Oak Park, MI Ukulele Lessons

tial scholarship to the Art Institute of Philadelphia, and relocated to NYC shortly after graduating.

Her unique music, performances, art and internet videos have won many awards and critical acclaim.

She has performed her music and written segments and songs for television (including ABC’s “Good Morning America”, MTV’s “I Bet You Will”, Fox News “Red Eye with Greg Gutfeld”, IFC's "Comedy Music Hall of Fame", HGTV's Flea Market Flip, TBS’s “Saving Grace” website and “The Tyra Banks Show”), radio (including "The Dr. Demento Show", "The Jackie Martling Show", WFMU's "Spreading Yourself Thin with Jessica D" and “The Opie and Anthony Radio Show” on SiriusXM, BBC’s “Loose Ends Radio Programme” and BBC’s “The Simone Show” in the UK), feature films (including “What Would Jesus Buy?” directed by Morgan Spurlock), commercially for major clients and also on stages across the US and the UK (including London’s prestigious Soho Theatre, NYC’s Irving Plaza, Joe’s Pub and The Bowery Ballroom as John Waters’ opening act, and LA’s Troubadour).

*** Lesson Details ***
Jessica brings a lot of fun to her lessons. She is like a cool aunt or a big sister who likes to have a good time but who also wants to teach you to play guitar or ukulele and sing, hopefully at the same time. Jessica's laid back style and attention to your needs as a student will help you reach your goals, whatever they may be. Together, you will go as fast or as slow as is comfortable for you. Jessica works with classic rock, pop, folk and all your favorite songs as your step ladder for learning. Jessica also can help you develop your own musical style and teach you to write YOUR OWN SONGS from beginning to end, if that is of interest to you.

*** Studio Equipment ***
amp, microphone, keyboard, guitar, ukulele, music stands

*** Travel Equipment ***
Guitar and Ukulele. Students can rent instruments initially but must get their own, as soon as possible

*** Specialties ***
Classic stringed instruments such as acoustic / electric guitar and ukulele, and several unusual instruments such as singing saw and electronic and standard autoharp, singing, songwriting and guidance on how to monetize your band, including acquiring sponsorships and arranging local and international tours.

***What Are Lessons Like?***
Student(s) and teacher sit together and start with the basics, then move on to learn others' songs (The Beatles or other classics are a good place to start) and then may even try to compose original songs, if that is of interest.

***Affiliations***
Women In Music
ASCAP
The Recording Academy, Associate Member
Comedy Musician's Coalition

solo - as she held the booklet in front of me. Enthusiastically, I rendered the complete song correctly, only pretending to read from the page as she held it, but actually 'playing by ear'. Upon getting to the end of the tune, I suddenly broke out in a jazzed-up, improvised version of 'Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star', arousing the whole class to spontaneously tap their feet in rhythm and clap with delight . . . my first solo performance!”

David eventually took up guitar in his teens, becoming involved with playing for musicals such as "Godspell" and "Jesus Christ Superstar". During high school, he also played in the Bluegrass band 'Odell & Zeke', and in the Rock band 'Ring Wraith', performing for local dances and proms.

Extremely versatile within classical and popular guitar styles, David played in the Top-40-Hit music video, Shine Shine, by The Bee Gees' Barry Gibb – alongside pop-star legend - Michael Jackson. David is also mentioned in Just Jazz Guitar Magazine for his jazz endeavors; and he has years of experience as a church music director.

As a Classical concert guitarist, David has performed throughout the USA and Europe. His live performances have been broadcast on television and radio: NPR’s Performance Today (USA); CBC’s Arts National (Canada); RAI Television’s In Concerto (Italy), and the Hungarian National Television. Successful in competitions, David won First Prize in the 20th International Guitar Competition in Milan, Italy and First Prize in the National Wurlitzer Artist Competition, USA. He has received other awards and grants as well, including a Solo Recitalist Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Governor's Award from Department of State, Florida. Moreover, he was chosen for the rosters of both the California State Touring Program and the North Carolina Visiting Artists Program.

David’s 35 years of teaching and performing experience, coupled with intensive years of formal studies with many of the world's greatest guitarists, including Andres Segovia, Eliot Fisk, David Russell, Christopher Parkening, Holzman, Ghiglia, Morgen, Tomas, Isbin - have afforded him a rich and in-depth understanding of music and the guitar. He shares all of this with his students in an insightful and uniquely original manner.

Education:

Florida State University - Master of Music - Guitar Performance

Florida State University - Bachelor of Music - Guitar Performance

Certificates of Professional Study:
- L'Accademia Musicale Chigiana in Italy
- Aspen Music Festival

*** Lesson Details ***
Wouldn't you love to play the music that you enjoy listening to the most?
Ever listen to your very favorite songs on your iPod or on the radio and really wish you could just play along? Well, here's your opportunity! Even if you are just beginning, I can help get you up and strumming in no time! You can choose your favorite songs to play - and I will show you how! Imagine playing along with Taylor Swift, Maroon 5, Fun, Ke$Ha, Demi Lovato, Flo Rida, Alex Clare, Ne-Yo, and more!
And for you adults: imagine playing your favorite songs from the 60's, 70's, and 80's. What a wonderful way to re-kindle all the fun, memories and meaningful songs of your youth!

