Ashland Music Lessons

guitar, voice training and live performance.

Along with his own private teaching practice Billy also has taught at Governor’s Academy (Byfield), Music Makers (Hampton NH) and is current the guitar and voice teacher at National Music (Woburn).

*** Lesson Details ***
Identify your goals and take over the world! Educate and motivate!

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have a recording studio in my home.

*** Specialties ***
Blues, Rock, Contemporary Pop, Jazz, Funk

IP MONEY AND GRANTS

Jimi has prepared and developed his students for college preparation and has not only helped them get into the colleges of their choice, but has helped them to get substantial scholarships. In this day and age of high tuition, this is a tremendous help for parents financing their children through college as well as outlining a wonderful life that will allow the student to not have the pressure of paying loans off after they complete college. Jimi has also developed and prepared his students for major auditions in Boston, New York and Los Angeles including some students who placed high in American Idol as high as Top 24 Nationally and "The Voice" on NBC TV.

FOR THE SINGING STUDENT

Jimi will create a customized plan for you or for your child that is reasonable and fun on any of the instruments and subjects listed above. With a fun voice and music studio that includes a professional PA System, each student will have a fun experience singing and playing with the songs they love to sing and play using microphones and singing and playing over song tracks that enable them to work on their feel, pitch and groove. Younger students have enjoyed this experience as it gives a Karaoke and jamming kind of setting that allows each student to sing or play with the original recording and then sing or play it by themselves allowing them to build their confidence using a microphone and professional sound equipment. Jimi's elaborate music library of over 80,000 songs is also available to each student as well. Because of his medical training as a licensed and certified voice therapist, each student can be assured of learning to sing correctly and technically by using proven voice techniques that will enable each singing student to sing with power and expanded range without the danger of hurting or damaging their voice.

FOR THE SAXOPHONE AND CLARINET STUDENT

For the Saxophone and Clarinet student, Jimi uses 21st Century method books as well as the traditional methods he's used to get his students jamming and playing. A lot of time is spent in early lessons on teaching the student the correct way to blow the instrument to get a great sound. Typically, students will want to practice more when they sound great and a lot of time is spent on making a great sound to build their confidence and motivation.

FOR THE POP/ROCK PIANO STUDENT

Pop and Rock Piano Students will enjoy a modern approach to Piano that is not the typical Classical Approach that some children are disagreeable to. Jimi gets his Piano students to play modern pop and rock songs and students will learn how to jam and approach the piano with modern pop music instead of the old school classical approaches.

FOR THE SONG WRITING STUDENT AND SINGER/SONGWRITER CAREER PATH

Songwriting is approached with song analysis first and then song form models are then looked at in the Old Style from the early 20th Century to the New Style forms used today. Then meticulous time is spent on Melody writing, Chord Writing, Basic Harmony and Lyrics. Jimi uses an approach to songwriting that is unique in its methodology by having the student believe that it is a LOT easier than you think it is. This confidence building methodology will have students writing songs in rapid time.

BASIC PIANO/KEYBOARD FOR SINGERS AND SONGWRITERS

For those students who wish to use the Piano as learning tool to help their singing and pitch, as an option you can take Basic Piano with Jimi after your voice development has progressed. The Piano is an awesome tool for singers and learning to play simple vocal exercises, notes and chords on the Piano will truly enhance your singing experience. Songwriters who do not play a chordal instrument like Guitar and Piano will enjoy this because they need to be able to play chords to become the complete songwriter that can not only write melodies and lyrics, but chords as well.

AN OUTSTANDING REPUTATION TEACHING STUDENTS OF ALL AGES

Currently, Jimi leads a professional Original Country Music group that has released a full CD and plays around the New England area. Jimi teaches at three prestigious private schools and music schools in Boston teaching students between Age 6 and 18 at those schools. Jimi is also Lead Voice Faculty and runs the Voice Program at one of those schools. Jimi's versatility and background has allowed him to keep on top of the music scene providing him with an incredibly large wealth of music knowledge that dates back to the Jazz/Swing era all the way up to the pop music of today. Jimi Z. was born in New York City and grew up in Lynbrook, NY only 20 Miles from the Music and Arts Mecca of the world in New York City. He attended the Manhattan School of Music Preparatory Division in New York City from age 14 to 17. He attended Berklee College of Music in Boston in 1978-1979 and then transferred to New England Conservatory of Music and received his Bachelor of Music in Contemporary Improvisational Studies as a double major in Voice and Saxophone Studies from New England Conservatory of Music.

