Name: Learn 2 Play: Somewhere Over The Rainbow with Gregory V
Uploaded: 2022-10-14T08:49:03.000Z
Duration: 17 min 27 s

Get ready to jump in and have some fun as we learn the song that made everyone want to play the ukulele; Somewhere Over The Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole. In this first in the "Learn 2 Play" Series of awesome Ukulele song tutorials, Gregory V breaks everything down for you-step by step, and with a slice of humor on the side! You'll learn a series of chords, how to memorize any chord, the strum pattern, a hand strengthening exercise and more! Let's do this! Have fun!

Ukulele

Los Angeles native currently looking for New Students who are excited about taking that first step and beyond! The most direct & illustrious methods to unveiling one's musical dreams!  Empathic & motivating instructor bringing out the best in you and quite possibly the unexpected! I teach Voice, Guitar, Piano, Ukulele, Music Theory & Songwriting.

I am a  Singer, Guitarist, Keyboardist, Songwriter & Director of Voice & Music blessed to have worked with artists & group members of The Supremes, Prince, Motown, Tom Petty, Parliament/ Funkadelic, Alice In Chains, Black Crowes, Smashing Pumpkins & private instructor to family members of Rod Stewart, Earth Wind & Fire and more.

Mission Statement: To provide the  most direct & illustrious methods to unveiling one's musical dreams! A coaching, teaching and learning style that's hand- tailored for YOU... keeping things on the level of being original and authentic to who YOU are, and what YOU may have to say.

Just to be down ti earth with anyone reading this, realize I'm not a name dropper type person who's trying to outshine anyone or whatever... Im just grateful to have experienced a lot of things I set out to do and got to work with a bunch of my heroes..

Anyway, I'm pretty easy to be around because I don’t judge and am open-minded. I tend to bring out the best and often unexpected aspects of music in my students by providing some sort of God-given motivation, patience &!understanding.

A lesson with me is much more than working on your vocal or instrumental ability. We are going to pick the perfect song for you to work on while learning and becoming confident with the techniques. I want to make sure you not only sound great, but look like a confident performer whether you are onstage in front of thousands, or at your friends wedding to sing a song that you’re totally nervous about doing.

Depending on your goals or time line, I am pretty easy going and flexible esp. with emergencies should they arise, as long as we make it up within the month has been my policy from the beginning. 

Within the first month you can expect to learn: 

Voice: 
 proper breathing & breath support 
vocal placement / resonance 
diction / vowel modification 
bridging registers & 'the high note' 
mixed voice 
vibrato 
vocal health/maintaining your voice 
touring, recording, performing 
screaming and real rock singing
rhythmic singing 
writing songs/melodies/lyrics to suit your vocal strengths 
Mic Technique and 
Pop Performance styles and techniques
Yoga for singers
ear training
music theory/ music knowledge
composition/songwriting
intonation / resonance 
proper breathing & breath support
diction 
Interval training
Major scales in one octave
Harmonisation 
vocal placement 
       understanding chest / head voice 
       bridging registers & 'the high note'
       vowels and modification techniques
edgy/bright 
           /clean/distorted
vibrato 
screaming and rasp (properly)
Elizabeth Sabine Voice Strengthening Method

Guitar:
I’ll make certain you're working with the right guitar for you and your size, style etc.. I'll lower the action  if the strings are too far from the neck, which is the case 99.9% of the time with nearly all guitars (making it hard to fret a note or barre.) We can even spend 20 min of the lesson changing the strings to one's more well-suited and this will be a necessary skill you will learn.
You will be given a  step-by-step approach to learning the instrument as a whole, yet in a slow, considerate to your learning pace-fashion..You'll get into it.
I'll be giving you different warm-ups and exercises which induce strength & flexibility & knowledge & technique.
Learning songs or working on developing your own song ideas
Scales, modes, shapes and patterns and how to use them to improvise 
How to play with soul and not sound sterile or mechanical.

Piano: 

I am not your typical piano teacher. I don't use a method book. We will learn to read music but primarily we will be communicating old school, learning how to use both hands on the piano and voice them in a way which looks and sounds like a pop/ rock/ R&B, gospel and blues piano player/ keyboardist and not a classical pianist.  I was trained by a Motown musician and songwriter be versed in music as to be able to speak and communicate it as natural as a 2nd language! You will learn how to read and write chord charts, melodies and rhythms and have the ability to play songs & musical motifs in all 12 keys, improvising within the structure. 

Soon you'll feel a new sense of limitlessness and power when practicing, playing and performing.

Many students have gone on to form their own groups and work with major artists around the world. Within the first few lessons, you'll be able to know your way around the keyboard, and as time goes on you'll be able to naturally play what you want. I specialize in Pop, Rock, R&B, Country Metal, Music Theater, Electronic & Gospel to name a few however nothing except for classical music is off limits. I have decades of experience teaching students of all ages and experience levels. 

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide portable keyboard, acoustic or electric guitar, access to any songs online with a clear sounding wireless speaker, learning documents provided free to you along with copies of either digitally or via paper notepad or music sheets, etc.. 