I am committed to helping you really enjoy and excel in playing the music you love! You will find our lessons fun, interesting, and always inspiring. What better way to be motivated to learn and play, than having fun . . . and enjoying it along the way?!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Separate, professional studio in a nice setting. Lots of windows, art, books make it inviting and cozy. Special separate adjacent room for parents and siblings, allowing parents to watch lessons through glass doors without "intruding".

*** Travel Equipment ***
I carry my own iPad, computer, cd player.
Students should have instrument, capo, music. Ability for student to take video recording/audio recording is helpful. Often, we will use parent's iPhone at end of lesson to record important concepts/techniques/etc.

*** Specialties ***
I am versatile within classical and popular guitar styles: folk, country, rock, new age, praise, bluegrass. My in-depth understanding of music theory, guitar technique, and performance affords me a wealth of practical and artistic experience from which I lead students on their musical journey.

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.

niversity as an academic coach. In this role, I helped students process concerns and create goals regarding developing time management skills, coping strategies for anxiety, study skills, information processing and motivation. These experiences have helped me gain a continually growing understanding of facilitating the learning process with individuals and with groups.

I teach student development classes (critical thinking, motivation theory, study strategies, time management, stress management, etc.) at a local community college, I teach an upper-level learning and development course (views of learning, motivation, the memory process, memory strategies, critical issues in education, etc.) at a local university, and I work as an academic coach at another local university.

As the information above may suggest, I hold education to such a high, passionate regard. It is what promotes a healthy, well-informed society. As an auto-didactic learner, I believe that everyone has the ability to learn anything one desires. It is a matter of how one approaches it. Therefore, my approach is one that is peculiar to each of the individuals I work with.

I present concepts with the idea that the combination of experience, discourse, and meaning-making is the key to learning. This aside from my teaching tools based on the views of learning. With an aversion towards cookie-cutter approaches, I maintain an open mind to my invariably evolving approach of sharing knowledge and insight with others. This comes with my continual seeking of growth in the art of teaching with consideration of the process of learning. Further, I strive to create a warm, positive atmosphere that allows one to feel comfortable with making mistakes, with making progress and with being themselves. Fundamentally, this is my approach to working with people.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT COACHING: Using my insight gained as a counseling student, I am happy to offer my personal development coaching service. In this role, I help individuals develop their path of change, making sure motivation and focus is well-maintained. I provide a judgment-free and understanding atmosphere for one to reflect and process concerns as well as work towards making personal changes (e.g. self-actualization, career, anxiety management, lifestyle, life changes) from an existential perspective. I believe that such a space should be available for everyone, so I am especially happy to provide it.

My approach to personal development coaching is based on my therapeutic orientation called Gestalt Therapy (GT). The underlying idea of GT is that awareness is the key initiator of change. Awareness allows one to discern where such things as anxiety, unhappiness, ambivalence, etc. stem from. I believe that it is important for every human being to go through such a process so that peace and awareness within brings peace and awareness to the outer world. I am inspired by and influenced by the ideas of Carl Jung (Analytical Psychology- particularly the Psychological Types) and Carl Rogers (Client-Centered Therapy). I help facilitate the process in a genuinely humane, empathic and professional manner. If interested, please, see the details I have provided under Life Coaching. I work with grade school students and adults. I am absolutely loyal to the idea of confidentiality; therefore, I ensure that information of anybody I work with is not at risk of being shared with a third party.

ACADEMIC COACHING/STUDY SKILLS: Using my passion for education and my insight gained in my few years (so far) immersed in the world of education, I help students (grade school and college) develop areas of their academic life needing improvement. As suggested above, I help students develop time management, learning strategies, coping strategies for anxiety, and motivation (i.e. help them to see the value of learning). Though it is a valuable tool, it is presently not a service that is offered at most schools in the area.

WRITING: As a lover of reading and writing, I understand the value of expressing thoughts, feelings and ideas. As a writer, my focus is on creative writing (mostly short stories presently) and essays. Given my undergraduate and postgraduate experiences, I have written many academic papers, in APA format and in MLA format. I edit and revise papers as well as help individuals develop their writing voice, develop their ideas, develop an approach to structuring writing, maintain consistency with writing and provide genuine feedback. Beyond that, my help with writing is limited to the goals of the the individual.

TWO IMPORTANT THINGS: I strive to maintain a positive collaboration with those I work with. I believe this is one of the most important parts of the process. Also, I promote the idea of Soul. To me, Soul is any sincere display of passion. With Soul, we perform in a most genuine and graceful way. I personally believe that whether one is playing the piano, writing a story, living life, singing, giving a speech or anything (necessarily peaceful), one should do it with Soul.

LASTLY, I am open to: Going beyond my travel radius, at an agreed-upon adjusted rate; working with multiple students, at an agreed-upon adjusted rate; meeting at a public place that is convenient, if it is preferred; and meeting at a student's location, depending on the preferred time and the distance.

