Accord Music Lessons

nterested in exploring. I am also able to provide a solid foundation of proper breath management, vocal exercises focusing on pitch and technique, and sight-reading. My goal is for you to be able to thoroughly develop your skills as a singer and performer!

*** Lesson Details ***
I am laid-back but hardworking and expect an equal level of commitment from my students. I am primarily interested in teaching beginner-intermediate level pupils. Prospective students can expect to start each lesson with vocal exercises focusing on breath support, posture and pitch. Any professional performer understands the importance of warming up prior to performing! Once properly warmed up, you give your voice the range and flexibility it needs to sing beautifully and effectively! I encourage note-taking as well as recording the lessons either on cassette or even your cellphone to assist in practicing on your own between lessons. Depending on my students level of experience, I will then decide which songs to work on that would best fit your range and area of interest. Once a certain amount of progress has been made I will open the doors to my students deciding on songs they'd like to work on specifically as well. After 3-6 months, I would anticipate my students to be able to effectively warm-up their voices on their own through exercises we will have covered, at least a basic understanding of how to sight-read your melody and certainly have a handful of songs memorized and ready to add to your repertoire!

*** Studio Equipment ***
living room portable keyboard seating for parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
I would bring my keyboard to each lesson unless one was provided (tuned pianos are okay as well). I would also bring music and texts that I would find beneficial to each particular student. I would expect my student to provide a journal to take notes and track progress. Also, though not necessary in all cases, I would expect my student to have sheet music for songs they're interested in learning as well as CD/cassette/MP3/etc. of songs they're interested in learning.

*** Specialties ***
I would start with a foundation of proper warm-ups, breathing techniques, and vocal exercises with me accompanying on piano. We would then spend the second half of the lesson working on songs primarily of my students choosing. I would be comfortable with just about any genre thus being able to cater to each one of my student's unique areas of interest.

than 30 years, I am currently the Director of Worship for the chapel at Gordon College, a small Christian school north of Boston. I'm often involved in city-wide music events in Boston’s faith-based community and in demand as a featured musician for church services, parties, concerts and other events.

I hold a Masters of Music from New England Conservatory in Jazz Piano and am comfortable and fluent in a number of musical styles. In addition to private lessons and performing, I do music transcription, workshops, and all forms of vocal and instrumental arranging. My passions include morning coffee, finding new guitar chords, creating killer PowerPoint presentations, and trying to figure out how to use my smart phone.

*** Lesson Details ***
My priority as a teacher is to make the learning process fun, life-giving, and productive. I teach with patience and humor, at a challenging but not frustrating pace.

Some quotes from my students:
"I absolutely love learning from Bil! I've watched my playing and the playing of others at church vastly improve as a result of his training."

"[Bil] is filled with a large amount of knowledge, so while sitting under him you not only learn about how to play but you learn about music history and theory. Beyond being a good teacher he is genuine and friendly and cares about others."

"I have really enjoyed working with Bil. His patience and wealth of knowledge has helped me come out of my musical shell and has encouraged me to discover my musical voice."

"Bil makes learning theory fun! His deep understanding of music is complemented by his contagious enthusiasm."

"Bil has taken me to a different level. I went from tab and basic guitar chords, to building jazz chords and a far greater understanding of music theory."

There are at least two ways that might set me apart from other teachers.

Firstly, I have honed and developed "people skills". I am an ordained minister and have held positions where I was formally and informally in a mentoring/pastoring role. I bring that sensitivity to my music lessons, understanding that personal and emotional issues can be triggered by the engagement with the music and skills being worked on.

Secondly, I've had a remarkable broad base of experience. My coursework has exposed me to a wide breadth of ideas and tools; my work life has been long and varied; I have had extensive experience in many different cultural contexts, both musically and otherwise; and I work well with many age groups and skill levels.

Regarding my teaching approach:
For beginners, I have a fairly consistent set of topics and skill sets to cover. Generally, in a few months, piano students (particularly those in middle school through adulthood) should know how to play major, minor and seventh chords, how to read simple chord charts and some very basic accompanying skills. Guitar students should know a dozen open chords and have been introduced to barre chords, and to have learned several styles of finger picking as well as strumming. Bass students should know how to find notes on the board and will have begun to learn how to fill out a song with an expressive but non-obtrusive bass line.

For intermediate students, the pace, direction and focus on lessons depends upon the goals and passions of the student along with the amount of time he or she has to practice. My goals for students at this level and beyond is to learn how to learn. I will use outstanding recorded examples of particular skills or stylistic idioms to help my students understand and master each new concept. I often will check in with my student to make sure that we are on track with what they are hoping for.

For advanced students, we will generally target very specific objectives. I also try to add elements of theory, history, culture, and even life lessons to apply to the topics we address. Because of my background in pastoral ministry, I can serve as a mentor addressing the emotional and relational issues of playing music as well as its technical aspects.

*** Studio Equipment ***
upstairs music room: fender Rhodes piano, keyboards, amps, drum set, seating for parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
if for guitar or bass, that instrument; I expect piano students to have an available keyboard and for other students to have their own instrument(s).

*** Specialties ***
strong in jazz, rock, pop, gospel, sacred, R&B.

s I do not have access to a car, I prefer that students come to my home studio in Somerville, or that they be within public transit options.

N.B. I own a dog, so for those with allergies, it might be best to meet in your own home.

rawing, and singing. Students will learn fast and be happy at the same time!

xpertise include folk, blues, rock, soul, funk and pop music with particular interests in songwriting and improvisation. However, I'm versatile and open minded, so I'm willing to apply my skills to help you learn any style or sound that you are excited about!

Cheers,
Scott