Oak Park, MI Songwriting Lessons

The student should have his/her own instrument, so they can practice regularly.

*** Specialties ***
Gospel, Classical, Pop, Inspirational, Sacred, Wedding, etcetera

everyone else making interesting music in the world.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am a GIT graduate and will teach you everything they teach at Musicians Institute, one-on-one. Whether you want to learn scales, arpeggios, chords, music theory, harmony, arranging, reading music, writing music, ear training, rhythm guitar styles (rock, pop, jazz, funk), soloing techniques (rock, metal, pop, fusion), songwriting (on acoustic and electric), live performance (pre-show preparedness, eliminating stage fright, developing a professional stage presence), using fx pedals, ideal amplifier settings, finding your signature guitar tone, music production (recording, mixing and mastering), music business (creating your press kit, marketing your music, negotiating payments and contracts)...you name it, I've studied it and will teach it to you!

*** Studio Equipment ***
When I'm not touring and doing sessions, I spend the majority of my time in Hollywood, where I keep a small but full-featured music studio on a nice, quiet little street just off Hollywood Blvd. It's great because it contains all of the necessary items I need to maintain my skills, improve my abilities, and expand my knowledge (sofa, chair, office desk/chair, several amplifiers, guitars, fx pedals, metronome, etc). And in terms of the lessons I teach, while there isn't an on-site waiting area, there are several shops, restaurants and a small Fresh & Easy grocer with a nice, quiet alfresco seating area just a block or so away. What's more, the Hollywood & Highland mall is only a few blocks away. Parking is very convenient in the LA Fitness subterranean garage, the entrance to which is located on North Sycamore Ave. The fee for parking is free for one hour, with easy, no-hassle validation from Fresh & Easy. Note: street parking is permit-only and you will be ticketed...so DO NOT park on the street!

*** Travel Equipment ***
Please bring your instrument, a notebook, pencil, and, if you would like to record your lessons to have and review afterward, a pocket-size recording device. I will typically record moments when a student performs an example of something s/he has been working on, or an improvisation regarding the same. I do this strictly for the purpose of (a) having an example to which to compare and measure the student's progress and improvement over time, and/or (b) to capture a 'magical moment' of musical inspiration that might prove useful to the student's artistic/musical development, etc. At the student's request, I will provide a copy of said recordings (if any) on a CD. All such recordings are kept 100% confidential, are not distributed nor disseminated for any reason whatsoever, and are deleted at such time that the student discontinues his/her lessons with me.

*** Specialties ***
I am a very style-flexible musician and guitarist. Some really great books I've used in my own studies and lessons include: Pepe Romero's 'Guitar Style and Technique,' Ted Greene's 'Chord Chemistry,' George Russell's 'The Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization for Improvisation,' Peter Magadini's 'Polyrhythms,' et al.

sons as well as classes, clinics, College Prep courses and is a member of The American Guild of Music. He is a versatile teacher and motivated performer and is fluent in most every style of music.

"I can teach you everything you need to know to accomplish your musical goals!!! Music should be fun and my approach is to ensure a rewarding experience for every individual student"

*** Lesson Details ***
Lessons can be scheduled for once a week or every 2 weeks, 30 min - 45 min and 1 hr available.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Home Studio: a dedicated music room with a baby grand piano, electric guitars; acoustic guitars, bass, drums... full digital recording studio and rehearsal space!

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide all teaching materials and personal equipment, the student needs to have their own instrument... guitar rental is available!

*** Specialties ***
I am open to any and all methods, genres and styles...

I have more availability than is shown here and try to be flexible with scheduling...

l in 2010 as it's leader. The band has worked with several national and international touring bands, has been featured on indie and major radio from their hometown in Detroit to the UK, and has released two EPs, two singles, and a full length album.
Feel free to message with any questions about potential lessons; we'd love to hear from you!.

*** Lesson Details ***
As an instructor, I start students with the basics (open chords, major/minor and blues scales, general rhythm/timing, and beginner technique), and like to get at least a basic ability to sight read (music notation).

For younger students, I get them started on a beginner book for sight reading music and simple/basic songs to start with and build up their ability.

