Horse Shoe, NC Songwriting Lessons

40 students per week. I decided to move forward and take my musical experience with me to San Diego, where I currently teach, write, record, and perform my music with others who have similar goals and aspirations. I love playing in as many bands as possible. The main one I play in is called Quel Bordel. Some of the bands I've played in have given me the opportunity to perform with local and big named artists such as D.J. Artistic, Gary Wilson of Stones Throw Records, The Aristocrats, Terry Bozzio, Alan Holdsworth, and Tony Levin. As a full time musician and performer, I'm typically out gigging anywhere from 2-5 a week. As a teacher, I'm here to help you with where you want to be with guitar. Whether it's rock, pop, funk, hip hop, reggae, jazz, blues, indie, folk, and country, I can help you with the technical and theoretical side of things.

*** Lesson Details ***
My goal- To get you to become better than me. I find myself as an easy going teacher, and can provide that push when I see students getting more engaged in their lessons. I typically teach out of two main books, and it's optional for students to have their own copy of my recommended method books. I emphasize heavy chord vocabulary and steady rhythm. I believe that in order to be a good lead player, you would have to be a great rhythm player. As we develop technique, you can expect me to incorporate theory as to maintain an even share of the HOW's and WHY's. Moreover, expect to DO something with our lessons. Repetition is the mother of learning, and sometimes it comes down to the idea of 'monkey see, monkey do' before we can have in depth conversations about the application of your lessons in real situations. To me, music is very creative. So I'm a big believer on improvisation with both chords and scales. I believe in practical application when learning the songs you want to learn. So every student will have a unique way of learning the fundamentals only necessary to their personal goals.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Two small practice amps, cables, method books (personal copies), extra picks, extra guitar, music stand, blank sheet music/tabs for notes, extra strings, music stand, metronome, tuner

*** Travel Equipment ***
Music stand, extra guitar (if needed), blank staff/tab paper, tuner, metronome, battery powered amp, cables, extra strings (if needed), picks

*** Specialties ***
I primarily use Hal Leonard method books for beginners when it comes to reading and basic technique. For those who want to learn at the intermediate/advance level, I use the book called Jazz and Pop Guitar (chords and progressions) and Scales and Modes in the Beginning which can cover all aspects of chord theory and improvisation. I model my curriculum off of my prior lesson plans from my teachers ( based off of Berklee and GIT) My genres specialize in rock, funk, jazz, indie rock, folk, country, blues, pop

I also supply relevant exercises and music theory to accelerate the learning process.

Piano Lessons
I differentiate between concepts and skills, while stressing the importance of mastering both. As important as it is to understand the intervalic relationships in something like the major scale, this knowledge does little for the pianist if she or he cannot pick out the notes to the different scales in real time. In observing that each person demonstrates unique learning patterns and abilities, I have learned that some people will come to understand the conceptual through mastery of memorized tasks while some will succeed with technical mastery only after achieving some conceptual understanding.
Voice Lessons
Having first begun singing at 22 years old, I know first hand that it’s never to late to start singing. Having some experience in school but not fully as a professional till in my 20′s, I have learned from some of the top professionals in the South Florida area. My first vocal lessons was with Gloria Estefan’s back up singer Jon Secada. Jon has his first hit “Just Another Day” that stayed at #1 for several weeks. His one lesson really helped me use singing in my gigging around town. From that time on, I have used this technique for all my students. focusing on JUST BREATHING, has helped many of my students.

Teaching Sound Recording
Working in the early 1980s with recorded music and computers, I was introduced to the new wave of recording at its birth. At Miami Dade Community College, I taught and assisted students in Composition, Sound Development, and Sound Recording using Mac computers and PC’s. As of this day, I personally teach recording in Logic Pro, Bias Peak and Mastering using Waves plug ins and having finished products in Mp4 format and or CD’s.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Mac with logic pro software instruments, piano seating for parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
expect students to provide paper and pencil and put in practice time on their respected instruments at least 30 min a week

*** Specialties ***
Alfred,Hanon,Rubank Advanced Method for instruments.

h beginner to advanced students of any age. I also can provide pro and amateur electric guitarists an in-depth study of correct hand postures and left-hand/right-hand technique which can help to refine their overall technique and stylistic approach. I can also advise professional electric guitarists on their electronics, effects pedals, and amplifiers to achieve their own individual sound. I also teach Bass, and reading the Bass clef.

