Oak Park, MI Ukulele Lessons

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$5 off all lessons
Early Bird (schedule lessons to finish by 3:30pm Pacific) -
$5 off all lessons
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My mission is to provide a positive musical experience for all students. For some this includes rigorous preparation for an audition of some kind, for others it may be an introduction to music fundamentals to foster better listening skills and greater artistic appreciation. All students will be challenged to improve their listening, timing, and technique. All students will learn to play songs that they love.

Recommendations for best results: make a three-month commitment to weekly lessons, and work up to 30 minutes of daily practice. This formula guarantees results. Bring your instrument, music books, and a binder with sheet protectors ☺

*Scheduling policy: to avoid being charged for a lesson - One week notice is required to cancel, skip, or "roll over" a lesson. 24 hours notice to reschedule (based on availability).

To continue weekly lessons, students must maintain at least 90% attendance or the time slot may be forfeited.

Good Luck!

Jordan was born and raised in the El Centro, California where he began playing the alto sax in the elementary band program. At the age of 12, he began his study of guitar and drums, performing in several rock and ska bands around his home town and San Diego. At age 14, is where he found his love for brass instruments when he took up the trombone. While in high school he became a featured soloist with the Imperial Valley College Jazz Orchestra, under the direction of the legendary trumpeter Jimmy Cannon. It was this that lead Jordan to accept the Constance Weldon Music Scholarship to attend the University of Miami in Coral Gables, FL.

While performing in South Florida Jordan appeared with major acts including 10,000 Maniacs, and appeared on the Spanish television show "Calle Ocho." He also gained invaluable experience teaching in Miami public schools. His first teaching assignment was at Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High School where he directed 3 beginning bands, Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, and their highly decorated Jazz Band. Later Jordan moved into the elementary setting, teaching vocal and instrumental music for grades K-5 at Cypress Elementary.

In 2007, Jordan returned to California to pursue a music career in San Diego. He can be seen performing all over San Diego, Orange, and LA Counties in styles ranging from rock, jazz, funk, blues, hip-hop, Latin, and more. He performs primarily on trombone, piano, and guitar, but is known to pick up percussion, harmonica, and other wind instruments as well. Jordan, along with the rest of the aggressively funky cover band SuperMagnetic, were the grand prize winner of the 2010 Viejas Ultimate Music Challenge 4. In 2011, Tori Roze & The Hot Mess were nominated for a San Diego Music Award in the category of "Best Blues Artist" after the release of their first album "From The Hip." They released their second album "Turbulence" last December, and are heard regularly on local San Diego radio. This album has also been nominated for Best Pop album for the 2013 San Diego Music Awards. In 2013, Jordan completed his Master of Music degree in Jazz Studies from San Diego State University.

On stage, Jordan is a talented and versatile performer. He is known for his trombone sound and improvisational ability, as well as his positive relationship with his fellow musicians. In lessons, Jordan is energetic and creative.

*** Lesson Details ***
I enjoy teaching kids and adults of all ages. When you arrive for our first lesson, we'll start by getting to know your musical tastes and aspirations. Then we make a plan. Then we play!

Everybody's path is different, but we must start with a strong foundation in the fundamentals. After we start to establish some technique on your instrument we will explore music that suits you from a practical stand point in your development, and very importantly, stylistically. Together we will plan a curriculum that keeps you motivated toward your goals and that fits your life style.

You can expect a laid back, yet focused environment. Most of all, you can look forward to progress! Hope to see you soon.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Living room with large wall mirror, good lighting, with full size keyboard, weighted

*** Travel Equipment ***
I expect students to provide an instrument for themselves. I also require a student to come prepared with sheet music, pencils, a binder with sheet protectors, and any books they are interested in.

*** Specialties ***
I have an extensive background in jazz bands, salsa bands, classical wind ensembles, and improvisation. I also currently perform in both original and cover bands on trombone, keyboard and guitar, in a range of styles including rock, reggae, Latin, and funk. I teach beginning and intermediate piano, guitar, and woodwind instruments, as well as advanced brass.

PLEASE READ:
***Scheduling Policy***
-To avoid being charged - One week notice for cancellations. 24 hours notice for reschedule (based on availability).

excited to announce I am available for on-line lessons, and will now be able to work with students from all over the world, regardless of distance or location!