If a student is a little more capable, we start on a more modern/popular song they like. For my more advanced students, we get into music theory (cycle of fifths, harmony, chord language, etc.) and with some students we study specific genres.

My approach is one of building up a student's self confidence, and ultimately making learning fun. I take teaching seriously and value my student's time; so I work to get the most out of them, and to make their lessons worth while. All ages and levels are welcome!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Studio space in Helen's of Troy. Office is furnished with seating, music stand, and amplifier.
Student must have their own instrument and pick.

*** Specialties ***
I'm a singer/songwriter as well as a guitar player/instructor, so the construction and arranging of a song; from the music to the lyrics; are very much within my experience and teaching.

s of music as opposed to just "picking and grinning", IE learning only "By Ear." I do specialize in music theory, and have many students taking lessons simply for this excellent foundation for songwriting also.

I am a classically trained guitarist that performs both as a soloist and for ensemble in a wide variety of styles. I graduated in 1996 from Schoolcraft College with an Associates degree in Music performance, and then, studying under the tutelage of Brian Roberts went on to receive my Bachelor's degree in Guitar Performance with a secondary in Jazz from Wayne State University in 2004. While at Wayne State and along the way I've performed and participated in several masterclasses with renowned artists: William Kanengiser, John Holmquest, Philip Candelaria, Jason Vieaux, Scott Tennant, and Antigoni Goni. I have also completed the teacher requirements for books 1-a and 1-b for the Suzuki Guitar Institute.

Many of my classical guitar and electric guitar students have went on to study further at the collegiate level, some achieving scholarships. My most recent students are current Berklee school of music graduates now in a band called "Flight of Fire", recently opened for Bonjovi this past summer and are getting air time on local radio stations... well on their way to living the dream! …the bulk of my students become full time professional musicians.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am an extremely patient person who has been teaching for over 20 years. I am laid back so there will be no pressure. With my electric and steel string guitar students, I host a special "Jam Session" 2 - 3 times a year to which will be one of your goals to participate in. This includes playing with a drummer, bassist, singer and another guitar player (usually me) and having it recorded. This should serve as your motivation to practice. This really eliminates the need for me to pull out a "yardstick" and "smack" your hands over the knuckles when not practicing your scales as many old traditional teachers may have done!

At your first lesson I will talk with you and give you examples of music that is played with a Flat-Pick, or music that uses the Finger-Style technique. This will be an important process as it will dictate which direction you will go in as a musician and especially during our lessons.

For the most part, playing with a Flat-Pick is generally used with the electric guitar and with most mainstream styles of music like "Rock and Roll", "Blues", "Rock-a-Billy" "Funk", and playing with the Finger-Style technique is used in styles like "Classical" and "Folk." After a while, I will introduce you to the other style of playing as well, as most great guitar players use both techniques in their playing...musicians (guitarists) such as: “Jimmy Page“, “Brian Setzer”, “Stevie Ray Vaughan”, “Joe Satriani”, “Lindsey Buckingham”, “Paul McCartney”, “John Mayer”, and many, many more.

To make learning the guitar Fun, I make sure to incorporate your main interest(s) first. Whether it be learning your new favorite song(s), learning how to write a song, or just learning some basics that you can use for when sitting around the campfire. This will be intertwined with which style you choose to start with: Flat-Pick or Finger-Style.

Pending on the level that you are starting at, (beginner, intermediate, advanced) I will include tidbits of music theory that will be used in a consistent manner. These will usually be progressive, pending on your level. For example, the songs you learn will be written out in an easy to understand chart that will have the fundamental aspects of theory (IE, chords, key, and rhythm pattern) that all musicians should understand.

With Children learning with a Flat-Pick, I encourage the use of a basic guitar instruction book.
Level One (beginners) :

"Hal Leonard Guitar Method Book One" by Will Schmid.

I will also use as a substitute for Level One:
"Alfred's Basic Guitar Method" by Alfred's Publishing Co.

More advanced players who can read music already (and graduates from book one) I prefer;
"Hal Leonard Guitar Method Book Two"

With Adults, I will ask if learning to read music interests you. It is a vital part of a practicing musician, but sometimes your needs may require a more one dimensional approach as time may be of essence. Again, I learned by ear and educated myself later...so I understand the person who wants to hold off on reading right away.