My teaching specialties include: Solfeggio, Sight Reading, Music Theory, Scales and Modes, Left and Right Hand Technique, Blues Progressions, Jazz Standards the Classical Repertoire, Flamenco styles, techniques and repertoire, and the works of Sor, Giuliani, and Carcassi, Brouwer, Aguado, Villa-Lobos, Sabicas and Paco de Lucia.

I have an in-depth knowledge of the stylistic approaches and techniques of such guitarists as Eric Johnson, Jeff Beck, Joe Satriani, Randy Rhoads, Jimi Hendrix, Robert Fripp, Adrian Belew, and SRV to name a few, and I can teach you the components they use to build their signature licks.

As a rule I only transcribe to give the students examples for lessons. I intend for all of my students to grow as musicians, so my lessons do not consist solely of transcribed solos and riffs.

I have a vast library of music, so I can draw from my own resources to teach you, or from a method of your choosing.

My schedule has a few openings right now. I do teach outside of my stated teaching radius, but ONLY at the 60 minute rate.

I teach people of all ages, from children to adults. I believe everyone is on an even keel, if they are willing and eager to learn.

*** Lesson Details ***
Emphasis on classical posture and technique.
Emphasis on sight-reading.
All students learn to play basic blues and jam
Technique varies depending on the particular style the student wishes to learn.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I presently don't teach in my home studio. I can bring a folding music stand or extra footstool if necessary.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide a limited number of learning materials such as copied exercises, listening or practicing CD on occasion. However, I feel that it is the student's responsibility to provide their own guitars, and the bulf of their own learning materials and necessary electronic equipment. This can include footstools, music stands, method books, amps, cables, pedals, etc.

*** Specialties ***
I've been playing guitar for 25 years, and this has given me the time to study, perform, and perfect many styles of guitar playing.

I studied classical and flamenco guitar with Robert Guthrie for 4 years before and after my studies in the SMU program. I've also played in jazz and rock ensembles since the age of 14. I studied with Chuck Pangburn, pro jazz cat, and Brad McLemore, an indie rock songwriter, early on in my studies as an adolescent.

I encourage most students to learn to play on a classical or nylon-string guitar early on in order to develop proper technique, posture, sensitivity, and sensibility. I also encourage all students to learn to sight-read at a very early point in their studies. Once, this hurdle is cleared many other challenges are easily surpassed.

Presently, I am developing a new method which incorporates solfeggio, blues and popular music forms, and improvisational playing. I also am exploring the vanguard of new guitar technology such as the Moog Guitar, analog effects, and various guitar synthesizers.

I try to introduce an understanding of music theory early on so that students develop a full comprehension of not only the written language of music, but also the sonic-aural language of music.

e instructed by a quality teacher. It's worth a try, isn't it?

Please note: I only accept weekly lesson students. Also, due to my performances, I'm not always able to this calendar up to date....so when you request a lesson time, allow me to communicate with you, if we need to adjust it a bit. It almost always works out if you don't mind doing that.

*** Lesson Details ***
All the students on my Student YouTube channel who have studied under three years, are practicing 2 hours a week, and you will have a similar result. That's 20 minutes a day, 6 days a week. Students under 5 practice about 10-15 minutes a day.

Please have an assignment book that lies flat, and keep it next to your music books as you practice between lessons. My instructions are very detailed to insure your best progress.

*** Studio Equipment ***
For on-line lessons, you will need a quiet place, and please test your sound and video prior to beginning of lesson. For students under 13 or so, do have a parent or caregiver taking notes while we work together.

*** Specialties ***
I have much experience with various learning styles, and in fact, am featured in a documentary made of one of my autistic students.

w music thoroughly, not just to “play.” I desire my students to comprehend elements of the score, to use their bodies effectively to make good sound, and to interpret music creatively and according to historical performance practices across all genres of music. Thus, I give students a purposeful education in technique, quality literature, performance and artistry, music theory, and music history.