I mentioned everything that is above so that it may be known and understood. Feel free to send me a message if you have questions about any of the services I provide, my approach or anything!

PEACE BE WITHIN YOU

to all/both of them. I strive to help every student find their own creative voice, while building the skill sets required to work in any style of music.

I also offer group lessons for 3 or more students. For friends at similar skill levels, this can offer a fun and more affordable way to learn a subject. It also serves as an additional motivator as the students in the group feed off of each other for ideas and inspiration.

Please feel free to contact me with the "Ask Phil a Question" button on my profile here. This can include questions about my method, or regarding days and times for lessons. What you see in my availability here is based on my schedule away from TakeLessons. I have students elsewhere and perform shows regularly. I may have additional times available and tend to have some flexibility. I teach worldwide online. Just ask.

As soon as you're ready to book lessons, you can use the Green Button after selecting your area of study, day and time. I will receive a notification that you've signed up. I will then confirm with you and send a questionnaire regarding your lesson needs within 48 hours.

Thanks for your interest.

I look forward to working with you!

stars, calling it "an exquisite singer-songwriter album”, while PopMatters called it “a truly beautiful listen from start to finish”.
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In addition to her work as a performer, she has worked on multiple film soundtracks—her song “Satellite” is featured in the movie Pressure, starring Danny Huston, while other credits include All the Beautiful Things (Sundance), Desert Dancer, Dear Wendy and Summer in February. She is also the featured voice of the national ad campaign for Hillshire Farms
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Alongside her original material, Joanna commissioned to arrange a full length concert and lecture "Beyond Joni", focussing on the works of female songwriters of the 1960’s, including Joni Mitchell, Judy Sill and Joan Baez, to name a few. This is an ongoing project to be performed around the world.

Joanna has had the opportunity to work with such music luminaries as Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Kenny Werner, Lee Konitz Quartet. She has toured her own projects internationally, including Europe, Australia, Japan and throughout the US. She is also a regular collaborator within the dance, circus and theatre worlds.

Joanna is a passionate educator, especially in the field of early music education. She teaches with Grammy Nominated clarinetist Oran Etkin, teaching for his children's music education program Timablooloo. In February of 2016 she ventured to Mumbai to direct a choir of 200 children with the UK charity Songbound, bringing music to impoverished children in India.

nes follow and logical and practical guideline that will allow musicianship in it's greatest form to bloom forth from the student. Heavy emphasis on solid technique, artistry, theory, and ear training makes for a well rounded and informed player/singer! I can teach from my home, your home, online, or even from the practice rooms at Wayne State if Detroit is a good middle ground or closer for you!

Thanks for taking the time to read this :)

an, and released a 4 song EP “If You Were a Song”. Now, she has written hundreds of songs and performs her original music in the San Francisco area.

d spent half the night practicing finger-picking and getting my hands to move across the fretboard. Fast forward years later, I devoted my education to the study of music education and classical guitar at the University of Vermont. I have always believed in the value in improving myself holistically as a musician, so in addition to classical guitar, I also studied jazz guitar, classical and jazz piano, performed saxophone in concert band, sang in large and chamber choirs, played in percussion ensembles, and routinely performed bluegrass, Appalachian, and Celtic music with an old-time music group. I am currently finishing a master’s degree in ethnomusicology from the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, where I have been studying various Asian and Polynesian music traditions from Japan, China, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Hawai'i. I have also done fieldwork in Japan, studying traditional Japanese koto, shakuhachi, and ichigenkin music. Drawing wisdom from so many places and people I feel has helped me develop strength and versatility as a musician and as an educator.

As part of my undergraduate degree, I worked at Burlington High School in Burlington, VT, teaching and conducting concert band, leading small jazz ensembles, and teaching music theory and composition. I have over ten years of experience teaching private lessons with students ranging from five-year-old beginners to advanced adults; from children with special needs, to non-native-English students. I always develop each day’s lesson and each student's curriculum to fit the needs of each student.

My inspiration and philosophy

Early in my musical training, I studied guitar with Phil Sargent, a phenomenal jazz guitarist in the Boston/greater New England area. In one of our lessons, he detailed his daily practice routine. This involved scales, arpeggios, chord practice, ear training, solo transcribing, repertoire building, and more—all totaling six to eight hours of practice each day. I asked him why he spent so much time practicing, and I will always remember his answer: “to have the ability to play whatever I imagine on stage—to me, that is freedom.” I was awestruck by this seemingly counter-intuitive concept—that true freedom takes a lifetime of discipline. Of course, I don’t ask my young students to practice that much! But I do make it my purpose as a music teacher to gently guide students to developing the discipline to achieve their individual musical goals.

Discipline aside, I am greatly inspired by the power of music to bring people together, to foster passion and creativity in individuals, and to nourish the body and soul. It is my dream to pass on the many music traditions that have inspired me and brought so much meaning and wonder to my life.

If I seem like a good match to help further your musical goals, then I would love to hear from you!