LICENSED VOICE THERAPIST AND VOCAL REHABILITATION SPECIALIST/VOCAL PHILOSOPHIES

Jimi is a Licensed Voice Therapist and has an incredible working knowledge of the Voice Anatomy and Physiology of the Voice. He has the ability to teach Speech, Acting and Singing. He also is networked well with some of the top Ear, Nose and Throat Doctors, Ornolaryngologists, and Speech Pathologists and works in tandem with them on Voice Rehabilitation cases. He is also aligned with top Ear Nose and Throat Hospitals including the Massachusetts, Eye and Ear Infirmary and St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Boston. While the average student will not need these services from a voice therapy perspective, Jimi teaches a preventative singing technique that allows his singing students to learn to sing with power without pressing, pushing or belting on the voice so that his students will never hurt their voice or lose their voice. Jimi is Certified to teach the McClosky Voice Technique and uses other techniques including Alexander and Bel Canto in addition to his own philosophies.

A DEDICATED PHILOSOPHY THAT STRESSES WORK AND FUN

Jimi has dedicated himself to teaching music to young talent for over 30 years professionally. He has taught and performed all over the world in major music groups as a player and a band leader. Because of his many years of teaching children and adults of all ages, Jimi has an uncanny ability to focus on each student's needs. Whether the student is a child that wants to take lessons for fun and recreation or whether the student is considering music as possible career or part time career,

SETTING REALISTIC GOALS

Jimi focuses on getting to understand each student's needs so that he and the student can agree on a realistic lesson plan with realistic goals. He focuses on asking each student exactly what they want to do in their first lesson and then sets up a realistic practice schedule with each student so that they can meet the goals they agree on. For the "doing it for fun" younger student, Jimi uses a philosophy that motivates the student to practice by using a work/fun balance that stresses working towards public performance when possible.

GET READY TO JAMN

One thing that Jimi thrives on as a teacher is to get each student to jam with the music. Whether it means that they sing or play along with the original version using CDs or with an IPOD or having his students play by ear, the student can sing and play using Karaoke or original recorded Versions in his studio, Jimi stresses the need to jam to give the feeling of performing to students as soon as possible. Without question, jamming, singing and playing with the song is the ultimate training for a musician.

MICROPHONES, TECHNOLOGIES AND GADGETS

One other important thing involved in Jimi's lessons is to get the student comfortable and effective with using a microphone for his singing students. Jimi has a complete professional PA system in his Metro Boston Studio to allow the student to work on microphone technique and monitoring techniques as well. Whether you or your child wants a casual "for fun" philosophy or you or your child are career minded about music, Jimi will find a fun philosophy for each student that is not necessarily a "one size fits all" approach. The cool resources and gadgets in Jimi's Music Studio include a state of the art PA System complete with Pro Equipment that will simulate Stage Performance for students. It allows the students at any level to sing with Produced Tracks or Basic Karaoke with Microphones as well as Pro Settings. The studio will give students the ability to perform in a private setting so that they can develop the skills to perform in public. Microphone and Monitoring Techniques are also worked on and Jimi also uses all of the Vocal Technology Products he endorses to make the student's voices even better with these awesome enhancements. The philosophy is to learn to sing without all of these enhancement products first and then put the student's voice over the top with them later. Jimi wants to get the students ready as fast as possible technically and then bring songs into the mix quickly as well.

PERSONAL STYLE DEVELOPMENT

While the student works on their songs, Jimi focuses on what kind of songs the student does exceptionally well and then builds on those strengths while working on the student's own unique personal style. If the Voice/Singing student is looking to be a Singer/Songwriter, Jimi also teaches Songwriting and Personal Style Development to enable each student to develop their own unique style through Artist Development practices that his company works on. Whether you're a Solo Artist or you're part of a band or group, Jimi will help you find your own personal style so that you are unique and not a copy of another artist .

