Smithville Music Lessons

I studied: Alto, tenor and bass saxophone, clarinet, flute,and piano before I left high school. My band instructor and his wife gave me a wonderful opportunity to play in the Stage band in high school along with a special band during the summer. Their guidance and encouragement lead me into a wonderful College where I studied music. In 1970, I graduated from Adams State College now (Adam's State University) in Alamosa Colorado in 1974 with a B.A. in Biology and a minor in Music.

*** Lesson Details ***
I try to make it enjoyable for everyone and hopefully they learn and acquire the needed skills quickly in the process. I believe it takes a lot of positive reinforcement and repetitive motions to learn anything physical. Each person is different as is the speed they learn at, it all depends on a positive attitude and there dedication to try to do their best. The trick to learning is making it fun and wanting to keep doing it.

At first I introduce each student to various types of music. This helps them to recognize a rhythm, or understand alternatives to a difficult fingering. This helps with at home practicing, never let them get bored and not challenged.. I will be adding new music all the time for them to try. If there is something specific you really want to learn, I will help you with it. I will do my best to make sure that the piece is at your learning level or below. My goal is for them to succeed and not get frustrated in the process. Remember we can always use it later if it isn't just right for you now. .

I think sight-reading is very important. It develops a personal ability to read music (it pushes you to learn rhythm and note identification quickly) and this in turns builds more confidence in what you are doing. Now if we add duets to it, this will be even make more interesting and enjoyable. Usually the first time it seems hard, but we will take it slow and before long it becomes something that the student will look forward to. Reading music is the key to learning and enjoying music. Once this is done the student has had time to hear and beginning to explore. This is when a new and creative part begins with improvisation and learning to make your own music.It is simply waiting for your exploration.

The student will progress as fast or slow as they want. It all depends on how comfortable they are after each lesson. I will either assign a new lesson or use the last with something new to help you gain a better understanding of what was being taught and something new to learn each week. Each week will be different, and never the same unless that is what you want!

The student is asked to buy a lesson book for their instrument. A 3 ring binder with plastic inserts is also an excellent addition. to add the supplemental material that always seems to get lost somewhere? This book becomes part of your repertoire, maybe it will become your most valued and loved memories of how far you have gone.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Please bring your own instrument for your lessons, unless it is a piano :) I have a studio piano to give lessons on. Music lesson book is available for purchase for students individual instrument. I will furnish stands for the lessons.

There is parking and parents are welcome and encouraged to come in and join in the lesson or just wait, listen and watch. Its up to you,

*** Travel Equipment ***
Bring your books and instrument and stand if outside the studio.

*** Specialties ***
I have worked with special need students, along with the gifted students. Every student has to be taught differently.
This is one thing I have had to learned to do with 40+ years of teaching and raising my own children and grandchildren.

I have played all genres of music at one time or another, but my favorite is playing in a old style swing Band. There is nothing sweeter than a good old dance band with swing and blues. I have far more training and exposure on the woodwind instruments because of my background, but will teach the others instruments gladly. Music is a gift that needs to be shared with generation to generation..

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.

ssons to coaching to masterclasses, I cater to all skill levels, genres, and musical goals.

*** Lesson Details ***
Lessons are given in my studio. Lessons are tailored to your interests and musical goals, and can change and evolve as your own musical expertise improves. Call today to start your musical journey.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Fully equipped recording and teaching studio
Logic Pro X, Digital Performer, Ableton Live, Reason, and any other DAW you'd like to learn.
24-track recording capability, treated mixing environment.

*** Specialties ***
Guitar, bass, viola da gamba and other Early Music instruction (Medieval through 18th-century), specialties in Rock, Blues, Jazz, Country, and other popular genres. Lessons also available in piano, banjo, mandolin, recorder.

took private lessons in both middle school and high school. I received 1 ratings in both District and State Championships several years in a row. I have 13 years experience playing stringed instruments. My love for music and wanting to share that love, watching the teachers I had that were so dear to me and pushed me to be my best, inspired me. It inspired me to want to be a Music Teacher and share what I learned on my own and what I was taught. And to help others master the skills necessary to be ALL they can be.

h me and I take all student questions and insights with a humility to the wonders of the guitar. Take this exciting journey you've always wanted to take and learn to play the guitar beautifully! I am confident in you!