Astoria, NY Songwriting Lessons

tial scholarship to the Art Institute of Philadelphia, and relocated to NYC shortly after graduating.

Her unique music, performances, art and internet videos have won many awards and critical acclaim.

She has performed her music and written segments and songs for television (including ABC’s “Good Morning America”, MTV’s “I Bet You Will”, Fox News “Red Eye with Greg Gutfeld”, IFC's "Comedy Music Hall of Fame", HGTV's Flea Market Flip, TBS’s “Saving Grace” website and “The Tyra Banks Show”), radio (including "The Dr. Demento Show", "The Jackie Martling Show", WFMU's "Spreading Yourself Thin with Jessica D" and “The Opie and Anthony Radio Show” on SiriusXM, BBC’s “Loose Ends Radio Programme” and BBC’s “The Simone Show” in the UK), feature films (including “What Would Jesus Buy?” directed by Morgan Spurlock), commercially for major clients and also on stages across the US and the UK (including London’s prestigious Soho Theatre, NYC’s Irving Plaza, Joe’s Pub and The Bowery Ballroom as John Waters’ opening act, and LA’s Troubadour).

*** Lesson Details ***
Jessica brings a lot of fun to her lessons. She is like a cool aunt or a big sister who likes to have a good time but who also wants to teach you to play guitar or ukulele and sing, hopefully at the same time. Jessica's laid back style and attention to your needs as a student will help you reach your goals, whatever they may be. Together, you will go as fast or as slow as is comfortable for you. Jessica works with classic rock, pop, folk and all your favorite songs as your step ladder for learning. Jessica also can help you develop your own musical style and teach you to write YOUR OWN SONGS from beginning to end, if that is of interest to you.

*** Studio Equipment ***
amp, microphone, keyboard, guitar, ukulele, music stands

*** Travel Equipment ***
Guitar and Ukulele. Students can rent instruments initially but must get their own, as soon as possible

*** Specialties ***
Classic stringed instruments such as acoustic / electric guitar and ukulele, and several unusual instruments such as singing saw and electronic and standard autoharp, singing, songwriting and guidance on how to monetize your band, including acquiring sponsorships and arranging local and international tours.

***What Are Lessons Like?***
Student(s) and teacher sit together and start with the basics, then move on to learn others' songs (The Beatles or other classics are a good place to start) and then may even try to compose original songs, if that is of interest.

***Affiliations***
Women In Music
ASCAP
The Recording Academy, Associate Member
Comedy Musician's Coalition

artistic expression, interpretation, breathing, and finger and pitch placement techniques are incorporated into my music instruction. Cold reading, audition preparation and technique, Shakespeare, scene analysis, and business strategies are examples of topics that may be covered in acting instruction. Linklater (voice), Alexander, Williamson (movement), and Art of Practicing (piano) methods are also employed.

What are the profiles of my students?
My students come from different walks of life: children coming from school who bound excitedly to my lesson door; teenage artists who have the passion and vision but lack the technique; working adults who seek reprieve from the stress of work by singing/ learning an instrument that they've always wanted to play; and seniors who want a fun hobby to keep active. I enjoy teaching them and watching them master the fundamentals while developing their own performance style (or even composing their own music)!

What is my teaching style?
Based on feedback, students appreciate that I am a teacher with a warm personality whose supportive, passionate, and fun approach and effective techniques help them attain the following: 1) a firm understanding of the fundamentals of music theory or acting technique; 2) an ability to effectively learn how to perform and practice singing/playing/acting a piece; and 3) a style of performing that minimizes tension, produces beautiful sound or a dynamic character, and/or allows them to fully express themselves. After a few months, students should have sound knowledge of all three.

My students and I connect, in part, because I remember being like them. On stage, I started out dancing and acting; I delved into singing and songwriting and then fell in love with playing the piano. The day that I learned how to merge those passions (i.e. singing while playing the piano) was one of the happiest days of my life! Now, whether I'm performing Shakespeare on stage, playing Chopin and Beethoven, or singing while playing tunes by Whitney Houston, I still get excited. Hopefully, I fuel that excitement in you, too!

What is the lesson structure?
Due to the comprehensive nature of my teaching style and structure, students above the age of 6 take lessons for 60 minutes; 30-minute lessons are only available for children aged 5-6. If a student wants to learn how to play while singing, I am happy to help him/her do so!

*** Studio Equipment ***
My studio location in Manhattan is conveniently near Midtown, Chelsea, Flat Iron, Murray Hill, Union Square, Tribeca, and the Financial District in particular and is easily accessible via public transportation. It houses an upright piano and seating for parents.

