Saint Rose, LA Songwriting Lessons

m the Florida Department of Education. I have taught in Florida as a preferred substitute for general music classes, K-12. In college, I have given study sessions for music theory levels ranging from 4-part writing to post-serialism.

Degrees:
Doctorate of Musical Arts: Guitar Performance; Shenandoah University, expected May 2017/2018
Master of Music: Guitar Performance; University of Akron, May 2014
Bachelor of Music: Guitar Performance; Stetson University, 2011

While giving lessons:
I ensure that every student receives fundamental foundation pertaining to the subject. While learning the basics, I advise that the student organizes their lessons and materials in a way that displays progress over time. With the proper knowledge, we can treat the heart of a subject with refinement in order to grasp it's purpose and reason---whether its music or math.

Why?
My students have grown with confidence through a sense of accomplishment. Success does not only affect a person's well-being but can also impact other dimensions of their lives.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Equipment available if needed:

Foot stools
Music stands
Pencils
Complete home recording studio
Computer/tablet/smartphone w/ internet
Speakers and playback devices
Reference books

*** Travel Equipment ***
Each student is expected to bring with them (if applicable):

Notebook or log
Reference/score materials
Instrument(s) and case
Accessories
Portable sound recorder (optional)

*** Specialties ***
Classical, Jazz and Rock Styles.

Performance, Music Theory, Arranging, Composition.

Elementary Math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry, Statistics, Trigonometry, Pre-Calc.

*** Studio Equipment ***
bass and guitar amp, music stand, sheet music books/magazines, home recording system w/ seating for parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide a guitar amp..I expect the student to have a guitar

*** Specialties ***
Sight Reading, All Modern techniques Pertaining To Guitar and Bass... Specialize in the Rock/Funk Genre

s of music as opposed to just "picking and grinning", IE learning only "By Ear." I do specialize in music theory, and have many students taking lessons simply for this excellent foundation for songwriting also.

I am a classically trained guitarist that performs both as a soloist and for ensemble in a wide variety of styles. I graduated in 1996 from Schoolcraft College with an Associates degree in Music performance, and then, studying under the tutelage of Brian Roberts went on to receive my Bachelor's degree in Guitar Performance with a secondary in Jazz from Wayne State University in 2004. While at Wayne State and along the way I've performed and participated in several masterclasses with renowned artists: William Kanengiser, John Holmquest, Philip Candelaria, Jason Vieaux, Scott Tennant, and Antigoni Goni. I have also completed the teacher requirements for books 1-a and 1-b for the Suzuki Guitar Institute.

Many of my classical guitar and electric guitar students have went on to study further at the collegiate level, some achieving scholarships. My most recent students are current Berklee school of music graduates now in a band called "Flight of Fire", recently opened for Bonjovi this past summer and are getting air time on local radio stations... well on their way to living the dream! …the bulk of my students become full time professional musicians.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am an extremely patient person who has been teaching for over 20 years. I am laid back so there will be no pressure. With my electric and steel string guitar students, I host a special "Jam Session" 2 - 3 times a year to which will be one of your goals to participate in. This includes playing with a drummer, bassist, singer and another guitar player (usually me) and having it recorded. This should serve as your motivation to practice. This really eliminates the need for me to pull out a "yardstick" and "smack" your hands over the knuckles when not practicing your scales as many old traditional teachers may have done!

At your first lesson I will talk with you and give you examples of music that is played with a Flat-Pick, or music that uses the Finger-Style technique. This will be an important process as it will dictate which direction you will go in as a musician and especially during our lessons.

For the most part, playing with a Flat-Pick is generally used with the electric guitar and with most mainstream styles of music like "Rock and Roll", "Blues", "Rock-a-Billy" "Funk", and playing with the Finger-Style technique is used in styles like "Classical" and "Folk." After a while, I will introduce you to the other style of playing as well, as most great guitar players use both techniques in their playing...musicians (guitarists) such as: “Jimmy Page“, “Brian Setzer”, “Stevie Ray Vaughan”, “Joe Satriani”, “Lindsey Buckingham”, “Paul McCartney”, “John Mayer”, and many, many more.

To make learning the guitar Fun, I make sure to incorporate your main interest(s) first. Whether it be learning your new favorite song(s), learning how to write a song, or just learning some basics that you can use for when sitting around the campfire. This will be intertwined with which style you choose to start with: Flat-Pick or Finger-Style.

