Pembroke, KY Songwriting Lessons

do with your music, play for enjoyment, compose music, sing, for church or professionally I can help you get there.

*** Lesson Details ***
The lessons I teach are fun and educational. No matter who you are I am able to teach you.
I do not teach traditional piano. Why? Because most people are unable to play this style due to issues with eye hand coordination. The Method I teach "Chord Percussion Style" teaches a strong foundation in piano basics backed by a Strong Music Theory base. I have yet to find anyone who has not been able to learn with this method.
For voice I teach natural voice as opposed to Head Voice. This allows the student to learn to sing in a solo or group setting. You will be amazed at the difference a few adjustments can make in your voice. So as you continue your lessons with us you will see constant improvement.
On top of Voice and Piano I can help you learn to write your own music. Using the theory that you use you will learn to start to piece music together.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Keyboard - Roland Weighted Keys
Amplifier
Bongos
Guitar

*** Specialties ***
I teach Chord Percussion Style which is based on the use of chords and strong piano fundamentals and mixed with in-depth Music Theory and percussion technique. Super Fun for all ages!

usic and Dance in 1999, and I studied jazz guitar with international guitarist/violinist Art Johnson and theory with David Ward-Steinman. From the time I graduated, I have been playing professionally and recorded five releases of my own as well as made appearances on others and have toured the country several times playing my own original music. My bands have opened and/or toured with the likes of Dee Dee Ramone, Blink 182, Green Day, Voodoo Glow Skulls, Jimmy Eat World, Ten Foot Pole, Big Drill Car, and Leeland. I also play for Day 7 and Revival Christian Fellowship where I shared a stage with Greg Laurie, Franklin Graham, Raul Reis, and Jon Courson.

*** Lesson Details ***
I have been teaching music for over 10 years. I love my lessons to be laid back, light, yet focused. The lessons are tailored for the students needs/levels. For the beginning student we start from the basics. for example, tuning, vocabulary on the parts of the guitar, to basic chord shapes and strum patterns. Almost from the beginning, I introduce music theory to the student. I believe it is important to the musician, because music is a language that is spoken through the instrument and also read by the musician. Not just piano or band instruments, but guitar too! Guitarist always seem to get left behind in this. I teach it hand in hand with the guitar and it comes naturally while learning. Some students want to learn songs and/or to write songs. This is what I have been doing for many years and enjoy it! As the student progresses, I love to pull the creativity out of the students. Music is also art and a passage for the individual to express him/herself. It is a joy to see and help a musician to mature on the instrument!

*** Studio Equipment ***
amps, cables, tuner.

*** Specialties ***
Songwriting, Music Theory, Performance, Technique, Learning Songs

usic to help you find your own voice.
When you find your voice, the rest of you is not far behind.

We help people to overcome any fears they may have about playing. We simply help you to find your confidence. Many people are afraid to express themselves because of negative comments from a family member or friend. We help you move far past that and get to your own voice, free of worries.

It has been said that playing only from sheet music is like only being able to talk when you are reading it from a book.

We help people to play and sing by ear.

Yes, learning to read music brings you wonderful music from some great composers. But there is so much more.

First, we find out how you learn and what you are interested in. Life is just different when you get in touch with the music inside you. Sure, it is some work, but it is very satisfying!
I love to help people do this!

All that said, reading musical notes is like your alphabet.
When was the last time you had to ponder the alphabet when you wanted to speak? Once you know the alphabet, you just forget it and move on, to words, stories and communication.
Music is a language as well.

Everybody loves music. How will you find yours? It’s different for everyone.
Maybe you want to sing like that great pop singer you love, or play keyboard. Some people write songs. In all cases, the keyboard helps you to understand all about music.

Bach used to improvise all the time. Why shouldn't you?

SONGWRITERS:
If you write songs, just bring in an idea and we will record it. We set a tempo and a key, and get your basic groove looped, all in about two minutes. Then we lay down the chords and a bass part and you sing a reference vocal. You can easily lay out a song in a one-hour session. Then it is easy to see how to produce it. It is amazing to go home with a recording of your song that did not exist in the world until you gave it a voice!

Along the way, you become a better writer, singer and/or keyboard player. You will learn to play by ear. And have a LOT of fun. You can do this online too.

ONLINE SESSIONS
You create a rough sketch and we track it, with your input.
We can help you to set up your own songwriter studio as well. If you get Logic software at your end, you can put on phones and cut a vocal with me producing you.
Seriously, great fun.
;0)

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
“...an amazing instructor...inspiring mentor...compassionate.”
“...a lot of patience.”
“My son's love for music has come from Randy.”
“...positive attitude and friendly personality.”
“...wildly entertaining.”
“ ...will teach you in a way that will make you want to learn.”
“We look forward to our lesson every week!”

