable way to learn a subject. It also serves as an additional motivator as the students in the group feed off of each other for ideas and inspiration.

Please feel free to contact me with the "Ask Phil a Question" button on my profile here. This can include questions about my method, or regarding days and times for lessons. What you see in my availability here is based on my schedule away from TakeLessons. I have students elsewhere and perform shows regularly. I may have additional times available and tend to have some flexibility. I teach worldwide online. Just ask.

As soon as you're ready to book lessons, you can use the Green Button after selecting your area of study, day and time. I will receive a notification that you've signed up. I will then confirm with you and send a questionnaire regarding your lesson needs within 48 hours.

Thanks for your interest.

I look forward to working with you!