Metairie, LA Ukulele Lessons

solo - as she held the booklet in front of me. Enthusiastically, I rendered the complete song correctly, only pretending to read from the page as she held it, but actually 'playing by ear'. Upon getting to the end of the tune, I suddenly broke out in a jazzed-up, improvised version of 'Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star', arousing the whole class to spontaneously tap their feet in rhythm and clap with delight . . . my first solo performance!”

David eventually took up guitar in his teens, becoming involved with playing for musicals such as "Godspell" and "Jesus Christ Superstar". During high school, he also played in the Bluegrass band 'Odell & Zeke', and in the Rock band 'Ring Wraith', performing for local dances and proms.

Extremely versatile within classical and popular guitar styles, David played in the Top-40-Hit music video, Shine Shine, by The Bee Gees' Barry Gibb – alongside pop-star legend - Michael Jackson. David is also mentioned in Just Jazz Guitar Magazine for his jazz endeavors; and he has years of experience as a church music director.

As a Classical concert guitarist, David has performed throughout the USA and Europe. His live performances have been broadcast on television and radio: NPR’s Performance Today (USA); CBC’s Arts National (Canada); RAI Television’s In Concerto (Italy), and the Hungarian National Television. Successful in competitions, David won First Prize in the 20th International Guitar Competition in Milan, Italy and First Prize in the National Wurlitzer Artist Competition, USA. He has received other awards and grants as well, including a Solo Recitalist Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Governor's Award from Department of State, Florida. Moreover, he was chosen for the rosters of both the California State Touring Program and the North Carolina Visiting Artists Program.

David’s 35 years of teaching and performing experience, coupled with intensive years of formal studies with many of the world's greatest guitarists, including Andres Segovia, Eliot Fisk, David Russell, Christopher Parkening, Holzman, Ghiglia, Morgen, Tomas, Isbin - have afforded him a rich and in-depth understanding of music and the guitar. He shares all of this with his students in an insightful and uniquely original manner.

Education:

Florida State University - Master of Music - Guitar Performance

Florida State University - Bachelor of Music - Guitar Performance

Certificates of Professional Study:
- L'Accademia Musicale Chigiana in Italy
- Aspen Music Festival

*** Lesson Details ***
Wouldn't you love to play the music that you enjoy listening to the most?
Ever listen to your very favorite songs on your iPod or on the radio and really wish you could just play along? Well, here's your opportunity! Even if you are just beginning, I can help get you up and strumming in no time! You can choose your favorite songs to play - and I will show you how! Imagine playing along with Taylor Swift, Maroon 5, Fun, Ke$Ha, Demi Lovato, Flo Rida, Alex Clare, Ne-Yo, and more!
And for you adults: imagine playing your favorite songs from the 60's, 70's, and 80's. What a wonderful way to re-kindle all the fun, memories and meaningful songs of your youth!

I am committed to helping you really enjoy and excel in playing the music you love! You will find our lessons fun, interesting, and always inspiring. What better way to be motivated to learn and play, than having fun . . . and enjoying it along the way?!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Separate, professional studio in a nice setting. Lots of windows, art, books make it inviting and cozy. Special separate adjacent room for parents and siblings, allowing parents to watch lessons through glass doors without "intruding".

*** Travel Equipment ***
I carry my own iPad, computer, cd player.
Students should have instrument, capo, music. Ability for student to take video recording/audio recording is helpful. Often, we will use parent's iPhone at end of lesson to record important concepts/techniques/etc.

*** Specialties ***
I am versatile within classical and popular guitar styles: folk, country, rock, new age, praise, bluegrass. My in-depth understanding of music theory, guitar technique, and performance affords me a wealth of practical and artistic experience from which I lead students on their musical journey.

imultaneously pursuing my music ambition. I studied classical guitar at American University with a student of the great Andres Segovia, and also studied jazz guitar with a former student of a prominent jazz guitarist, Pat Martino. Additionally, I sang in choirs and studied composition privately with a prominent Washington area composer and performer from Catholic University, I also began to teach at an area performing arts academy.

My most long-term experiences in music have been serving in my local church for over 30 years, either playing guitar (acoustic, electric, bass), piano, or arranging vocals in a contemporary worship band. I also started a church choir, and led both choir and small orchestra in a number of special performances. Additionally, I led congregational worship in different scenarios. During this time I also taught students of all ages guitar, piano, and music theory, and have continued to today in helping students to find their musical potential and pursue their musical ambitions.