JIMI'S "KIDS"

While Jimi has no children of his own, his "kids" are his music students and he takes a lot of pride in watching them grow as musicians as well as in life.

NETWORKING AND KNOWING PEOPLE IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY AND JIMI'S PRODUCTION COMPANY

Jimi plays a wide variety of instruments and is a Songwriter, Record Producer, Studio Musician, Promoter and Talent Scout. His talent development company has existed since 1991 and has produced many shows in the New England area since then. In 2002, the company expanded and started to help musicians to expand their music careers and in 2009 Jimi's dream of having a recording studio was then realized. It enabled his voice students and talent clients to fully expand their careers by not only coaching with Jimi, but being produced and recorded in his company's studio. Jimi has produced demos and full CDs for his students and Talent Clients and has helped them to get their music careers going.

TEEN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM AND MORE ON GETTING SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS

Jimi is also responsible for preparing Teens for Colleges and University Programs that know they want to pursue music as a career. Jimi has not only been successful in getting his teen students into the college or university of their choice, but has also put his students in a position to get them substantial grants and full college and university scholarships. Jimi has also created a successful TEEN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (T.D.P.) for young teens who know that they want a music career.

The T.D.P. is designed so that if a young adult works with Jimi for numerous years that they can pick a career path suitable for them. The T.D.P. can have a student with any one of three career paths 1) College/University Path where a large repertoire and portfolio is created for presentation to Colleges and Universities to not only allow a student to get into the Higher Education Institution of their choice, but to get them the scholarships and grants that they deserve so that they and their parents are not shelling out as much as $300,000 for those costs. The Higher Education Plan is built on a the development of an impressive portfolio of hundreds of songs, Demo CD, Demo DVD, Original Songs and the building of a Performance Resume in the student's teen years.

This Portfolio is then presented to Higher Education Institutions to allow a realistic chance of getting into the college of their choice and getting substantial scholarship and grant money. The success of the T.D.P. is amazing as many of Jimi's students have been accepted into colleges and universities and received scholarships. 2) The second T.D.P. is for those students and parents who simply want to learn what they need to move their music careers by doing complete development with Jimi directly. While Jimi is a graduate of New England Conservatory of Music and stresses a college education, sometimes it isn't possible or sometimes career minded musicians simply want a teacher to guide them in their career path without going to college or a university. Some musicians who have a higher caliber of talent will take this path knowing that they or their parents might want to pay for the financing of a recording a professional CD with a modest budget compared to the potential $300,000 budget Higher Education Institutions charge.

If your child is considering a music career, whatever career path he or she decides, Jimi is more than qualified to help plan that path. Some of Jimi's students entering the T.D.P. Program have had Portfolios of over 500 songs in different genres of music, have impressive resumes, go out on acting auditions, have formed their own groups or developed themselves as solo artists and have also studied song writing with Jimi to realize their own dream of writing their own songs as well as recording them in his studio. The T.D.P is not for the casual student taking lessons for fun, but it is there if the student needs it. The resources that Jimi has to help his students and the network of musicians and music business people he knows is an incredible asset. 3) The Third Career Path of Jimi's T.D.P. is for the student to pursue both Career Paths 1 and 2). This can be accomplished by the talented and elite students that study with Jimi

ADULT CAREER MARKETING AND SOCIAL MEDIA

Jimi can help you with the marketing part of your career. The resources of his company allow his talent clients to develop websites, Press Kits, Electronic Press Kits, Produce Demos, CDs as well as develop a live show if your act is a solo artist or group. The phenomenon of Social Media which has blown up the past 18 months is staggering and music artists need to use that technology in promoting their careers. Studying with Jimi opens the door to all of the marketing things that his company does to promote his artists. There is nothing more gratifying to Jimi than seeing his students succeed. With the ever changing aspects of the business side of the music business, Jimi and his company have their hands on pulse of the future as well as the changes that happen daily.

SUMMARY

Whatever walk of life you or your child come from, Jimi Z. will help you to become the singer and performer you want to be. Jimi can help you find your voice, make you sound and play great on your instrument or teach you musicianship skills that are essential to a successful music career. Or if you're taking lessons for fun, Jimi will teach you to love playing and have a fun and pleasurable experience.

