Clifton, NJ Songwriting Lessons

g of their natural talent), and the Confidence (which is one of the most vital elements of performance).

*** Lesson Details ***
I have a very unique teaching style most would say. I'm very real, honest, upfront, and approachable. My feedback is constructive and insightful. I focus on technical singing, initially, to really establish a solid foundation for musicality and health longevity, then as progression is made, I put emphasis on performance methods. Throughout my lessons, confidence building is my main focus! Most of my students can attest that if the work is put in, the best results are put out! I teach many genres: Classical, Pop/R&B, Rock, Country, and Musical Theatre!

*** Travel Equipment ***
Piano

*** Specialties ***
Overcoming stage fright, Proper technique of vocalizing

ygen, TBS and more), commercials for Coca-Cola, Samsung and in video games.

In 2015, I signed a major label publishing deal with Fieldhouse Music/BMG played throughout Europe (and taught online lessons while away). Since 2016, I have released 3 singles and 2 EPs, for my own projects. I am currently endorsed by PRS guitars, Elixir Strings, & Godin Guitars/Bass Guitars.

I teach my clients in my creative and comfortable home teaching studio in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. I work with Vocalists/Singers, guitarists/bassists, pianists & songwriters/producers/composers in a wide age range, assorted skill levels with a variety of musical goals.

Some of the musical styles I regularly teach: Rock, Indie Rock, Alternative Rock, Metal, Hard Rock, Punk, Pop, Jazz, R&B, Blues, Funk, Soul, Classical, Folk.

I'm highly experienced as an online (Skype, Facetime and G+) instructor, teaching online lessons worldwide for the past 4 years to students who reside locally, nationally and even internationally.

*** Lesson Details ***
My students gain expertise in the following techniques and more...

Voice:

∙ proper breathing & breath support
∙ vocal placement / resonance
∙ diction
∙ vowels and proper modification techniques
∙ bridging registers & 'the high note'
∙ mixed voice
∙ vibrato
∙ vocal health/maintaining your voice
∙ touring, recording, performing
∙ screaming
∙ rhythmic singing
∙ writing songs/melodies/lyrics to suit your vocal strengths

Lead and Rhythm Guitar:

Chord voicing: triads, four note open/closed chord voicing, chord melodies, comping, strumming, finger-style, standard grooves in various styles.
Step-by-step approach to soloing/improvisation: major & minor scales & modes & arpeggios, triads, blues/pentatonic scales and "licks". phrasing & line development over simple & sophisticated harmonic changes.

Techniques including:
Alternate/sweep & tremolo picking, hybrid picking, slide guitar, hammer on/pull offs, (up to 8 finger) tapping, bending and whammy techniques, diagonal scale, arpeggios & note groupings and 4 finger scales.

Bass Guitar:

Right hand:
finger style, pick &
slapping/popping
Groove, rhythms and playing time
Time signatures, walking bass lines,
arpeggios, double stops,
chords & improvising
Writing bass lines.

**All of my students learn:

Sight reading (standard notation/tablature)
Music Theory & Ear Training
Rhythm / Timing (including reading rhythms)
Composition/songwriting

We will focus 1/2 of the lesson on repertoire and 1/2 the lesson on technique. Many of my students text/email me a few days prior to our scheduled lesson with a song selection for the week. I focus our lesson's technical study with the song in mind. It has proven to be very effective and makes the technique and theory are less "boring."

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have (7) guitars: including (4) electric, (2) acoustic/electric, & (3) electric bass
(2) tube guitar amplifiers, and various guitar effects pedals.

(1) full-size 88-key MIDI keyboard, (1) 61-key USB keyboard controller, and (1) Arturia MINILAB MIDI controller.

Also, I have an assortment of industry standard dynamic & condenser microphones for live performance and recording applications.

DAW recording software (Pro Tools 12.x, Logic 10.x, Ableton Live)
software synthesizers by Arturia, Fabfilter, Native Instruments, Spectrasonics, Steven Slate, Toontrack and more. I use plugin effects by Izotope, Fabfilter, Plugin Alliance and Universal Audio and Waves for many of my lessons and recording projects.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide a guitar, videos, music recording, music workbooks and everything else a student may need... I prefer for students to print chord/fretboard & staff paper and bring to their lessons... Although I can do it if they can't... Students should just bring a list of songs they wish to learn to our lessons and a desire to learn

*** Specialties ***

Rock, Pop, Indie/Alternative, Hard Rock, Classic Rock, Metal, Punk, EDM / Dance / Electronica, Jazz, Blues, R&B, Funk, Classical and more….I am fluent in the latest recording technology, songwriting/composition, performance coaching, career development. I will help you to find your unique voice, a polished and distinct sound, and your true personality as an artist.