*** Specialties ***
Acting: Meisner Acting; Theater Acting; Shakespearean Acting
Music: Classical Piano; Contemporary R&B & Pop Piano; Singing; Theory; Playing Whie Singing; Songwriting

***Pricing***

Thirty minute rates are for younger students only. Adult students are required to book 60 minute lessons.

mance major at West Chester University in P.A. for three semesters and it was there that I realized that I wanted to teach piano. I've always been extremely creative and patient, so I thought teaching piano would be a perfect fit for me and it turned out that I was right! I also have had many other jobs working with children, such as being a camp counselor and a nanny for several different families and now I’m a mom as well ! I decided I wanted to write and perform my own music in an original band as well. So I decided to leave West Chester and began several of my own original musical projects and solo performance acts. I've played the piano/keyboard, wrote music/lyrics, sang lead and backup vocals or did a combination of the above.
During this time I worked closely with other advanced teachers and musicians to gain other methods, styles and techniques of playing and teaching music. I found out very quickly that playing a keyboard while standing up is both stylistically and technically different then sitting at the piano,
I'm patient, creative, positive and fun to work with and I really enjoy teaching. I love working with children and I'm passionate about passing my love of music along to my students. I also love to explore improvisation with students and song writing if the student and parents(s) are interested. I myself try to always be open to change and growth. I feel that if you think you already know everything, that you’re not open to learning..and should be).
If you feel your child and I would be a good fit, please feel free to call me. I'm always open for questions and conversation. :~)

*** Lesson Details ***
I specialize in teaching classical piano to students of all ages, including extensive experience in teaching autistic, special-needs and disabled children.
Sensitive to individual needs and abilities, I prepare students with curriculum, lesson plans and weekly assignments on a one-on-one basis.
Curriculum may include technique, sight reading, theory, ear training, scales, NYSSMA and performance/recital preparation. Working with both students and their parents together we can determine individual goals for each student.
Scheduling is maintained and coordinated to accommodate students and their families.
In the first three to six months, my intention is to instill a good practice ethic.
Students will be positive and motivated towards playing their instrument.
They will have a basic understanding of theory, scales and technique.
Additionally, students will be able to play a small repertoire of pieces.

Whether you are a beginner or an advanced student, my lessons are organized, productive and most of all - fun!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lessons in a recording studio. Where you have a choice of an acoustic upright piano or a digital Yamaha keyboard. I also own a farfisa organ and a moog synthesizer.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I always try to get a feeling from each individual student as to which series of beginner books will work best for them. Obviously if the student is more advanced (and already working on a specific piece) please bring that with you to the lesson. There are so many beginner books to start out with. I like to have a lesson book, a theory book and a technic book as well. Once the student has learned the basics, I like to occasionally let them choose a fun song (pop or rock) as a reward for working on the classical criteria that I prefer. I find it helps keep them motivated to plat their favorite songs to their friends and have some fun. (even though that would be work as well).

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in classical music for piano study. I have taught the Suzuki method with a few very young students. I have also taught other styles such as rock and roll , some Broadway songs and top 40 upon request. I also teach some students different styles of songwriting techniques.

tarist & songwriter for a well-known touring rock band with a worldwide fan base and nearly 4 million You Tube views. I graduated from New York University with Bachelor's of Music in Jazz guitar and trained with the most highly respected rock/pop vocal coaches in the world. In 2015, I signed a major label publishing deal with Fieldhouse Music/BMG played throughout Europe (and taught online lessons while away). My songs have been licensed for national/international TV (E!, MTV, VH1, Oxygen, TBS and more), commercials for CBS, Nike, Coca-Cola, Samsung and in video games. I actively perform/record and tour with my (3) bands, and produce/cowrite with artists for their own projects.

I’m endorsed by PRS guitars, Elixir Strings, Godin Guitars/Bass Guitars, & Metaldozer Mic Stands.

Styles I regularly teach include: Rock (Classic Rock, Indie Rock, Alternative Rock, Hard Rock), Metal, Punk, Pop, Jazz, R&B, Blues, Funk, Soul, Classical, Folk.
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Lesson Details

My students gain expertise in the following techniques and more...

Voice:

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

Lead and Rhythm Guitar:

I've developed a step-by-step approach to learning to solo and improvise.
Using simple, "guitarist-friendly” techniques you will quickly learn and begin to apply major/minor scales/modes, blues/pentatonic scales and “licks.” You will learn triads, arpeggios, interval studies, and extensions and how to use them to create interesting and melodic solos. With my line development/phrasing techniques, you will have your own library of “licks” that will help you navigate both simple and sophisticated harmonic progressions. I will help you to become a become a well-rounded, three-dimensional guitarist with a unique voice!