Jimi takes pride in being a great and experienced teacher of over 30 years, but he is still an active performer and principal songwriter. Nothing makes Jimi happier than a student who grows as a musician in his studio that loves to play music and have fun.

*** Lesson Details ***
TYPICAL LESSON PLAN FOR THE SINGING STUDENT:

THERE IS A SHORTER LEARNING CURVE FOR SINGERS (MONTHS NOT YEARS!!!)

One important thing to consider about taking Singing Lessons or Voice Lessons is that The Learning Curve is much quicker for both Adults and Children compared to the Learning Curve of other instruments like Guitar, Piano or Drums. There are certain aspects of learning to sing that make the learning curve happen within months and not years. This makes singing so much easier for everyone to learn in a timely manner. This can help with younger students who might be less patient and might have lower attention spans.

SINGERS ARE GUARANTEED TO EXPAND THEIR RANGE WITHOUT BELTING AND HURTING THEIR VOICE

Depending on whether the student is doing lessons for fun or for a possible career, Jimi Z.'s teaching philosophy stresses good vocal technique that allows the student to develop maximum vocal range to hit higher notes that they never could hit by relaxing the muscles in and around the larynx.

Students will learn good posture and breathing and learn how to execute singing by doing warm-up/workouts that strengthen the correct muscles in the larynx and the abdominal muscles. The philosophy of execution on these exercises will seamlessly transcend into doing the same execution in songs.

Students will receive a Warm-up/Workout CD to practice to which is easy to follow. Songs will be introduced as soon as possible. Tone will improve as muscles strengthen. Students will later work on Microphone Technique, using Vocal Technologies,effects and really cool gadgets that are available in Jimi's studio via his product endorsements, Monitoring and the development of the student's own personal style are worked on by Pro Students.

Later in the curriculum, students can look forward to not only enjoying the benefits of range expansion and good tone because of the relaxed vocal technique, but then they'll be able to explore further range expansion through Passsagio Bridging to the Mix Voice and Falsetto register combined with microphone technique. Students will have the opportunity to use Karaoke CDs as well as a device which removes vocals off of conventional Music CDs so that they can sing in a Pro setting that is live and true.

Overall the methods Jimi Z. uses are The McClosky Technique (Jimi is Certified), Bel Canto Technique, The Alexander Technique for alignment and body mapping and The Jimi Z. Pop Vocal Approach to singing. Jimi Z. takes his approach with each student individually.

TYPICAL LESSON PLAN FOR THE POP PIANO STUDENT

Pop Piano Students can look forward to an unconventional approach not used by many classical piano teachers. This is a welcome idea that most younger students welcome with open arms because you don't need to play classical music or be trained classically to effectively play Pop or Rock as many people will misunderstand as being the norm. Pop/Rock Piano Students can look forward to learning basic fingerings to formulate melody on both hands. All students will learn major scales and then learn to finger 3 note chords on both hands. It is then that the students start to jam to recorded CDs and keep up with the recorded version by playing simple chords and simple melodies. Later on in the development, if the student wants to take things to a higher level, improvisational studies can be introduced that are more difficult. A lot of time is spent learning things by ear and a lot of jamming is encouraged with simple songs first evolving into more challenging songs later on.

(FOR TYPICAL LESSON PLANS ON SAXOPHONE/CLARINET AND SONGWRITING PLEASE REFER TO THE ABOUT SECTION BELOW)

*** Studio Equipment ***
COOL AMENITIES AND CONVENIENCES TO JIMI'S STUDENTS

Private entrance to the studio with a fantastic sitting and waiting area for parents with WiFi and DirectTV!

ACCESSIBLE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AND FREE AND EASY PARKING AVAILABLE

Studio is also very convenient and accessible to all MBTA Lines and there is also Free Parking Year Round in a very safe neighborhood.

PIANO, TECHNOLOGIES AND GADGETS

Studio has an electric piano/keyboard, full PA system, microphones and state of the art Vocal Technologies and cool gadgets professional singers use. Karaoke and Production Tracks can also be used and one of Jimi's really cool gadgets removes vocals off regular CDs if students can't find a Karaoke Version of song they're performing. This allows every student to sing with cool equipment in the best setting possible. Students may also play their songs through their IPODS and our WiFi capability allows us to download songs from YouTube as well as give us the lightning fast ability to download songs and Karaoke from the MP3 download service.