Although students differ in ability and development, I maintain high expectations for our students. I expect attention and respect in lessons, faithful and diligent practice, careful adherence to instructions, and an “I’ll-do-my-best” attitude. If students regularly meet these expectations, then they will excel to the level that they are able. It is my joy to help students master their music, to do the best they can, and to strive for and achieve excellence.

Lastly, I want students to enjoy and appreciate their instrument, music, and music-making; and I know as as a teacher, I am very influential in making this happen. Students develop enjoyment of music by understanding music, experiencing success in music, being exposed to good and varied genres of music, and receiving instruction from a teacher who is enthusiastic and encouraging. It is my goal to provide all of these opportunities for students, and as a result their lives will be enriched as they enjoy their instrument.

nt specific curriculum. The experience should be fun and educational for the student.
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Various openings 9am - 10pm
Prices are negotiable depending on location

I encourage students to take one or two lessons per week at a regularly scheduled time. References are available.

"Aidan has been teaching my 12-year old son guitar for the last year. He started with the basics in technique and later worked with him on music appreciation. My son really enjoyed his easy-going and attentive nature and attitude. Aidan was always punctual and respectful of our schedule. I feel my son learned a lot about music and he enjoyed working with Aidan."
-Carol L

ecessary skills that demonstrate learning.

I'm excited to help you incorporate new skills into your life!

dent's own unique abilities, limitations, preferences, and interests. Whether students prefer, or do better, with traditional materials, playing/singing along with their favorite recordings, jamming with me, or anything in between, I am more than happy to accommodate and bring out each student’s best!

I teach real music -- students begin playing music they love almost from day-one. For example, many of my piano and guitar students pride themselves on learning to play every song on Beatles One ... playing right along with the CD! Reading, playing by ear, improvisation (jamming), singing while you play ... there are so many ways to play and avenues to explore in music.

**** MY STUDIO ****

My studio is spacious (very spacious – no cubicles here!), well-appointed, and very quiet. Unlike music stores and multi-lesson facilities, there are no other lessons on the premises, no drummer going crazy on the other side of the wall. This means students can concentrate better and learn faster. There is also plenty of room for parents and siblings who may wish to sit in on lessons.

**** STYLES / GENRES ****

I believe that students make the most progress learning music they love and I am very happy to teach every student the style of music he or she loves most.

My most requested genres are: pop, rock, country, blues, film/television, classic rock, jazz, and classical. Some students arrive knowing exactly what they want, but most are happy to explore various styles that interest them in search of the perfect fit. It is not at all uncommon for a student to spend part of their lesson polishing up a Beethoven piece or jazz standard, then finish up playing the chords to “Hotel California” along with the CD. Another student might start off their lesson learning a Taylor Swift hit, then move over to doing some blues improvisation. Variety is a wonderful thing and it is highly encouraged.

**** MY STUDENTS ****

Over the years, I have taught students from four years old to eighty-somethings. I’ve taught absolute beginners (most of my students start from square-one), hobbyists, seasoned professionals, even a Grammy nominee and a Grammy winner! Many of my young students have gone on to perform in school bands / jazz bands and/or professionally. In all cases, they acquire a skill that will last for a lifetime and provide joy, enrichment, and satisfaction.

Do you have a song or two in your heart. Contact me today and I will help you reach your musical goals no matter what they may be!

performers.

You see, reading sheet music is only a piece of the pie. When you add ear-training, active listening, performance training, multi-genre analysis, accompaniment and collaboration to the educational mix, students begin to understand and LOVE music.

Once students love music, there is no stopping them! Students practice and PLAY more, and they get better because of their enhanced practicing. It becomes less work and more PLAY!

And passionate students become PERFORMERS! Whether for audiences of one or hundreds, the satisfaction and sense of fulfillment is amazing, and THAT is why I teach. The rewards and excitement are mutual, for the student, for me and their audiences.

I have been performing and teaching for over 35 years and love to share my amazing musical experiences (and experience). It could change your approach to music, enhance your appreciation and understanding of music, and quite possibly change your musical life.