Students who want to learn the Classical (Finger-Style) approach will be encouraged to purchase a beginners book that I use written by one of my first instructors/mentor. It is a very intuitive book that covers the technique in great detail yet is very easy to understand (along with my help.) I will provide means of acquiring this book at your first lesson.

Students who want to learn the Folk (Finger-Style) approach will usually start in the above book, unless your an adult who just wants to learn some basics.

At your first lesson I will also provide you with documentation that goes more in depth about the various styles of guitar as the above info is scaled down.

*** Studio Equipment ***
-Amps

-Guitars (Electric, Acoustic, Classical, Bass)

- PA (loud speakers so you can Turn it Up! When playing along)

-Band in a Box (to play along with real prerecorded instruments seamlessly interleaved into a band type setting with almost unlimited genre choices...very impressive technology)

- Pro Tools (recording gear for all needs)

- Guitar Pro and Finale (to transpose music into sheet music)

-Skype (for out of town interactivity. Can do lessons via Skype)

-Basement with plenty of seating for parents, and or observers.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in Classical Guitar, Electric Guitar, and Acoustic Guitar; Improvisation, Songwriting, Backup Vocals, Fretboard Harmony, Music Theory, Performance, and Recording.

related to the arts such as Mathematics and Science.

One of the most important aspects of playing Music is being able to Play by Ear. This has been a priceless gift that I have developed throughout my life and I encourage all musicians, young and old, to do the same. The use of simple Rhythmic Dictation and Ear Training exercises can do wonders for "picking out" Beats and Harmonies no matter what Genre we are interested in.

I attended music courses at The Boston School of Contemporary Music, Thomas Jefferson College (MI), and have a BA double majoring in Music Composition and English at Columbia College Chicago.

Besides touring internationally as a Guitarist and Saxophonist, I am a Songwriter. THIRD BORDER's "Sun of Water; Sea of Light" was selected to be nominated for the Grammy's as The Best Alternative Album of the Year in 2006. On this record, I played Guitar, Saxophone, sang Lead Vocal and wrote all Songs. So, if you are a songwriter, we can polish up your approach!

If you would like to learn how to compose a Solo, a Duet or Ensemble, I can get you started in a low-stress, one-step-at-a-time procedure. As a Composer, I have done Sound Design for Film, Dance, Spoken Word and Multi-media Performance - most notably with renowned poet Anne Carson and former members of The Merce Cunningham Dance Co. I am Composer and Conductor for New York City's first full-on Saxophone Orchestra; a 13-member ensemble.

I hope to talk to you soon!
Benjamin

*** Lesson Details ***
My teaching style is relaxed with a forte on Patience and Encouragement. Though I have specific expectations on what needs to be learned, I gear each lesson towards the student's wishes and their personal direction in Creativity. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced student, I can guide you wherever you are headed!

For Guitar (acoustic or electric), you will learn the fundamentals of Music Theory, Chord Structure, varied Strumming and Picking Techniques, and Scale Positions to travel from one part of the neck to the other. Any song you wish to learn, I can teach!

For Saxophone, you will learn proper Embouchure technique, Notation, Music Theory, and Scale Patterns for improvisation. Whether you are interested in a Classical, Blues, Funk or Jazz approach, I can help you find your own sound that is both personal and professional.

I teach 2nd year Piano and Drums/Percussion directing you into Intermediate level.

For those leaning toward the experimental genres, I am well-versed in the use of Electronics. Much can be accomplished with my lessons on Sound-Scape Improvisation either as 1 on 1 or Group Workshops.

*** Studio Equipment ***
At Home Studio: music stands, metronome, guitar amps, electric and acoustic guitars, guitar tablature, staff music paper, a scanner for weekly homework. I can also record and send MP3s of our lessons to review at home if you wish.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Students will need their own instrument, a mutually chosen music book to learn from, a metronome, and hopefully easy access to a keyboard (very helpful!)

*** Specialties ***
I am fluent in Rock genres, Blues, Beginning Jazz, Beginning Classical technique, Prepared Guitar, Electronics/Sound Art.