Garrett Park, MD Songwriting Lessons

Let me help you bring your ideas to light. Express yourself the way you always knew you could.

Having written many songs, both for demos and my album, I can teach lyric choice, vocal and guitar phrasing and common pitfalls for songwriters.

David enjoys teaching students from all different backgrounds and levels of proficiency. Whether you are just starting out or a virtuoso shredder in the making, he is happy to teach you! Over all, he is fairly laid back, as long as you practice. He usually combines work with reading off of the treble clef (what he likens to "eating your vegetables." You may not want to do it, but it will make you a healthier musician!) with learning more popular songs (or songs the student says they would like to learn) through tablature and chord charts, depending on the style of the song.

David is also very pro music theory. He usually incorporates music theory into the curriculum in conjunction with the material already being discussed. He is also very knowledgeable about composition/songwriting, and if the student is interested in learning more about this area, he is happy to share what he knows!

I have been writing songs for years so I know all about your desire to do this! I can show you formulas that work and also how to write out of the box" so your music will have your personal stamp on it. Writing songs is just like anything else.... the more you do it the better you get. There is such a high to writing something you are proud of and the potentials that are out there for you to pitch it to a singer you think could really sell it! toI Maybe even you might make it a hit! I'd love to get you started or help you get past some of the hurdles that seem to come along with it after you;ve written a long time and you are stuck in the mud..... I've been there and I know the feeling...

Experienced in contemporary song writing, as well as writing and arranging music for church worship music, choral music, strings, and classical guitar. Experienced in both playing and recording by ear, as well as writing down formal music charts and scores.

I encourage all students to try writing music or at least coming up with their own basic ideas. I will then work with the student's ideas to help them learn how to develop an initial idea into a large more complete musical form. If the student is able to write more complete songs I will coach them in techniques to improve the structure, harmony and melody of their work. I try to demonstrate ways that they can improve their writing without simply rewriting their ideas for them. For all of this I draw on my many years of experience as a composer. I try to guide the student towards developing a process of writing music that works for them. My main goal is to help them to grow into their own musical voice rather than to simply do what I suggest.

I can help you to tell your story through song: working with melody, lyrics, chords/accompaniment and/or interpretation to create a moving musical connection within yourself, and with your audience.

I am in 6 local bands, and have played in a dozen more in my time. Spread through those bands, I have written approximately 200 songs since I was 18. I have recorded numerous times and have a few releases on independent labels in the Washington, DC area. If you have a vision for a song, but aren't quite sure how to manifest it, I can help you.

I teach the basics of music theory and use these principles to write songs in MuseScore (a free composition software).

Proficient songwriter with 20 years of experience. I specialize in rock, pop, folk, and singer/songwriter styles. I keep songwriting fun, yet challenginng. I tailor the lessons to my students interests and goals. I’ll teach chord progressions, work on lyrics/melodies, and develop ideas to full songs. Let’s rock out and have fun!