*** Lesson Details ***
I am laid back, but at the same time very goal directed. I like to do technique and/or vocabulary, note reading, and songs every lesson. After six months students are able to to 'jam', (improvise over chord changes such as the blues). They are well on their way to becoming literate, probably a third way through the first book. They probably can play a half dozen songs well, and are starting to strum (comp) chord progressions in a musically rhythmic way. They may even have played in a couple concerts by then.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Office studio w/ guitar, bass, amps, and seating for parents, computer with skype capability.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I bring my guitar and writing tools, extra picks, extra paper etc. Students provide their own instrument, method book, staff paper, notebook paper. Hopefully they have a music stand and their own guitar picks and other items relevant for the study of their instrument.

*** Specialties ***
Classical, jazz, rock, blues, country, bluegrass, theory/composition, improvisation

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.

y flexible and open to suggestions, so I encourage students to ask questions and let me know if they want to learn a specific song or musical concept.

*** Studio Equipment ***
The studio is equipped with an 88-key digital piano, drum set, music stands, recording equipment and a PA system. Plenty of parking available, either in the driveway or on the street.

*** Travel Equipment ***
In order to teach at a student's home I will need a quiet room/area where we can concentrate on our studies. If the student is taking drum or piano lessons, we will need a drum kit or piano/keyboard.

*** Specialties ***
Trumpet - Jazz & Classical

Drums - Everything from Jazz to Rock, Waltz, Cha-Cha, Metal etc.

Singing - All Pop music, old (Frank Sinatra era) and new (The Temptations) and newest (artists of today).

Audio Recording & Production - All styles, such as Rock, Pop,
Cinematic, Hip-Hop, Country etc.

Piano - Beginning piano, building a solid foundation.

Music Theory - I can answer questions and teach the concepts.

Having trouble with your band/choir part? Preparing for an audition and want to get first chair? I can help!

it is important to stay fluid and adjust to each student's learning style to create successful students at any age from 3 to 100!

My only goal is to help you reach yours!

-==Some of My Studio Equipment=--
Marshall, Crate, & Fender Amps
Williams and Yamaha Digital Pianos
Woodwind instruments
Violins of all sizes
Brass Instruments
Acoustic and Electric Guitars (Fender, Epiphone, Breedlove, etc..)
Computer and Multimedia Supplemental material
And others!

--=Materials Used=--
I teach Suzuki Method when appropriate, as well as popular scholastic methods when needed for a school band program however, I mostly teach to the student. Each student gets a unique and personalized experience tailored to their specific goals and needs using a variety of available materials, but above all I strive to teach fun when learning the arts!

, tailoring lesson plans to suit their personal goals and interests. I have experience playing and teaching an extensive range of styles including pop, rock, jazz, country, metal, and classical. One of my main goals is to foster a sense of musical understanding with every student so that they may learn to combine technical, theoretical, and aural skills into a unified whole.

Most students want to learn to play songs they know and love. To that end, I get students playing the music they want to play right from the beginning, often through personally crafted arrangements of songs/pieces of the student's choosing, specifically tailored to their current skill level. This way, technical and theoretical skills are learned through direct experience with actual music, and only very rarely through rote exercise.
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For more advanced players, I offer an array of strategies designed to take your playing to the next level. I find that the most common shortcomings of advanced players are conceptual. The technical skills are there but the level of conceptual and theoretical understanding has hit a wall. Many players find themselves playing the same chord shapes, melodic patterns, and harmonic progressions over and over again. I've had much success over the years in getting advanced students out of this rut and helping open up new pathways for exploration in both improvisation and composition.

wish to pursue. Lessons are tailored to each individual student so that we can build upon their strengths and focus on lessons to improve weaker areas. Every student has different goals, for some it is their passion and some are starting a new hobby. Whatever the goal, I can provide the instructions to help the student succeed!

I accept all ages and skill levels.

Cole Porter composer, arranger and also play a variety of other instruments as bass, piano, ukulele, mandolin, percussion, and extended range guitars.

I am familiar with several music production softwares such as Finale, Cubase, Garage Band, and Protools.

He has worked with artists, audio engineers, and producers such as Chris Robertson (Black Stone Cherry), John King (Sixth Floor, South Bound, Sons of the Revolution, and John King and the Mud River Revival), Kenton Embry (Nashville Session player and touring artist), Russell Brooks (The Schools, 00 The Rabbit, Solo artist), David Barrick (Barrick Studios), Jason Simpson (Colter Wall).

Cole has an extensive knowledge of music theory which he applies to lessons, as well as ear training, harmony, solfege and sight reading just to name a few and depending on the wishes of the student. At his alma mater was a member in the guitar ensemble, guitar quartet, jazz band, and classical solo guitar. He also participated in music theory, jazz improv, orchestral arranging, piano, choral arranging, form & analysis, conducting, aural skills, music drama, and music history.