I will recharge your passion for music and making music.

, training is applicable to any new skill.
Last and definitely not least, playing music is fun.

*** Lesson Details ***

I plan my lessons around getting students to enjoy playing music as soon as possible, whether that means learning how to strum a chord rhythmically, playing their favorite song, or how to take a blues solo.
There are steps that have to be climbed to do more complex things and I encourage students to practice a little every day rather than for a long time once or twice a week. Developing a love of music and steady practice habits are more beneficial over the long term than practicing until your limit.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I currently have a living room space where I can teach, but it's small so it might be preferable to travel to you.

*** Travel Equipment ***
If necessary I can provide amplification, cables, and a microphone.

*** Specialties ***
Jazz, Folk, Blues, Rock, Hip-hop, Funk, Reggae.

le schedule as to accommodate new students.

*** Lesson Details ***
I maintain a fun, understanding, patient, and straightforward approach to help you play what you want, while building essential techniques and skills using music of your choosing. In younger students this often perpetuates enthusiasm and develops taste. I also tutor music theory, composition, and/or songwriting, and upon request, will bring those skill sets into the lesson curriculum. I prefer to come to you, but am willing to host and have before. I will produce additional references and a resume upon request. If you commit to practicing and your lesson curriculum, you can expect noticeable improvement and a solid base of knowledge and essential skills, achieved through the music you love.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Upright piano; Fender Hot Rod 40W Tube Amp; Acoustic 15 W Solid State; Yamaha USB compatible keyboard; 5.1 surround sound with 40" monitor; Mac Mini; Multiple electric and acoustic guitars; USB Condenser Mic, Garageband and Logic Studio; Intel iMac; Buffet Tenor Saxophone, Yamaha Y-62 Alto Saxophone, Bundy II Alto Saxophone for rent

*** Travel Equipment ***
I have my own instrument, tuner, cables, etc. I generally expect my students to provide their own instrument, and be willing to purchase a few basic materials (book for lesson entries, one other instructional book). I'm a minimalist when it comes to this. I am always willing to consult on instruments, materials, or anything other query's you may have outside lessons, via phone or e-mail.

*** Specialties ***
As per my degree, I am especially knowledgeable regarding popular music, rock and roll, and jazz. I hold student recitals every year and I've had many students perform, as well as write their own music and gain a solid knowledge of beginner music theory. My education and experience have been comprehensive, and I am versatile within all genres of music.

Bass and musical director at Murderers Row
Blue Man Group….Chapman Stick, bass guitar and talking drum from 1991 to present including performing on the Jay Leno Show in 1994; ongoing gigs as sideman and leader (bass, guitar, stick and voice) in NYC from 1981 to 2015
Tom S. Trio on fretless guitar - NY
Fretless Guitar Festival, 2006

Solo bass CD- Quixotic
Brillliant Coroners CD
Otis Ball and The Chains - I'm Gonna Love You Till I Don't;
Dumptruck For The Country CD

Specializations:
Improvisation
Music Learning (Theory)
Music Technology (MIDI and Digital Recording)

*** Lesson Details ***
I am a laid back, but focused instructor. I use a variety of methods to best improve my students strengths and lessen their weaknesses. After three to six months , most students will be comfortable playing in rhythm and understanding basic harmony.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lessons in the music room, guitar, electric bass, amps, computer with recording equipment, protools, logic and ableton live

*** Travel Equipment ***
I will bring a bass or guitar. They must have an instrument and some form of amplifier.

*** Specialties ***
Rock, Jazz

, Ari Hoenig, Kurt Rosenwinkle, Tim Motzer, Adam Deitch and countless others. I have recorded with Lauryn Hill and have toured in China and the UK.

For last 6 or 7 years, my bread and butter has been theater. It really tests my versatility. I have been a sub guitarist on Broadway for the Tony award (best score, best orchestration 2008) and Pulitzer prize winning musical Next To Normal, The Visit on Broadway, first guitar at the 2010 Williamstown Theater Festival Production of critically acclaimed musical "The Last Goodbye" which features the music of Jeff Buckley (the first project licensed by his estate since his untimely passing in 1997), Be More Chill at Two River Theater as well as many other regional theater productions. Most recently I performed with the Orlando Philharmonic and a veritable who's who of B'way including Kelli O'Hara, Chita Rivera, Brian Stokes Mitchell and Norbert Leo Butz in Orlando at a benefit for the Pulse Nightclub victims' families. My main gig, however, is with The Midtown Men. It features 4 stars from the original cast of Jersey Boys on Broadway. We have played at venues all over north America including the Beacon Theater and NJPAC as well as having a PBS special and performances on the Today Show.