"Randy, I like your "Semper Method of Music” teaching method.
It's applying knowledge with fun, and common sense... the best combination. Good luck. You’re a great musician."
Joe Messina,
Motown recording guitarist & Funk Brother

SONGLab
Your music. Instantly.
We use recording as a powerful tool to help you listen and improve.
Tired of crappy tabs? Struggling to capture your song? No worries.
Learn a process, instead of a lesson. Apply it anywhere.

Go from musical idea to music, fast.
Get to the groove in 2 minutes or less. In any software.

SONGLab Studio. The antidote to rote.

SCHEDULING:
Please note: If the particular time you had in mind is listed as unavailable, don’t worry. Between working online and two locations, I am very flexible and will work hard to make our schedules click.

SPECIAL NEEDS?
Everyone's needs are special. If your child has been diagnosed ADHD or ASD, music can be a joyful and rewarding way to see real growth and make a wonderful experience for parent and child. We help with the Proprioceptive and Vestibular senses in a fun and therapeutic way.

Just Google "BrainVolts" for a tremendous study from Northwestern University on the amazing effects of music study!

Playing by Ear
Pretty much everyone can play by ear. So we help you to find your own voice, reach your musical goals and to create and perform music as a real and beautiful part of your life.

Making music should not be a boring job. Rather, it should be something you can't wait to do. A way to get in touch with the rest of the universe. You will also learn to read and write, but it won't get in the way of your music.

Since a very young age I have loved to improvise and to create music. It is very satisfying to pass this on to others who are full of music inside but may not know how to get it out. If you wish that you or your child could get some help creating your own music as well as playing the great music already written, perhaps we should be talking.

I am from Canada, and I have been a professional musician since 1970. I studied music performance in school, piano with the Royal Conservatory of Toronto and Music Education at Queens University. I have toured with national acts, produced dozens of recordings of all kinds and played, arranged and conducted music on cruise ships all over the world.

Music is my life. Bringing other people's skills to a higher level is what I do best.

Tell me what you want to accomplish, either for yourself or your child. I look forward to speaking with you.
Warm regards,
Randy

PS:
A note about allergens:
I teach online and at my home and my studio. At home we have two very friendly dogs and a cat (Julian) who sleeps all day. If you have allergies, we will study at the Troy studio which is allergen-free. Unless you love animals. In that case, you will get to meet Vinnie & Buddy, the two most kid-friendly, loves-everybody, most gentle little guys you will ever meet. I put Vinnie's picture up so you can see him.

Teaching teachers
Several excellent teachers I know who have been teaching music for many years were frustrated by not being able to play without a sheet of music. They have found satisfying and positive results from this approach.

Wouldn't it be great to be gifted? In fact... It turns out that choices lead to habits.
Habits become talents. Talents are labeled gifts.
You're not born this way, you get this way.
~ Seth Godin

*** Lesson Details ***

Music should be fun. Period.

My only real job is to make sure you have fun and want to learn more. Then you will do the rest. you will astonish yourself and everyone around you!

In a traditional music education, reading the works of others is the focus, with no encouragement to improvise or to play by ear.

In our community, there is a prestigious, private college prep school that charges just under $80 per hour for traditional private music lessons. If you take away the music, most cannot play a note.

My method is every bit the equal of that school for those who are drawn to express themselves playing by ear. You will still learn all the core skills needed to be a well-rounded musician.

Music study helps people young and old to overcome shyness and build confidence. It empowers them as they refine their special talents.

We will always have a lot of fun, but there is a lot to do, so we need to be efficient. My teaching method is a combination of the best methods I have found. It is backed up with the same solid principles that I received when I was a student myself. If you choose to continue and pursue a classical education at a high level, you will be well-prepared.

Please note:
You are most welcome to start with 30 minute sessions to see if we are a good fit. 30 min lessons are offered for this purpose and also for very young children with short attention spans. For any student, wishing to make progress, lessons will eventually need to be an hour or 45 minutes at minimum in order to reach your goals.

Attendance
While fun is our main goal, we need results and I am an old-school stickler for results.

Weekly sessions are the only way to get measurable results, and the only way I teach. Two absences a month is noted by colleges as a clear path to dropping out. That is what bi-weekly sessions will do.

Though you'll receive serious critiques from me, I always uplift and encourage. Positive energy is the ticket.

