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!

with a variety of bands in my home state of New Mexico, as well as Japan, and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Since 2006 I have been an active teacher. This profession has taken me everywhere from working with classical guitar classes in New Mexico high schools to Elementary students in Japan to a variety of private students of various musical instruments and genres everywhere I've been. Since relocating to the Bay Area in 2010, I've had the pleasure of working with lots of great students from kids to adults with a wide range of ambitions. Since 2012 I've been running my own full time studio.

Philosophy of Learning

Lessons are generally designed to work towards giving students the tools to accomplish their goals and become increasingly independent over time. While all students will study similar fundamentals regarding technique, theory, and performance, every lesson is as different as every person. What kind of music do you want to make? I'll tell you what you need to do to get there, and help you take the steps to achieve your aspirations.

I also love to help students put together a song, record, and produce it for them so that they can have a recording to share with their friends and family.

I also hold events for my students. (Check out our pictures and videos below!)
Younger students have opportunities to perform for friends and family at my studio every few months. Once or twice a year we'll also stage a larger event off site for more individual students and bands classes to perform.
Adult students also occasionally have events where they get a chance to get together and play music as well.

Aside from in-studio lessons, students also have the option to sign up for online lessons via Skype.
(*Online lessons offered during different times than in-studio lessons.)

*Unfortunately due to scheduling issues, I'm not currently accepting students for bi-weekly lessons. I can do regular weekly lessons, or occasional drop-in lessons, but bi-weekly appointments make it really hard for me to give the best scheduled times to my existing weekly students. I'm sorry for the inconvenience.

My studio is equipped with:

*Music Stands

*A P.A. System

*Vocal and instrument microphones

*Guitars, Basses, Ukulele, Banjos, etc

*Two guitar amps and a bass amp

*Various percussion including a fully equipped acoustic drum set

*A Roland V-Drums electronic drum set

*An electric piano console and Yamaha organ

*A MicroKorg Synthesizer

*A Tuba, Trombone, Cornet, Saxophone, and Flute

*An extensive physical and virtual music library

*A recording system that students are not only welcome to use but encouraged to

*HD Webcam and condenser microphone for high fidelity online lessons via Skype

en the songwriter, arranger, and bandleader for several original music groups. Stress Factor Zero combines rock with funk and jazz. Cloud Ex is an acoustic group combining Afro Cuban and Peruvian percussion with folk rock songs. His most recent band Stratosphere is a modern rock and funk band for artistic rockers and visionaries. They blend diverse styles of rock music with a fiery blaze of Latin percussion, sensuous saxophones, and poetic melodies with a message. Their first CD received radio airplay on over forty stations across the U.S. and Canada, and they are currently working on their third CD. Stratosphere performs throughout Southern California and is currently setting up several short tours in various cities across the U.S., Europe, and South America.

*** Lesson Details ***
Well structured lesson plan covering all aspects of music, specifically designed to help you reach your individual goals.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Acoustic piano, full keyboard, 4 guitars, bass, amps, microphones, Pro Tools recording equipment, and seating for parents

*** Styles ***
Rock, funk, jazz, country, blues, fusion, folk, R&B, and classical

ests, festivals, and self confidence for life. The techniques for singing that I use are to create a sound, healthy, and free voice. Hope to study along side you!

composition Ryan is an avid composer, composing for various genres and ensembles. Among these genres Ryan’s specialty is composing new musical theater works/songwriting. In 2010 he joined the Academy of New Musical Theater and with that organization he composed his first musical theater piece Shoot Ma! which premiered at the Colony Theater in Burbank. In 2011 he composed his second musical Experience Magic! A Musical Within a Magic Show, which premiered at the Sierra Madre Playhouse in 2012.

s and drills, and move into more advanced techniques as you progress in your skill sets.

What if I'm a beginner?
Totally fine! I teach all levels beginning through professional. The voice is an instrument just like any other instrument and must be learned in the same manner, from the beginning!

Can I try the first class Free?
No, but you will get a FREE lesson on your birthday (must have taken lessons for 6-months) and for each friend you refer that purchases a 5-pack of lessons.

What is your teaching style?
I am more than your voice teacher. I am your coach, your friend, your, mentor and peer. You are your voice, and in order for me to properly teach, you have to trust me. We will build a rapport as you grow your instrument in confidence, strength and flexibility.

Are there added bonuses to taking singing lessons?!
Yes! Proper breathing is a guaranteed ab workout, singing can improve your speaking voice, and you'll have a better sense of self understanding by learning how to better control your instrument. Not to mention all the unplanned karaoke you can take part in!

A little more about the teacher:
I've been a singer since as long as I can remember. I never wanted anything else. I started as a beginner by imitating my favorite artists. I performed a lot as a child, and stopped performing for a while in my teen years due to stage fright and the such. During that time I started songwriting and recording, I studied music in college, graduated and started performing again as a solo artist. I joined a few bands, they all broke up. I licked my wounds and now I'm a happy, recording, performing, songwriting, teaching, voice-over, and producing vocalist.

guitar and have performed with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra as well as done concerts in the USA, Italy, and the UK.
I have experience playing in many different bands in many styles including: Rock, Reggae, African, Blues, and Jazz groups.

SUZUKI METHOD: I am trained and certified in the Suzuki Guitar Method and spent 3 years teaching Suzuki in studio with children as young as 5. This involves a significant parent-teacher-student commitment and regularly yields impressive results.

ON TALENT: I agree with Shin-ichi Suzuki that talent is irrelevant and a myth. I believe that the potential of all my students are the same but they come to me with various starting skills levels and all learn at a very different pace. I believe that the myth of “talent” really just means that the individual has had a long exposure to music. This is why I emphasize critical listening in my lessons. If you have a large knowledge of music and sounds in your head it makes it easier to make connections and better assess your ideas.

rmance.