Hazelwood, MO Ukulele Lessons

der, I understand the demands and challenges of a busy performance calendar, singing sets for back-to-back audiences day after day and week after week, and the need for a vocalist to find the vocal freedom that will produce confidence in their voice no matter what the venue.

The first steps to mastering vocal freedom are the building blocks for vocal success. Whether the student is a child or an adult, with little or no training, it is my goal to make singing an enjoyable and freeing experience.

Singing with complete vocal freedom and confidence can seem very elusive. Surprisingly, it's not as elusive as one might think! Vocal freedom is within reach and most students experience a measure of it within the few first lessons, some even gaining a full octave in their range in their first lessons. Using a systematic method incorporating the study of good vocal technique and working on songs the student loves to sing makes learning more fun and gives the student a greater appreciation of music as a whole while encouraging a passion for music that lasts a lifetime. I encourage and teach sight reading, and theory basics especially for those students who are considering music as a profession.

*** Lesson Details ***
Each student learns with material that will be divided into step-by-step doable lessons so they can be sure to learn the best techniques and material along the way. Sheet music and lesson books are provided at a minimal additional cost.

*** Studio Equipment ***
My home-studio is bright and open and set up with an upright piano, full length mirror, music stand, iPad with appropriate applications, guitar, mandolin, ukulele, and computer for recording and playback. Parents are welcome to sit in on lessons or wait for their children in the adjacent room. I also may provide a follow-up email which includes any recordings and lesson notes from the current lesson.

As the student progresses I also provide a PA system to teach mic technique and build performance confidence.

I ask that students come prepared with the following items to their lessons.
~ Bottled water
~ A ring binder with paper for notes and a zippered pouch to keep tools and handouts.
~ A flash drive for recording transfers or they can use their phone or other recording device to record their lessons.
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*** Specialties ***
I honestly love my students and love teaching! It's such a privilege to be a part of their musical journey. I specialize in church worship vocals, choir, a capella, show tunes and musical theater. I teach free, healthy vocal technique which enables each student to explore and focus on different styles of singing. I also love teaching young voices especially teens who want to have a good time learning to sing.

NOTE ~ My teaching style is more structured therefore some young children may not be ready to take lessons with me.

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.

around the world.

*Note regarding scheduling - November and December of 2018 - I will be on tour with the Brian Setzer Orchestra and will only be available for online lessons.

Discounts available:
Military, Teacher discount -
$5 off all lessons
Early Bird (schedule lessons to finish by 3:30pm Pacific) -
$5 off all lessons
Combine discounts for $10 off any lesson!
Use the ask question feature and mention the discount :)

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 soloist with the Imperial Valley College Jazz Orchestra, under the direction of former Basie trumpeter Jimmy Cannon. 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).

have fun, so the learning is reinforced with good natured thoughts. This will set up the student to actually want to practice!

As a musician I've been in a couple of groups, and starting to get a jazz group together recently. I also try to utilize the computer to produce when possible so I can learn about that aspect of music. My passion is improvisation/composition, because I hope to one day leave songs behind that people can play forever and be influenced by them like so many have influenced me.

s well. Looking forward to meeting you and making music!