My Method:
Listen, Sing, Clap, Play, Read and Write. With these tools you can look deeper into the elements that make up music. Folk, jazz, pop, rock or classical; all Western music is derived from the same principles. We will study ear training from a wonderful ear training book by a famous guitarist. It'™s simple: you learn all the theory so you will be at the top of your game, but always have fun doing it.
For notation, we will use The Semper Note Speller.
For scales, we have the famous Brown Scale Book.

Technology
We use recording as a tool to help you hear how you sound and we always encourage you to express yourself with improvisation. In many cases, you will have tracks to practice with. We also use apps for your phone that really help. A guitar tuner to nail down vocal pitch, as well as a metronome app that is with you wherever you go. If you have a minute anywhere you can get in some good practice time. So we truly have the best of all worlds: playing from music and learning to play by ear! If you stick with it and do the work, the end result will be that you can always just sit down and play, whether or not you have any music in front of you!

On our first lesson we will do a duet jam session together and you will not believe how great you sound!

The Big Picture
In the old days, a tiny percentage of students would become a concert pianist.

Today, there are a multitude of other ways to become involved with music. Whether you are looking at music as a profession or as a hobby, we let parents know of the many choices available so that they can make good decisions, for themselves and for their children.

Having fun as you improve is a big priority. I also teach songwriting, singing, music recording and performance, as well as piano.

Remember:
A piano should be an irresistible invitation, not an obstacle.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Troy studio: A digital keyboard in a professional recording control-room environment at our media production studio. The studio is near Big Beaver and Stephenson Hwy.

Home studio: An acoustic piano and recording studio environment at my home in Franklin/Beverly Hills.

Your Instrument
If you are taking any kind of music lesson, we recommend a tuned piano or digital keyboard, preferably with at least 76 full-sized keys.

We have helped many people to find the right piano.
If you like, I can suggest several different models of keyboard that I have researched and of which I approve. They range from an inexpensive but effective starter keyboard for ear training and just plain fun to an 88 note weighted keyboard for more expressive practice.

*** Specialties ***
Adults who always wanted to.
Homeschoolers who are frustrated.
Kids who just love music.

My youngest student is 4 and my oldest student is 102 now. )At 100 he recorded an album of songs from the 1920s!)

I teach people of all ages first to play by ear and to have fun while they study. Then I back up ear training with solid theory so they can read and write music. In school I studied many traditional methods and I have distilled my own distinct method from them. Though I am classically trained, I specialize in improvisation.
Here's to a most satisfying musical experience!
Best regards,
Randy

hidden artistic desires. I am currently writing a musical which will be debuting in 2020. I'm currently the vocal coach/Trainer and choir director at Iglesia Elim Central.

I will make sure my students have fun and help them get in the right track to their musical goals.

Also, I constantly upload videos on Singing, The Spanish Language, and Japanese! So keep Checking in! It ranges on tips and answering the most common questions on those particular subjects!

Also There are discounted rates for worship teams and church choirs. For more information please contact me through the "Ask a Question feature"

*** Lesson Details ***
I do my absolute best to create a positive atmosphere for my students. Even when the students feel frustrated or stressed, it is important to inspire them and give them the fuel that they need. Though I am strict when it comes to homework and their about their studies. Every lesson at the beginning I will review what we learned previously and test them.
then begin with proper breathing technique exercises, the cornerstone of all vocals. We move on to vocal exercises to condition the voice. Then we work on the songs that you are eager to sing!

I will use a piano when doing vocal warm ups and conditioning exercises. Students that play other instruments and accompany themselves when performing (such as a guitar) are encouraged to bring that instrument to their lessons. My goal is for them to gain the knowledge that they need to help reach their artistic goals.
With all my lessons every student will be taught a basic run down of Music Theory. My students will always progress in what they do. They will have the discipline that they need and yet have fun and be filled with inspiration. Which is the most important thing, to be Inspired to do better.

*** Studio Equipment ***
iMac, condensing mic...performing mic, keyboard, mixer...living room of apartment.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I do have a portable keyboard. Though I do expect the student to have their own recording device and karaoke tracks. At Home I do have a studio, and if the students has an iPod or an Mp3 player I can attach it to a device where all of us can hear the tracks. I do have a recording studio as well.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in Musical Theatre, and Pop rock genres. When I teach my students I always have them learn a song of another language whether it's Spanish or Japanese. It helps with diction when they learn a song outside the English Language. Also It helps them to learn another Language at the same time. Also I give them a little anatomy class when they are learning how to sing. I give them a model of the vocal Chords and different areas of the Larynx and which part works for the chest voice and the head voice.