V. Voice & Music - To connect with you on the path of discovering your musical dreams and guiding from an open, experienced mind so as to realizing your objectives and possibly bring forth the unexpected!

Learn 2 Play: Somewhere Over The Rainbow with Gregory V

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Music

Broadway Singing

Guitar

Singing

Music Performance

Songwriting

Acoustic Guitar

Music Theory

Piano

Speaking Voice

Accompaniment

Audition Prep

Blues Guitar

Ear Training

Country Singing

Electric Guitar

Vocal Training

Gospel Singing

Choir

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

MTAC aspires to be the recognized leader in (1) Student Programs, which make a positive impact in the quality of music education and in the lives of music students; (2) Member Programs, which inspire quality teaching, the pursuit of ongoing teacher education and member involvement with community outreach; (3) a thriving Foundation, which funds Student Programs and member needs through its investments, donations, and grants.

One of three United States performing rights organizations, along with ASCAP and SESAC. It collects license fees on behalf of songwriters, composers, and music publishers and distributes them as royalties to those members whose works have been performed. In FY 2013, BMI collected more than $944 million in licensing fees and distributed $814 million in royalties.

Certificate of Appreciation

A course completed while teaching voice & music at an after-school program for children & teens in NoHo Arts District.

CalSAC-The Role of Staff in Behavior Guidance

Playing music as a very young child and began teaching at age 15. Confident & encouraging in situations -sensitive and open to student as an individual, I regard this to be vital for their self confidence and artistic style.

Teacher/ Musician

Singer, Guitarist, Songwriter & Director of Music blessed to work with such artists & group members of The Supremes, Prince, P-Funk, Motown, Alice in Chains, Beck, Black Crowes, Stylistics, Tom Petty & personal instructor to families of Rod Stewart, Casey Casem and Earth Wind & Fire.

Musician/ Teacher

English

You, or your child will LOVE their new Ukulele teacher!

Gregory is awesome!  He has increased my daughter's confidence with singing.  Provides great and honest feedback. He is here for you to improve for sure!

One lesson and already playing MUSIC!! With both hands on the piano!! I’m sold!! Can’t wait for the next lesson, LOVE his teaching style!! highly recommend!!

Seemed like a great teacher.

Alot of missed lessons due to his studio not being ready 

Had a few lessons and just left me hanging and we never got back to  studying theory  :(

a musician who knows how to share knowledge

Definitely the MOST AMAZING teacher EVER! He explains things thoroughly and makes me progress at a very good pace. If I don't understand something, he explains things in different ways until I get it. He is lively, fun, and passionate about teaching and encourages others to learn their favorite instrument. Very knowledgeable. I look forward to taking more lessons with Gregory!

Super! my 2nd lesson here and Gregory really made me feel welcomed into the group. First time taking a group lesson for music and I wasn't sure how it would go but I really like the format!

Greg is an amazing guy, he encouraged me a lot to use different view to learn music. And this way is in fact, very efficient and very fun to learn. I’m really glad I can find such a great teacher and I definitely suggest to learn with him!

He was a great help for improving my foundations for singing. Really nice and good to work with.

Gregory is really amazing to work with. He’s always patient and encouraging, making sure that I am understanding and able to play what he’s showing me. I feel comfortable working with him and his positive attitude helps build my confidence during each lesson. His style of teaching is fun and very effective. I feel so fortunate to have him as my teacher.

Greg is really amazing to work with. He’s always patient and encouraging, making sure that I am understanding and able to play what he’s showing me. I feel comfortable working with him and his positive attitude helps build my confidence during each lesson. His style of teaching is fun and very effective. I feel so fortunate to have him as my teacher!

I knew immediately that Gregory was the most appropriate teacher/instructor for me. He was cheerful, patient, encouraging, and kind. I'm a quick learner but insecure and impatient with myself. Gregory made me feel at ease right away. I encourage anyone that is yearning to learn a new skill, no matter what age you are, that you choose Gregory. I can't wait for my next lesson! 

I appreciate Gregory because I favor a relaxed/spontaneous approach and high-strung as I am, I felt at ease with this talented tutor who allowed me to EXPRESS my goals.  I'm an individual who APPRECIATES other creative individuals that partner with me to help dredge out potential.  Thank you, Gregory The Great

I had my first lesson with Gregory and I was slightly nervous. He put me at ease immediately. He has a very relaxed approach and a good sense of humor. I like his technique of teaching straight off the bat. Not stuffy or intimidating. He has a great set up and sends you home with paperwork of what you’ve learned so you can practice.  Recommended.

Gregory is the real deal! I have known him very well for many years, and can say he is very talented & trustworthy.  He is not your everyday typical teacher. So if you are looking for creativity, experience and something different, he is your guy!

Gregory was professional and enthusiastic for our son’s first guitar lesson!  I had a super great first impression of him and we are excited to get to m ow him more!

A different and unique kind of vocal warm-up created for male singers with an edge. Great for all levels and ages. Works on only the lower registers if the male vocal range. Look for Pt 2 & 3 for mid-range and upper registers (coming soon!)

Gregory V.

Learn 2 Play: Somewhere Over The Rainbow with Gregory V

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