East Bridgewater Music Lessons

currently performing with various groups up and down the East Coast. Martina owns her own booking agency called Red Velvet Sounds and is cofounder and curator of the In Momentum concert series.

Martina is a social activist who is passionate about learning more about other cultures, helping to develop a sense for community, and fighting inequality and racism. She is a strong advocate of causes that promote equal human rights independent of religious or political affiliations. From 2009 to 2010, Martina was the founder and president of the Cultural Leaders Club at Berklee College of Music, where students investigated causes and effects in terms of race, gender, and ethnicity issues. Sonic Relief, which Martina cofounded, was awarded the Berklee Urban Service Award 2016 for using music to aid people in need.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I would prefer if students have a piano or keyboard at their homes. If not, I'm sure we'll find a way.

I do have a car.

*** Specialties ***
I love to work on improvisation, on finding yourself as a musician/an artist, helping students to find a way of coming from covering songs to a level of first steps towards writing songs themselves (including work on theory and ear training - helps to progress)

I feel comfortable teaching in the following genres:

- a cappella
- blues
- jazz
- soul/r n' b
- pop/rock
- electro/urban
- classical
- experimental

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.

ow. I am able to work around your schedule and I am available to be contacted anytime.

*** Lesson Details ***
Initial Lesson:

- Subject understanding is determined.
- Necessary areas of improvement are determined.
- Preferred and/or most efficient study style is determined.
- Goals are set.

Each lesson will vary according to the student. As far as music studies are concerned, we will begin by ensuring mastery of the basics such as note recognition, chords, and correct fingering.

For each subject, the pattern will be similar. We will work on the basics and then we will progress commensurately.

*** Studio Equipment ***
M-Audio 88es Keyboard (MIDI Control/88 Keys)

*** Travel Equipment ***
Music Students:

M-Audio 88es Keyboard (MIDI Control/88 Keys)

Non-Music Students:

Subject related study material.
Stationery.

*** Specialties ***
- Spanish
- ESL
- Language Arts
- Piano
- Drums

n independent research project in York, United Kingdom. While in the UK, Crispin worked with faculty at the University of York to create modern performance editions from early music manuscripts with special attention to paleography and music philology.

Crispin strives to communicate music with clarity, humanity, exuberance and self-awareness. Crispin studies classical guitar performance and politics at Oberlin College and Conservatory.

ng style is highly energetic, challenging, and rewarding.

rently I teach from my home studio in Boston, and I'm also available to come to your location.

I look forward to helping you reach your goals!

oing what they love. I believe learning should be creative, fun and exploratory. Music making and refining your skills is hard work; however, it is met with the enjoyment of creative expression and skills in creativity (important regardless of one's profession).

I look forward to getting to know you better and starting this journey together!