Special packages now Available (Not Available Online for purchase! Please call Takelessons for booking)

If you can Speak you can Sing- Always wanted to learn how to sing and learn a new language? In this package we will do both! With 4 singing lessons (30 minutes each for kids 60 minute each for adults) to learn the proper technique to improve the voice and 4-languages lessons (English, Spanish or Japanese, 30 minutes each for kids 60 minute each for adults) ) to learn the grammar structure and get you conversing with a native speaker! Plus you will learn how to sing a song in the language you chose! This will be 2 classes a week or 2 classes every other week. This means one singing lesson a week and one language lesson a week. If you have kids this is perfect for the summer!

$225 for 30 minute lessons.
$300 for 60 minute lessons.

Let's Sing Anime! Do you love singing to those openings and Ending theme songs when watching your favorite Anime? I do! What can I say I'm an Anime Nerd. With this package you'll get 4 Singing lessons (30 minutes each for kids 60 minute each for adults) and 4- hour Japanese lessons (30 minutes each for kids 60 minute each for adults) ! Let's learn how to sing those songs right and know what they mean without reading those subtitles!

$225 for 30 minute lessons.
$300 for 60 minute lessons.

If you will like more information Click "Ask a Question" and all questions will go directly to me!

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

so spread my abilities to work with Bass Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Piano, ukulele, and voice. I have many experiences with different genres such as American Folk Music, Jazz (Early to Fusion), and contemporary Rock/Pop, World Music, Christian/Worship/Catholic Liturgy, Rn'B, and Country music.

As an Music Educator, I have the strengths of being a distinguished musician and Professional educator which provides me with advanced knowledge in my field of study and interest, teaching for every age group from pre-school to Adult as well as influencing the fun, creativity, and expression of music no matter what the instrument.

*** Lesson Details ***
The music lessons will consist of a concise and strong education of their instrument as well as essential theory and history. I develop individual lesson plans for each student and subject, working on formative goals and objectives to work towards for every lesson and throughout the year. I look forward to being able to help students accomplish and enjoy their instrument, utilizing their interests and genres with a variety of texts and literature at many levels, looking to always expand my own collection to meet the needs of the students. I am comfortable with providing digital and paper materials as well as providing recordings and video studying resources. I know in my heart and mind that I have something to offer to any student at any level in my studio, and, I am equally as passionate about providing an honest atmosphere for evaluation and positive criticism. With every lesson I always encourage brief reflection over the practice, study, and instruction, responding to every critical juncture that comes along the way. Being a certified educator and music instructor, I know that respect, understanding, honesty, human emotion, communication, and professionalism are the most critical components of a healthy Teacher-Student relationship.

Over 3000 Lessons taught with Takelessons since 2010

*** Studio and Resources ***
I have the necessary tools to operate in and out of my studio. Within my workplace I always have my electric keyboard, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, music library, printer/scanner, recording equipment, full sound system with mixer amp, guitar amp, microphone and stand, tuner, music stands, iPad stand, and comfortable space and seating. I also have expanded my studio capabilities that is an entirely digitized database and curriculum.
I expect for the students to provide their own instrument so that they are able to practice at home. I operate on MAC OS and IPad systems that maximize the technological uses of my in home studio.
Be prepared to learn more than you ever anticipated as I provide many resources. I also push for supplemental music instruction within the lessons, adding basic training and music learning skills needed for accompaniment instruments such as the acoustic guitar, ukulele, and piano which allow for students to have a stronger understanding of their music.

rnor's Award in Arts Education for the category of Instrumental Music.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am very laid back and friendly, and I want you or your child to be as comfortable as possible during our lessons. You or your child will develop confidence and musical intelligence. I will make your lessons fun, enjoyable, and effective. Boredom is not an option! Music is fun... let's keep it that way.

The teaching methods I use will be custom-tailored to your individual needs, personality and specific musical goals. If it's guitar or piano you want to learn, I want to get you playing exactly what you want to be playing as soon as possible. That's what you're here for, and that's what I'm here for. I will make it happen. If it's songwriting that you want to learn, I will help you access that place inside of you that is dying to express itself creatively, and will teach you techniques to harness that energy and translate it successfully into musical expression.

You can expect to learn all the basics of music theory, proper playing techniques, improvisation and spontaneous musical expression, and I will help you develop your "ear" so you can figure out songs you like just by listening to them. This is all about you and your goals, and I want you to achieve them in a fun and engaging way.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Living room: Upright piano, guitars, amps, keyboard, percussion

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in pop, rock, classical, jazz, blues, folk, fingerstyle (guitar), etc. I also teach improvisation and songwriting, and try to develop the student's ear for figuring out songs they like on their own.

ce and compose music for myself and other artists as well.

I look forward to getting to know you!