Grandview, MO Piano Lessons

s work in 2003 when I began teaching music.

I've successfully taught hundreds of different students since 2003, from 5-year-olds with special needs to middle-aged professional opera singers, from a professor in Saudi Arabia to a 65-year-old doctor of music, from kids of Radio Disney to students of the famed Actors Studio in New York, from busy stay-at-home parents to retirees with bucket lists, from CEOs to touring singer-songwriters.

I've created and led a workshop about singing called, "The Whole Body Singer". I've written dozens of articles about music and music education for the blog at TakeLessons.com.

My extensive knowledge of the voice has encouraged and empowered hundreds of singers and prepared many of them to win competitions, pageants and auditions, as well as roles in operas and musicals.

Having both taught myself piano and received formal training at a conservatory has prepared me to teach almost anyone how to play.
The intensive training and education that I received at Westminster Choir College in songwriting, music theory and sight reading has benefited my students at every level.

My current work as singer and keyboardist in the acoustic rock duo, Timberwood, has strengthened my knowledge of a broad range of styles and genres. I have a strong commitment to continuing my education. That's why I recently (2014) studied songwriting online with the Berklee College of Music in Boston.

In the lessons that I teach, I'm flexible, positive and encouraging. While I want my students to have fun and love music, not dread it, I expect hard work and persistence. I am caring, patient, nurturing, and compassionate. In piano lessons, I usually allow the student to choose a piece with which to warm up and then move on to technique and repertoire. In voice lessons, I usually warm up the singer and discuss technique and sight singing before focusing on song choices. Joan Frey Boytim wrote a book for voice that I like to use, and I like the Estelle Liebling exercises for the more advanced singer. Hanon exercises are a big part of my piano curriculum, and I enjoy the Bastien and Alfred books for young and old. I have used completely random songs pulled out of a piano bench and a karaoke CD for kids. I will use almost anything I can get my hands on if it means effectively teaching music.
Acting lessons consist of exercises and games that apply learned concepts, and monologue and audition coaching. Parents, siblings and spouses are always welcome to observe lessons quietly.

uch as Queen Elizabeth Hall, St. John’s Smith Square and Somerset House. I sing at Lyric Opera of Kansas City where I have appeared in over 90 productions. Upcoming: Mozart: Magic Flute, November 9-17, 2013 and Puccini: La Bohème, March 15-23, 2014   I also sing professionally at Grace and Holy Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Kansas City. Whether you are seeking coaching on technique, Broadway, Opera or the American Songbook, I would be happy to work with you to realize your full potential. I get excited about helping students become good performers! Let me help you become the best musician you can be, IN PERSON or ONLINE!

*** Lesson Details ***
I am a laid back teacher with a great sense of humor. You will also learn a lot of music theory and music history from me! My lessons begin with some training in reading music (Music Theory) and I suggest that you purchase Alfred's Music Theory Volume One or Two depending on your level of understanding.

After refreshing your music reading and rhythm skills, we will listen to you sing and begin to vocalize. I will develop exercises just for you, to help you develop your voice, making it stronger and more flexible.

When you have warmed up your voice with vocal exercises, we will work together on the music you wish to learn. It could be a song, an aria, a Broadway or Opera aria, or a religious piece.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Large 30 foot living room with two pianos, music stands, keyboard, couches, seating area.
Mac computer, multiple cameras and great sound system.

*** Specialties ***
Classical Bel Canto (beautiful voice) style, operatic singing, Broadway style, Art Songs (Lieder in French, German and Italian.)

Robben Ford, Pat Martino, Pat Metheny, Martin Taylor, and James Taylor, to name a few. Today David plays and teaches a variety of different styles, ranging from rock and blues to classical and jazz.

Piano

David started to play the piano after years of playing the guitar. Although a second instrument, it in many ways it was the first as everything David has aspired to on the guitar is pianistic, and he draws much of his inspiration on the instrument from piano players. Correspondingly, it wasn't long before David picked up the piano itself, studying privately first with Tatev Amir and later with Karen, Kushner, Professor of Piano Studies at UMKC. David applies many of the same principles to the piano that he does the guitar including stressing a comprehensive knowledge of music theory, self transcription, ear training and classical technique as well as the more traditional facets of piano pedagogy such as sight reading and rhythm work. Students learn music theory as applied to the keyboard, sight-reading, improvisation and the application of classical technique to modern styles.

As a pianist David is motivated primarily by his passion for music. Growing up he was influenced by classical, jazz, and film scores. Since picking up the piano he has been inspired by pianists from such diverse backgrounds as Art Tatum, Nicolai Lugansky, Oscar Peterson, and Bill Evans among others. Today David plays and teaches a variety of different styles, ranging from rock and blues to classical and jazz.

*** Lesson Details ***
I have extensive experience with all ages and skill levels. I use a curriculum specifically geared towards the guitar, as opposed to more traditional (and inferior) methods that emphasize note reading and piano pedagogy, my method will teach you music theory as it relates to the neck of the guitar and the music that the student are interested in. I am a fairly laid back teacher; we will go at your pace, but I do expect you to work hard.

With piano I use classical literature to develop technique but emphasize the development of a comprehensive understanding of music theory as applied to the keyboard. This includes but is not limited to studies in pop, rock, jazz and other style of contemporary piano.

*** Studio Equipment ***
#1) Dedicated music room seating for parents

#2) Practice/rehearsal room seating for parents

#3) Amplification provided and music stand.

#4) Keyboard/Piano for student use

#5) Broadband network, dual camera, file sharing and the latest technology utilized for online lessons.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide a music stand, my instrument, curriculum materials, music paper materials and amplification (if needed). I expect the student to have their own instrument and potentially amplification. I provide a piano for instruction but I expect my students to have a piano or keyboard for practice at home.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in classical and jazz guitar, however I am fluent in most styles, including rock, blues, fingerstyle, and miscellaneous. I teach from Jay EuDaly's "Vertical Truth: Chordal Mechanisms for the Guitar" but I also supplement this with a variety of other curriculum.

In piano I specialize in classical piano as well as jazz and pop.

and translating this to Ableton and electronic music! Let me know how I can help you!