I have recently retired from my engineering career so I can use my musical gifts in my local church and teach music as a second career. I have completed my second degree at George Mason University, and continue to play with other musicians there. More importantly, I continue to learn how to better teach others of all ages how to grow in all aspects of music-making.

*** Lesson Details ***
Having taught for many years, my approach is flexible and I can adjust my teaching style and/or curriculum to maximize the student's potential for learning at any age. I encourage disciplined practice while working to make learning music an enjoyable experience. Although I specialize in guitar styles, I also teach piano, and can include music theory, sight reading, composition, and how to improvise on any instrument. I have taught improvisation on a number of different instruments such as violin, cello, flute, and clarinet.

Here are some testimonials from present or former students/parents:

"Mr. S. is very earnest; when he gives you a compliment, you can tell he really means it. He's very patient and experienced and skilled and he is willing to take what he's teaching down to my level to help me understand it." Gregory K., age 10
Geoff is a patient and encouraging instructor. He tailored my lessons towards the skills that I needed. He provides the necessary encouragement when the long hours of practice seem impossible to sustain. I could write a book about Geoff's credentials: highly qualified is an understatement. -- Neal B.
Mr. S. is awesome at playing and teaching guitar, and he is nice and helps you. -- Michael B., age 12
œI'm sure I could learn to ˜Play Guitar Today™ using books and videos, but I think I'm on the right track with private one-on-one instruction. “ Linda H.
The guitar lessons are fun, interactive, and instructive. A great way to make learning a delight!“ Gina R., parent

*** Studio Equipment ***
Office at home w/ keyboard and guitars, white board, seating for parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide self-produced instructional material.
Students provide their own instrument and a folder to store instructional material.

*** Specialties ***
I teach any style of guitar, including classical and jazz. I also teach improvisation or "playing by ear" on any instrument; my experience includes piano, violin, cello, clarinet, and flute.
I'm very familiar with 60's music (e.g., Beatles)
I've performed a lot of folk music, rock music, and classical music
I've played classical guitar and in classical and jazz ensembles at weddings and other special events.

's degree in Jazz Studies from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. The master's program was an intense submersion in music performance that shaped me into the musician that I am today. I was lucky to study with Don Glanden, Mike Kennedy, and Kevin Hanson.
I am also well versed in computer recording software and DAWs. I teach students how to use software programs such as Logic and Reason as well as notation software like Sibelius and Finale. With some basic training in these programs, I can teach a student how to effectively record and produce professional quality recordings so that a student can write, record, and produce their own music.

*** Lesson Details ***
Because I've studied with some legendary teachers who have taught some legendary students (like John Mayer), I'm able to pass on to my students the same knowledge that these incredible teachers passed on to me. I guarantee that I will be unlike any guitar teacher that you've had before. Along with instrumental training, I offer extensive lessons in music theory and ear training. My family is full of educators and I've experienced the teacher-student relationship from a young age. I am fully committed to developing lesson plans based on the route that a student wants to take, whether it's just learning the basics and playing along to your favorite songs or engaging in serious study and preparing for college auditions. I am available to teach at any location within the Philadelphia area.

*** Stylistic Focus ***
I specialize in jazz and blues. At Berklee, I was able to take instrumental labs that spent an entire semester focusing on the playing style of certain guitarists. I've taken the Wes Montgomery lab, the Pat Martino lab, the Jimi Hendrix lab, the John Scofield lab, and the Stevie Ray Vaughan lab.

and a kid at heart, and I find it important to teach with a sense of humor. For the record, I'm also a huge geek. I enjoy video games, superheroes, sci-fi, fantasy, animals (I myself have a cat), board games, cartoons/anime, technology/science... I also love traveling! If you're into something, feel free to talk to me about it, I love getting to know what you're passionate about!

ase basis, tailored to each individual student. Everyone is at a different waypoint on their path so why would I use a predetermined formula to try and help them, am I right? I am excited to meet and grow with every single one of you, let's learn to love the life we have and let our studies become radiant!

I teach all kinds of disciplines from guitar, mandolin, banjo, and clarinet, to creative writing, meditation, and even astrology. If you have any questions about my teaching methods, skill level in a certain discipline, or anything thing you can think of I would be more than happy to answer you!

Musically yours,
Grant

cording and tailored methods to achieve your success. Currently teaching students from TX, MN, CA, NY and LA. Let’s give it a try!

importance of persistence, practice, and patience with any skill and technique. 3)Energy can be manufactured and put it into musical expression.

n is a fun experience improving and creating music.