Songwriting Lessons in Grosse Pointe. Amazing Teachers.

How to enter in and out of songwriter mode, how to heighten creativity, brainstorming melodies and lyrics, creative timing (rhythm), capitalizing on inspiration, meeting deadlines and more.

As a songwriter, my style has been influenced by the Psych-Rock, Punk and Post-Punk movements. I write songs that have connections with The Beatles, Syd Barrett, David Byrne, The Cure, Guided by Voices, Arcade Fire, Mew - to name a few. Whether you enjoy Pop music or wish to break out of the traditional pop song structure, I can help you develop your own personal flair. Originality is key!

NOTE: I recorded a CD in 2006 that was selected as 1 out of 48 albums to be nominated for the Grammys as best Alternative Rock album of the year. I have the document to prove this :)

I currently teach in my home studio with recording capability, or the students home.

Some students are content to play songs they know and love, and others want to create songs of their own and contribute as songwriters in their own right.
I greatly enjoy helping students find their own voice as writer, and open up an understanding of arrangement and construction in music. Some might make simple singer/songwriter songs, and others might want more elaborate compositions. I love both and teach them both

I have extensive experience writing with some of the best songwriters on music row, and my songs have been featured in American Songwriter Magazine. I co-write and perform weekly in Nashville, and love to share what I have learned with developing songwriters!

If a student is interested in working on both their voice and their songwriting skills, lessons can be designed to incorporate both. I address form, lyric writing techniques, melody enhancement, and commercial appeal when teaching songwriting lessons. Students will learn the fundamentals and will bring in songs for critique!

Many of my students also study to learn basic guitar and/or piano with me, with an aim to accompany themselves on their original songs. We also have a home recording studio, which is available at a discounted cost to students interested in recording demos of their songs!

I am a songwriter and composer by partial trade and I could help students write songs and original compositions that will blow their audience away. I have experience writing for videos and video games. I have also published a short book on songwriting in 30 minutes or less out on Amazon. One could expect a complete break down of melody and chords and how the words fit, or if an instrumental, how to choose what instruments to write for, what their ranges are, etc.

Students will learn how to use their vocabulary as well as musical sequences and themes to create songs.