Iowa, LA Songwriting Lessons

US States, as well as festival performances in 2012 in Canada (NXNE), Norway (Slottsfjell Music Festival), and Mexico (Circus Mexicus) in 2016. His past teaching and performing experiences have really helped shaped the musician he is today.

Aside from working as private lessons/class instructor and performer, Henri can also be seen teaching for Mesa Community College as Adjunct Faculty in the Music and Business program, where he currently teaches MUC109 - Merchandising and the Law, and MUC210 - Concert and Touring Promotions, as well as working for several local preschools in support of his children's music business "Wee Rock Music.". A life-long learner, Henri is always finding new experiences and new ways to connect with his students, as learning comes just as much from the student as it does the teacher. You can always find him around "the music." 

*** Lesson Details ***
Students who study with me can expect for their guitar, drum kit, percussion, or piano lessons to be top-quality, personalized, and above all, extremely fun sessions that will cater to the students musical backgrounds, interests, and needs. I create extremely organized and specifically focused lessons so that students feel comfortable, not pressured, while learning their craft. The lessons I teach are a combination of developmental sight reading music, learning student chosen songs (depending on ability), inspiring and encouraging creative abilities, warm-up and strengthening exercises, proper techniques, listening for internal hearing, composition dynamics, chords, finger-picking (guitar only) and rudiments (drum kit only).

After 3 months of lessons together, students will have started learning several key elements to becoming an outstanding guitarist/drummer/percussionist/pianist. They will have learned proper form and technique, warm-up/skill-building exercises, to read basic notation, and basic rhythms/rudiments. Guitar/Piano students will be able to play at least one song utilizing both finger picking and chords. For drum kit/percussion, students should have no problem reading basic drum beats and being able to play through a simple song. With proper, steady practice, most students will achieve much more. I also focus on creative thinking, professionalism, and instrument tuning. Finally, the students will have started to develop a solid level of discipline that is required of any aspiring human being! Remember, "practice doesn't make perfect, practice makes permanent."

*** Studio Equipment ***
Ludwig Accent Drum Kit, Tama Rock Star Drum Kit, Acoustic and Electric Guitars, Casio CTK-800, LP Assorted Percussions, Protools LE, Logic Pro, Korg Electribe, Reason 3.0, Ion Electronic Drum Set, Chord Charts.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide drum sticks, guitar, keyboards, percussion instruments, and all developmental material for students to retain and practice.

I expect my students to be providing the necessary musical equipment as well (guitars, drum kits, percussion instruments, piano/keyboard) for their private lessons. If they do not have these in the home to practice with, the lessons are much less effective for your student.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in the following styles of playing:

Rock, Hip - Hop, All Latin, Jazz, Funk, Blues, R and B, Gospel, and Dance. I also have a very good feel for World Music as well. I have a very free-spirit for playing, so I often mesh the above stated styles into a more progressive style of playing. I believe that you must be feeling what you are playing.

I also specialize in beat programming/sequencing, recording, organizing song-writing/song-structure, musical score, live performance, and professional music marketing. I am able to show you how to use programs such as Reason, Logic Pro, Protools LE, and Adobe programs to take your creative abilities to the next level.

I believe that these days, it is imperative for musicians to have four major components in their professional arsenal: 1) Discipline and chops on your instruments (including reading music notation); 2) Know how to successfully market yourself and your music; 3) Know how to properly develop a learning ear to record/produce your songs/tracks as well as for others; and 4) Understand and effectively utilize music production programs.

I look forward to working with you and helping you achieve your musical desires. Thanks so much for stopping by and have a music-filled day.

usic Theory. I credit my early development to my teachers, Ron Bluen, and Steve Famiglietti. I aspire to offer my students the same positive influence I received during my formative years.
After high school, I attended the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California, where I honed my chops. From there, I played with various bands, including Hollywood Rose (the precursor to Guns N’ Roses) and with Bruce Bouillet (Racer X, The Scream, Epidemic) and Tommy Chong.
In 2006, I released my solo record, Contributions For An Atom Bomb. The Album has garnered a cult following and the respect of some of my all-time heroes.
Today, I continue to play live shows, teach, study, write, record and jam. Nothing makes me prouder than jamming with my students and watching them grow as musicians.

*** Lesson Details ***
I like to focus on three things every lesson.
1. Technical Exercises- to get your fingers moving and build strength and coordination
2. Music Theory - the fingerboard and the way music works seem complicated, but I have a great methodical and simple way to break it down so it all makes sense.
3. Tunes - I like to work with the music you like. We take songs and break them down to understand the techniques and theory behind them. You won't just play the song like the recording, you'll understand the chords and scales and why your favorite artist chose them.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have guitars, a bass, pedals, cables, metronome, practice amps, etc. All you need to bring is your guitar.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide my own equipment and materials, students must provide their own guitar, amp, etc.

*** Specialties ***
I teach students to understand theory and the fingerboard. All styles and genres are acceptable but I specialize in rock.

home studio is in a room with a piano and musical books. The room is large with a grand piano and keyboard.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Students need to provide piano though I am willing to work with students in getting equipment.

*** Specialties ***
In voice I have used the Alexander tech.

etallica, Zeppelin etc...

~ We'll jam on these songs along with full band backing tracks. You'll be the guitar player in the band! Next, we'll record your performances and create cool videos with them.

~I'm there for you whenever you need help! Just go to your student classroom, view any of the video lessons and if you still have questions go to the chat room and ask away. I'm here to help!

as learn at their own pace. My goal as a teacher is to give you an enjoyable experience in learning a new instrument and to tailor the lessons based on your interests and goals. After the first few months a beginner student can expect to have learned basic techniques and useful skills to allow them to play simple songs and melodies with ease.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lessons are taught in a studio with amps, acoustic guitars and electric guitars, ukuleles, along with fretless and fretted bass guitars, drums, microphones, recording equipment and software, are available for a student to use during the lesson time.

*** Specialties ***
Simplifying concepts and process. Breaking down elements of how to play Pop, Jazz, Funk, Blues, Rock, Folk etc.

idual desires and needs of each student. Fun "family-style" lessons with parent(s) and young children are also a new option.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Guitars, ukuleles, bass guitars, strum-sticks, various percussion instruments, ProTools Digi002, Garageband, Kurzweil 2500, Mac Pro Desktop computers, various keyboards, synthesizers and music composition/production software and amps.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Teacher brings instruments/supplies/books as needed, and can arrange to provide instruments for students as well.

*** Specialties ***
Individual or group instruction in folk, jazz, blues, rock, guitar/vocal performance coaching, songwriting, lyric writing, instrumental improvisation, digital media production/composition, iMovie, Garageband, "beat-making" and therapeutic music for youth, adult and special needs students. Tutoring/homework help in English, mac computers and basic academic subjects for K-12 and adult students. Technology (geek) help/support with computers, digital gadgets (especially Apple) for "non-techies".

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.

ian. She wants you to be able to pursue any avenue of Music that appeals to you, professionally or personally.

ensively with Master Teachers during my time at Dartmouth College, at Wesleyan University, and through independent studies in India. My teacher training at Pacific Oaks College further deepened my appreciation of cultural diversity as well as my sensitivity to different learning styles.

This experience has enriched my own compositions, as well as my ability to connect with learners from diverse cultural backgrounds, and to help guide people in developing a personal style free from artificial boundaries of genre.

Currently, I'm working on recording an album of original songs based on the poetry of Rumi, Hafiz and other mystics.