A few of techniques I teach:

∙ triads / arpeggios
∙ strumming
∙ alternate/sweep picking
∙ tremolo picking
∙ hybrid picking
∙ scales/modes
∙ slide guitar
∙ hammer on/pull off
∙ (up to 8 finger) tapping
∙ bending / double stops / unison bends
∙ whammy bar techniques
∙ diagonal scales,
∙ arpeggios & note groupings
∙ 3 and 4 finger per string scales
∙ fingerstyle
∙ Jazz scales, chords including
4 note open/closed voicing
7th, 9th, 11th, 13th chords
∙ chord melodies
∙ rhythm and grooves of various styles

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. Students are only expected to bring a desire to learn. :)

Specialties

I am a performer with a ton of touring/stage experience, a composer who understands the art of writing and a producer who is fluent in the latest recording technology. In addition to technical studies, my students receive 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 am 100% committed to making you a success!

I will ignite a new, or recharge/rekindle your passion for music, and to sing/play the music you love a lot better!

de myself on being very open minded in terms of musical taste. Never apologize for liking what you like! I bet there is something in that music which is great. I can't wait to learn something from the music you introduce to me.

I be glad to provide a full resume to anyone who requests it.

*** Lesson Details ***

My most important goal for each student is that they get to where they want to be musically.

I want the student to be able to play the way he or she wants to play. If you want to learn to play one song, that is great! If you want to learn to play one classical etude that is just as great! If you want to learn how to play in a salsa band, bravo! I treat the desires of my students as my curriculum. Each student will receive special prep time from me each week. I pride myself in taking the time and energy to prepare for each meeting. Every time you complete a lesson, it is my hope that you are walking away as a better musician.

In the beginning I hope to find what will musically interests you the most. Usually, you might have a goal that requires you to play on a higher level than you do presently. If that is true, we might take some time to figure out a road map to get you to that place. Along the way, I'm sure you and I will learn many new concepts and techniques that aid you in becoming the bassist/musician you want to be.

And rest assured, the teacher always learns from the student...this is the best part of teaching: learning from the student.

*** Studio Equipment ***

Studio: 3 electric basses, plenty of amps and chords, one acoustic bass, piano, ukulele, guitar, computer playback and recording.

*** Travel Equipment ***
As requested

*** Specialties ***
I have been lucky to play tons of different types of music. I believe I can give musicians and aspiring musicians a deep understanding of what is most important in many different styles of music. Music I have been lucky enough to study and play professionally: Jazz, Rock, Funk, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, Blues, Classical, Pop.
I'm also a very good transcriber, so if there is a song you heard on the radio we can definitely play it! Ear training could be an area in which I could be of service to you as well.
I have many arranging and composing credits and I would be glad to help students in this area whenever requested.

aim as I have continued to tour the world. I have opened for legends such as David Bowie, Ron Sexsmith, Robyn Hitchcock, Morphine, Bob Mould, Freedy Johnston, among many others. I have produced over a dozen albums by other artists and songwriters, and composed for major motion pictures including last years film, WON’T BACK DOWN starring Maggie Gyllenhaal.

“In a career spanning more than 20 years, he has established himself as one of America's great under-the-radar songwriters. Had he emerged five decades back, he might have been a Tin Pan Alley stalwart, turning out intelligent, accessible songwriting with the clockwork genius of and Gary Goffin. His work is rife with the clever, incisive tunefulness that marked that era.”-- National Public Radio

*** Lesson Details ***
Students can expect to discover or re-discover their love for music and and their own natural musical inclinations. Many students report an increased sense of joy and possibility in their own lives. Curriculum depends on level of student, but is focused on being able to play favorite songs, develop comfort and ease in playing style, and accessing creativity and originality in approach. After 3 to 6 months working with me, most students can feel comfortable calling themselves a musician!

*** Specialties ***
I teach mainly guitar, keyboards, ukelele, and voice from beginning up to intermediate. I try to incorporate songwriting into the process as i find that it speeds up the process and helps to encourage enthusiasm and a more focused effort and better results. I am fluent in most styles but come from a folk, rock, country, pop background. I also have a home studio and use recording techniques to develop style and vocal ability.

each student individually, catering to specific goals and needs that we will decide upon and plan together. Some students want to seriously study a craft. Others want a hobby that will be fun and interesting. I have had success teaching to both, and will impart basic fundamentals and musicianship to all types of students.

