Ypsilanti Music Lessons

publisher Xlibris. com and they are called Peggy, The Three-Some Book 2, The Writer's Corner Book 3, The Golden Nugget Book 4, The 1940 Diary Book 7. When you go onto their web-site put in my pen name of N.K.Beckley and they should come up. Emily Book 5 will be out sometime in March 2017 and books 6,8.9.10 should be out by Fall of 2017. These are books for students in grades 4th through 8th grades and are also interactive books. I hope you enjoy them.
I also tutor for Take Lessons Grades 1 to Grade 8 all subjects except higher level Math.

*** Lesson Details ***
Piano: All students start out learning both Treble and Bass Clefs, and their lines and spaces. Each student then starts to learn their major scales with both right and left hand for piano. They also learn the note values, and are able to put them together in a song. I use Michael Aaron curriculum, which takes in all of the above and their technique lessons. I use all the Michael Aaron Book One, Lessons, Theory, Technic, and Performance Books for any student that is age 6 and above and I would ask that parents would buy them from Anderson Music in Dearborn, Michigan as well as any other lesson books listed below before they come to my home for lessons.

Cello: Using String Builder and Strictly Strings, the students learn the bass clef, lines and spaces, scales, and songs. Students will learn how to hold their bow correctly.I have played cello in the Waterford New Horizons Concert Band for over six years. I have also been the only cellist they have as a member of the band.

Violin: Using String Builder and Strictly Strings, students will learn lines and spaces of the treble clef, note values, major scales, and songs. Students will learn how to hold their bow correctly.

Drums: Using Rockin’ Rhythm Raps, and using drum pads instead of drums, students will learn the correct way to hold drum sticks and the rhythms of all the notes in the treble and bass clefs. They will also learn songs to play.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Upright piano w/ seating for parents

*** Specialties ***
I enjoy teaching beginners in any area, because then you can see how far they have come at the end of the year.

we can get intense. I specialize in the Moellor technique, methods from Chaffee, Chapin, Kaspik and Uribe, Chart reading and interpretation, 4 limb independence, working w/ loops and foot technique. ALL STYLES OF MUSIC AND DRUMMING.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Separate room: carpeted flooring, Two drum sets, computer with recording gear video and audio.

*** Specialties ***
Drums: beg to adv

I specialize in Moellor technique. Pedagogy of Gary Chaffe, Ed Kaspik, Jim Chapin among others. I focus on independence, chart reading styles interpretation and phrasing, as well as rudimental training. 

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.

cts not directly 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.

I have toured internationally as a Guitarist and Saxophonist. I am also 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 on that CD. So, if you are a Songwriter, we can polish up your approach! 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 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.

l, and one, in particular, has become a music professor at "Berklee School of Music". Another former student plays with the band: "Thirty Seconds To Mars." I have also been able to assist those students who have a desire to introduce vocals while playing their instrument. I am also able to provide personal assistance in songwriting when needed.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am very easy to get along with during lessons, however I can provide extra encouragement and motivation the student needs based on their specific goals for taking lessons, whether it be for personal enjoyment or for the purpose of making music their career. I believe that learning music can be fun even as a serious venture, and therefore I incorporate humor when appropriate. The curriculum I use includes: "Berklee, Mel Bay, and Hal Leonard" methods for guitar. For Piano I use "Schaum and Thompson" piano methods as well as Hannon for technique. Additionally, I invite students to suggest personal favorite songs of interest of their choosing as a motivational tool to aid them learning from the music that inspires them. I find this very helpful for students in developing a good ear as well as sparking motivation to practice as they learn from their favorite musical artists in addition to learning the fundamentals of the instrument.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide music method books/sheet music etc. Students would need to own and bring their own instrument to lessons. I also provide guitar amplification.

*** Specialties ***
Berklee, Mel Bay, and Hal Leonard blues guitar method's. Schaum piano method. Hannon Technique. Pop, rock and jazz styles.

ant voice

Some children also have beautiful natural voices, but they are not ready for the kind of voice training that is appropriate for an adult. A child's voice is small in every sense of the word. They cannot produce the volume or range that an adult can without straining their voice. They can learn the fundamentals of music, how to read music, how to count, rhythm and musicality. The music chosen for them needs to be easy to sing and age-appropriate Songs that a child likes that are too high can easily be re-arranged in a different key so they can sing music that they like without straining their voice.

If you are considering voice lessons for you or your child, it is a good way to develop musicianship and build a repertoire of music that you will enjoy singing. The training will be enjoyable and very effective. You will begin to see an improvement in technique after the first lesson.

I was trained in voice performance at the Cleveland Institute of Music with Marie-Simmelink Kraft, a Mezzo-Soprano who performed with the Cleveland Orchestra and other Synphony Orhestras throughout the world. I hold a degree from Case Western Reserve University where I studied art and music theory. I have more than twenty years of professional experience that inclues singing with a Chorale that performed with the Cleveland Symphony and performances as a soloist for choirs in Ohio and Michigan.

I founded and directed the Academie des Beaux-Arts, a performing arts school in Birmingham, and the Actors Alliance Theatre, a professional theater company that gave many young people an opportunity to gain experience working with professional actors. I have a combination of skills in voice and theater performance that sets me apart as a teacher who can help you develop a better singing voice and learn how to perform with artistry.

ps coached by members of the Bulgarian Radio Symphony. I thoroughly enjoy the opportunity working with other musicians to provide new experiences to all.