Pending on the level that you are starting at, (beginner, intermediate, advanced) I will include tidbits of music theory that will be used in a consistent manner. These will usually be progressive, pending on your level. For example, the songs you learn will be written out in an easy to understand chart that will have the fundamental aspects of theory (IE, chords, key, and rhythm pattern) that all musicians should understand.

With Children learning with a Flat-Pick, I encourage the use of a basic guitar instruction book.
Level One (beginners) :

"Hal Leonard Guitar Method Book One" by Will Schmid.

I will also use as a substitute for Level One:
"Alfred's Basic Guitar Method" by Alfred's Publishing Co.

More advanced players who can read music already (and graduates from book one) I prefer;
"Hal Leonard Guitar Method Book Two"

With Adults, I will ask if learning to read music interests you. It is a vital part of a practicing musician, but sometimes your needs may require a more one dimensional approach as time may be of essence. Again, I learned by ear and educated myself later...so I understand the person who wants to hold off on reading right away.

Students who want to learn the Classical (Finger-Style) approach will be encouraged to purchase a beginners book that I use written by one of my first instructors/mentor. It is a very intuitive book that covers the technique in great detail yet is very easy to understand (along with my help.) I will provide means of acquiring this book at your first lesson.

Students who want to learn the Folk (Finger-Style) approach will usually start in the above book, unless your an adult who just wants to learn some basics.

At your first lesson I will also provide you with documentation that goes more in depth about the various styles of guitar as the above info is scaled down.

*** Studio Equipment ***
-Amps

-Guitars (Electric, Acoustic, Classical, Bass)

- PA (loud speakers so you can Turn it Up! When playing along)

-Band in a Box (to play along with real prerecorded instruments seamlessly interleaved into a band type setting with almost unlimited genre choices...very impressive technology)

- Pro Tools (recording gear for all needs)

- Guitar Pro and Finale (to transpose music into sheet music)

-Skype (for out of town interactivity. Can do lessons via Skype)

-Basement with plenty of seating for parents, and or observers.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in Classical Guitar, Electric Guitar, and Acoustic Guitar; Improvisation, Songwriting, Backup Vocals, Fretboard Harmony, Music Theory, Performance, and Recording.

theory, charts, examples, and exercises, as well as anything you hear on
the radio.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have a lot of guitars, amps, pedals, woodwind instruments, keyboards, and recording equipment. Instruments everywhere!

*** Travel Equipment ***
The students should have their own instrument and method book. Other that that, I provide all other handouts and supplemental material and handouts.

*** Specialties ***
I work the most in rock, bluegrass, country, contemporary, and jazz styles.

tful sense of fun and a natural charm that readily appeals to all generations.

Laurel's genuine and thoughtful manner puts others at ease. As a teacher, she is recognized for her ability to troubleshoot challenges and inspire dedicated students of all ages. Laurel began teaching at age 14 and has since taught hundreds of students privately and in workshops and youth orchestras. Since 2009, as the New York Times reported, Laurel has taught online to growing numbers of students from New York and Texas, to Africa and Hong Kong.

Wanting to share her musical insights across the globe, in 2010, Laurel launched Violin Geek Podcast and began authoring what would quickly be dozens of articles on violin technique for Strings magazine. In early 2011, she was commissioned by String Letter Publishing to create the book/video guides Improve Your Bowing Technique and Improve Your Violin & Viola Technique.

Laurel's violin and viola abilities are praised not only for technique and tone, but for her sensitivity and extraordinary ability to convey emotion. Laurel hears music as a story, and when she plays, vivid imagery and deep feeling move her beyond the auditory. She experiences music as a form of dynamic communication with her collaborators, her audience, her students, and her inner self, and whether on stage or in the teaching studio, she enjoys diving into the creative unknown and seeing how she can expand the boundaries.

*** Studio Equipment ***
-computer
-microphones
-piano
-audio recording device
-music stand
-sheet music library
-video recording device

*** Travel Equipment ***
-laptop
-music stand
-portable audio recording device
-video recording device

*** Specialties ***
-Technique and tone
-Interpretive skills
-Classical repertoire
-Fiddle styles
-Improvisation and composing
-Troubleshooting
-Pain and injury cases
-Performance anxiety
-Adult and teenage learners

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