Robertsville Music Lessons

guitarist Peter Leitch.

In 1993 he started St. Louis SoundWorks with Grammy nominated Adam Long and Mark McClanahan that specialized in mobile recording, and composing music for films and commercials.

As a musician, David has composed over 200 pieces for various instruments and combinations from small chamber ensembles to full orchestra. He was bandleader of two creative ensembles that focused on alternative notation compositions and improvised music, and later co-founded the avant-garde influenced rock band Diverted Course which released two CD's.

As a teacher, David has taught classical guitar and musicianship as an adjunct faculty member at Meramec College and Webster University. He has given seminars on the music of Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman, and Anthony Braxton. He has been teaching privately for 23 years and many of his students have gone on to successful music careers and performed all over the world.

*** Lesson Details ***
I teach students of all ages in a fun and positive manner. I am flexible and will tailor the lessons to satisfy your own individual goals. Whether you are a beginner that wants to gain a foundation in technique, sight reading, and basic theory or an intermediate or more advanced player that wants to increase their knowledge and polish their skills, I will devise a plan to meet your needs. I encourage regular practice and like my students to keep a journal to monitor their progress.

I teach a variety of styles including classical guitar, blues, rock, jazz, and avant-garde.

Ultimately, I believe everyone needs a creative outlet, a way to express themselves, and has something unique to say, and I aim to help those students find their own voice.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Extra guitars and amps at both places. Mixing board at the studio. Only has a upright piano at his home address but has a keyboard at studio

*** Travel Equipment ***
Expect my students to provide the guitar. Amplification is optional.

*** Specialties ***
Classical, jazz, rock, blues, and avant-garde.

hilosphy: I start my students with the John Thompson Piano Course, First Grade Book. I began with this one myself and have found it the most productive and enjoyable for my students. I like to use this in conjunction with the John W. Schaum Note Speller as a good foundation in Music Theory. I believe that a good grounding in Theory is essential as a student who becomes proficient in sight reading, no matter how well he/she plays by ear, will find that the doors for lifetime musical fulfillment with be much wider.

Lesson Style: I also believe that Piano Lessons should be fun. Since I generally teach one on one, lessons can be tailored to each student and I add supplementary material to the Piano course as soon as possible based on the student’s progress and interests. I am willing to add supplementary music in most any genre from current radio hits, to Pop Standards and soundtracks, as well as Holiday Music based on the student’s culture. There is no proper pace as long as the student is willing to practice and is interested in learning. I am always surprised and happy when a student “gets” the language of music and really starts to express himself/herself through the instrument and I always find that my students teach me as much as I teach them

with building high self esteem even more.
I look forward to helping you and your children to reach your goals!

ayment plan or lessen my costs.

e the cat is put away during your lesson time and to vacuum/dust as needed.

free time.

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as the Director of Instrumental Music, Director of Jazz Studies and Percussion Instructor of the Hannibal Public School District. During that tenure, the jazz ensemble was selected to perform at the 1st Annual Jazz Educators Conference. That same band was invited to perform at the Puerto Vallarta Jazz Festival and performed professional level traditional and contemporary big band literature. Mr. Panula has also had great success with the Hermann, Mehlville and Jefferson R7 School Districts in Missouri.

Mr. Panula has been playing drums professionally since he was 18 years old. He currently holds a Bachelors of Music Education Degree from Culver-Stockton College where he was principal percussionist for the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band for four years as well as being the principal drummer for the jazz ensemble. While completing his undergraduate work he received the Evelyn Carmen Instrumentalist Award as well as Outstanding Soloist Awards for the WIU and KU Jazz Festivals.

T.J. is married to his college sweetheart, Michelle. They have two wonderful boys, Sean and Logan. The Panula family enjoys rooting for their beloved St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Blues.

If you are interested in group or private lessons on any school band instrument from the woodwind, brass, or percussion family contact me today.

Musically,
T.J. Panula