MUSIC LIBRARY OF OVER 80,000 SONGS

Jimi Z's complete Music Library which is updated monthly with 80 new songs per month has over 80,000 songs spanning from 1930's/1940's Swing/Big Band era through all decades into our current decade. Jimi's 30 Years of being a teacher since 1981 allows him to know a lot of songs from all eras. Jimi can accompany his student's lessons as well and help you with correct song choices from the enormous library of music available.

STUDIO EQUIPMENT

Studio Equipment includes a Full 16 Channel PA System with JBL Speakers, TC Helicon Voice Monitors, TC Helicon Voice Live, TC Helicon Voice Pedals, JBL Wedge Monitors, VAM Acoustic Monitors, MP3 Recorder, Cassette Recorder, 2 PC Computers and a Professional American DJ System.

VOCAL THERAPY PRACTICE IS AVAILABLE WHEN NEEDED FOR CLIENTS WITH VOICE DISORDERS OR VOCAL ISSUES

Jimi's Voice Therapy Practice allows recommendations for Vocal Health Products such as Vaporizers and other products to keep your voice healthy. Our direct affiliation with major Ear, Nose and Throat Hospitals and their associated physicians can make your vocal health experience not only better for your voice in general, but we have direct access to reputable Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists that we work with in tandem that are experts in every medical voice disorder if you have any complications with your voice or your larynx overall.

*** Specialties ***
McClosky Voice Technique, Alexander Voice Technique, Bel Canto Voice Technique, Jimi Z. Modern Voice Method. Being a voice-over actor and previous Broadway actor, I also use a lot of drama in performance styles.

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.

Class (Paris, France), Mozarteum Summer School and Music Festival (Salzburg, Austria) and Vienna Music Seminar (Vienna, Austria). I was awarded scholarship when I attended Cleveland Inctitute of Music and Aspen Music School. My teachers include Jinsook Kim, Donald Walker, Paul Schenly, Gabriel Chodos, Viktor Teuflmayr, Claude Elffere, Anne Epperson, and Vivian Hornik Weilestein.
Previously I was a rehearsal pianist of operas, II pagliacci by Leoncavallo with Daegu Opera, Snatched by the Gods and Broken Strings by Param Vir with University of Iowa Theatre department, and contemporary operas based on the works by Francesca Cavalli with Temple University Opera. Other than operas I worked with Missoula Children’s Theatre for the performance of Aladdin. As a collaborative pianist I performed in numerous concerts and performed in master classes of Joseph Silverstein, Steven Isserlis, Julliard Quartet, Isaac Stern and Richard Stoltzman. I have been teaching piano at the university settings (University of Iowa and Catholic University of Daegu) or privately for 10+ years. Recently I taught at Half Note Music School in Bellevue, WA and was a pianist at St. Columba's Episcopal Church and United Christian Church in Renton, WA.

he same time. I hope my student to love music instead of just playing the music.

rtise! Please feel free to get ahold of me and we can discuss what will best help you achieve your goals.

Besides the importance of learning the technique to play the flute, what I enjoy the most is the unique opportunity to communicate with others through the instrument, through the music and without words, regardless of your level. I am looking forward to share this passion with you!

ng theory is best when students are excited to practice them!

I teach beginner and intermediate piano students. I've been playing piano for 10+ years with a concentration in contemporary keyboard and musical theater. Depending on the needs of the student, we can work on sight reading and classical technique, or learning how to read chord sheets and tabs online in order to play contemporary songs.

As a professional touring and recording artist, I like to work songwriting into all of my lesson plans. For any student particularly interested in songwriting, I can make that a much larger portion of the lessons. Songwriting is a uniquely intimate art. Rather than tell a student how I think they should write songs, I strive to empower the student to be able to make the artistic decisions that they want. By making conscious decisions based on their musical knowledge, the student can grow his or her's own unique songwriting voice.

My personal passion is contemporary songwriting, but my own musical journey included many genres like Classical, Jazz, Blues, Folk, Theater, and more. I would not be the songwriter I am today without all these different experiences, so my goal has always been to foster passion and excitement for the material any student is learning.