*** Lesson Details ***
Like my musical abilities, I am an extremely versatile teacher. If you need a strict program, I can "crack the whip", but if you'd rather just learn some tunes you like, without all the theory and technical stuff, we'll find a balanced program that works for your learning style.

I have been teaching for 18 years, so whether you're trying to make the high school all state jazz band, learning your new favorite song or anything in between, I can steer you in the right direction. I'll keep you motivated to improve and become the artist you want to be. With simple, clear direction from me and a little practice and hard work from you, we'll have you playing your favorite music in just a couple of months.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Dedicated to music, many guitars and amps, weighted casio, room for parents to wait

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide a guitar, but if a student is going to practice, I would think they would need to purchase a guitar at some point. I suppose I could bring an amp as well. Students should also have a manuscript book and/or a method book (depending on their level).

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in jazz guitar, but am experienced and well versed in rock, blues, classical, hip hop, R&B, funk and pretty much anything else.

Broadway/Musical Theater and any other vocal style!

Many, many of my students have gone on to place in the renowned Bergen County, North Jersey Regional, and All State Choruses and consistently receive leading roles in school, community, and regional theater productions! I also have current and past students who have gone on to have roles on Broadway including an upcoming production of Annie! I've also had students who have gone on to have their rock and heavy metal bands place in local and regional band competitions and be signed!

Whether you want to learn how to sing Karaoke better, audition for American Idol, prepare for auditions, or really seriously work on your vocal technique, i'm the teacher for you!

*** Lesson Details ***
Our lessons will be filled with music, support, encouragement and success! I teach to the whole student and we will get to know one another well so I can tailor your lesson specifically to your needs, goals and dreams! By taking lessons, you are taking an amazing step to improve not only your skills as a performer but also your self esteem! When you become better at an instrument or your voice improves so will your outlook! Its a natural fit!

Within 3-6 months, you'll have learned many standard warm-ups and vocalises that you can have in your back pocket for any opportunity that comes your way. If you are a singer, you will have learned how to breathe correctly for singing and implemented great technique into the style music of your choice. You will also have learned quite a few songs, starting from simple to more advanced as we go along!

For the beginner piano student, we will begin understanding basic Music Theory and scales. We will work on finger position and learn basic tunes starting with one hand at a time. soon you'll be learning how to play simple songs with both hands and accompany yourself as you sing along!

For singers, we'll learn about vocal techniques, breathing, relaxation and getting your best vocal sound and discovering how to perform a song with great diction and presence! We'll also learn performance techniques, how to work with a microphone, have a great stage presence in front of a live audience and begin learning how to read music and even get familiar with the piano keyboard!

All of my current students will say that they enjoy our lessons because each one is tailored to the individual and their goals. Its a wonderful and exciting journey that we embark upon together! I love seeing my students progress and learn over the course of our time together!

I encourage all of my students to get out and perform and i'm ALWAYS looking for opportunities for my students to do just that (unpaid AND paid!). Since music is a performing art I try to schedule two recitals a year with my students. These recitals are completely optional (but encouraged!) and take place in a local church hall or other performing space. They are done is a low stress and fun way ...and afterwards, i always provide some sweet treats for the parents and students that attend! Its a super fun way to display how hard my students have been working! Each student leaves the recital with their name and piece in a printed program and a certificate!

My studio is located in a safe, family home on a quiet street with ample street parking. The home is a smoke-free environment. We have a cute little Shih Tzu but not to worry if you have any allergies. He stays in his house downstairs and away from the studio and he never enters the studio room.

Let's make some music!

*** Studio Equipment ***
second floor up stairs, bathroom, desk, f/w keyboard seating for parents, method books, music stand

*** Travel Equipment ***
I will provide any necessary music books, pitch pipe, and possibly music stand. Student must have a keyboard or piano.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in the Bel Canto style of voice teaching. This means an easy and fluid voice that can be applied to ANY STYLE of music! Whether you want to sing pop, rock, musical theater, classical/opera I will help you to perfect your style and technique!

l influences range from The Blues, Pop, RnB, Rock and EDM. This range of music continues to influence his writing and vocal styling developing a sound that is truly unique.