I specialize in beginner to very advanced training in Songwriting and Music Composition.

If you are ready to start taking your music skills SERIOUSLY then stop wasting time and money on teachers who don't fully understand the instrument or subject matter themselves. My name is Russ and I have been playing guitar professionally for 20 years and teaching music and producing records for over 15. I have a Platinum #1 Billboard charting record under my belt, worked with artists such as Mac Miller, Sean Kingston, Red Velvet, Lifehouse and more; and have composed music to 100s of your favorite TV shows! Feel free to browse my official website for a full list of credits. Want to learn to shred guitar? Produce beats? Write your own songs? Dive into theory? Record yourself? This page is the one stop shop. Feel free to reach out with any requests or questions!

As an award-winning singer/songwriter myself, I am here to help you take your own thoughts and emotions and turn them into works of art. In our lessons, we will focus on learning the different types of song structure, accessing your creative brain, and using both words and melody to fully express the emotion or story you're wanting to convey. We will also learn how to make a polished demo, create lead sheets for musicians to play your songs, and how to envision the production of your song. I am so excited to start this wonderful journey with you!

Learn about rhythm, melody, harmony, and dynamics and how they affect your songwriting. Break down songs that you like to learn about the elements that make you like them and make them compelling to others.

If you are a poet, and wish to put your words to song, sign up for some lessons! If you've got a song in your heart, but no words to put to it, sign up for lessons! I approach song-writing from both angles!

In songwriting lessons, we will be going over song form, chord progressions, melody creation, rhythmic basslines, drum programming and much more!

Influenced by country music artists like Carrie Underwood and Faith Hill, along with pop icons Kelly Clarkson and Adele, Carolyn has used her big, powerful voice to create her own style that captures the true essence of country-pop. She released her debut EP in 2018 independently, which peaked during pre-order at #7 on iTunes Country charts. Since then, she has opened for artists such as Chase Rice, Ashley McBryde, Walker Hayes, and kicked off NY’s Country 94.7 Stars and Strings event at the Barclays Center starring Sam Hunt, Dustin Lynch, Chris Janson, Runaway June, and more. ‍ Carolyn released her highly anticipated single in 2019, and the track was named one of the Top 15 Songs at CMA Fest 2019 with features in Hollywood Life, Celebuzz, among others. Her last single was released to critical acclaim, with features in Taste of Country, The Boot, Sounds Like Nashville, and the music video was added into rotation on The Country Network. Splitting residency between New York and Nashville, Carolyn has begun to make a name for herself in Music City, being tapped "One to Watch" by the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and a Next Up Now artist by CMT.

Do you struggle finding your voice, understanding the current songwriting landscape, or pitching? Touted as a "prolific singer and songwriter" by edm.com with 2 Top 10 Billboard Charting songs, and over 15 million streams to my name, I have the experience and knowledge to teach you whatever you're looking to learn. I specialize in Pop, Dance, and Rock, for beginner through advanced students. I can't wait to help you with whatever it is you want to know! I'll teach you the fundamentals such as song structure and recording technique while we work on your songs. I can teach you how to put together a demo, and even get it to the finish line of release, whether you want to be featured, or you want another artist to release it. In addition to my 2 Top Ten's on Billboard, I've been in the press everywhere from Billboard to LA Weekly, I have had songs featured in film & TV, including the #1 2020 film "Infamous" starring Bella Thorne and the MTV show "Are You The One". I have toured all over the US. I also write for other artists. I work with the top musicians in the industry (Dave Aude, Grammy award winner, Larry Nacht, Grammy and American Music Award Winner). I know what it takes to make it in this business & I can help get you to the industry standard. I can't wait to start working with you!