I see my primary job as keeping the student inspired, intellectually fed and sprinting in the right direction. The student's job is to do the work. Daily practice is essential to move forward in any craft.

*** Studio Equipment ***
My Brooklyn studio is a dedicated music space with two drum sets, PA, amplifiers and recording capabilities.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I will provide books, a drum pad, sticks or mallets, an iPod with two sets of headphones, and a metronome. Additionally, I can bring small hand drums, special instruments and percussion that might be needed for specialty lessons. I expect students to have some sort of pad or drum to practice on at home; a full drum set is not necessary.

*** Specialties ***
Drum set (rock, jazz, R&B, folk, pop, electro, Afro-Cuban)
Snare drum
Timpani
Two- and four-mallets (marimba, vibraphone, xylophone)
Accessory percussion
Frame drums
Traditional samba
Afro-Cuban hand drums
Japanese taiko

of Brazil,  receiving TV and radio coverage. He has also done workshops and performed at the Conservatory of the state of Pernambuco. In August 2004 he performed weekly at Rio Scenarium in Rio de Janeiro. His Band Brooklyn Brazil Bop has played at Joe's Pub as well as Central Park Festival. His band the Brazilian Acoustic ensemble performs periodically at 'Barbes' an important performance space in Brooklyn NY. In 2007 he gave a successful jazz workshop and concert in the city of Florianopolis Brazil. Billy has been awarded 3 prestigious composer's residencies 2006 - Yaddo and 2007 - The MacDowell Colony. He was featured on the PBS news hour during his residence at MacDowell. In 2008 he was awarded another MacDowell residency and followed this with a 3 hour appearance presenting his compositions live on WKCR Jazz Radio and another live radio appearance with band in 2010. Billy regularly plays in many venues around NY in Jazz trio settings as well as with Brazilian vocalists and instrumentalists. Most Recently his groups have been performing at the famed Cornelia Street Cafe in New York City. He also specializes in solo guitar and can double on percussion (Pandeiro) and Cavaquinho. Billy has completed two CD's of his original music and an EP of his original Choro music. He has a BFA in Jazz Performance from CCNY.

Testimonials:
From Coda Magazine August 2012: by Seton Hawkins

Through outstanding collaborations like the Brazilian Acoustic Ensemble, guitarist and composer Billy N has emerged as a leading exponent of the music of Brazil. Exploring far beyond the well-trodden bossa nova path. Billy unearths the full range of styles the country offers, including choro, baiào, valsa and samba, and gives American audiences a rich panoramic glimpse into Brazilian art, highlighting its parallels with progressive jazz.

A recipient of composers residencies at Yaddo and MacDowell Colony, he is the curator of a three-day series at the club dedicated to the country's music. Billy will showcase his own group—a sextet with drummer Matt Kane, bassist Leco Reis, saxophonists Michael Attias and Eric Schugren and trumpeter Ben Holmes—in a concert primarily featuring his original works. SH

Reviews of my Book on Alfred Brazil: Guitar Atlas,  I love this series and this is the best of the six titles I have. Billy really knows his stuff; the analysis of time at the beginning is superb: something I now use in my teaching. This is definitely for intermediate and higher guitarists, but the pieces are worth the effort to get right, and the accompanying CD shows you what you are aiming for. This is as good as my other Brazilian guitar book (by Nelson Faria) and much more compact and easier to follow. Highly recommended!

#2

This book is essential homework for students of Brazilian guitar. It is one of the best resources out there, along with Nelson Faria's "The Brazilian Guitar Book." The original etudes are not only instructional, but are nice pieces in their own right. An excellent value.

*** Lesson Details ***
I've taught all levels over 20 years both in NYC and Brazil. I work with the material that the student wants and also through recordings and charts introduce much music that the student might have been unfamiliar with. My lessons are catered to the individual. There is no obstacle anyone has that is too great to work through. My approach to rhythmic training has helped many. I have simple way of breaking down the guitar fingerboard which can used as a guide to learn harmony. I'll get you into the horizontal aspects of guitar, traveling across the neck, making music across one string as well, mastering the guitar in a small fret range - " vertical position playing".

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have guitar for the student, either electric or nylon. Cavaquinho students bring their instrument. First time students must bring their instrument so I can see what they are playing on.

*** Specialties ***
Brazilian Fingerstyle - Choro, Samba, Baiao Solo
Jazz Guitar - Pick or Fingers
Beginning Flamenco
Cavaquinho
Improvisation for any instrument
Harmony and Theory