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Songwriting Lessons
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These Songwriting teachers are highly rated by students in the Valley Stream area, including Westfield, Woodside, Monmouth Junction, Somerset and Great Neck.

John R.

Pelham, NY 10803

(2)

Private Songwriting Teacher

Learn to write songs like a pro!

About John

*** Travel Equipment ***
I do not provide any equipment. I expect my students to have their own instruments, amplifiers and music.

*** Specialties ***
I am proficient in all guitar styles including blues, jazz, rock, folk and classical. I have a PhD in music and have been a professional musician for 30 years.

Reviews

December 14, 2018
Barb S.

John is a wonderful teacher extremely patient.
I highly recommend him

February 21, 2018
Dina

John was great

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John R.

Pelham, NY

(2)

Martin N.

Brooklyn, NY 11225

(1)

Private Songwriting Teacher

About Martin

Hello students and parents!

I have been teaching bass, guitar, and piano for over 10 years and have been playing all those instruments for over 12 years. I have experience teaching kids as young as five as well as adults. I enjoy having a variety of students.

I received a Bachelors in Music from Manhattan School of Music where my major was Jazz Bass Performance. I also studied a wide range of other subjects including piano, composition, and arranging. I also have a Masters in Music Education at Teachers College (Columbia University).

I am very passionate about music as well as teaching and I want to inspire my students.

I play with a variety of artists in New York City and have toured extensively both nationally and internationally.

I have performed with artists including Ethan Iverson, Albert "Tootie" Heath, Billy Hart, Gr

eg Osby, Jason Moran, Dave Liebman, Steve Wilson, Ambrose Akinmusire and Aaron Parks and have studied with teachers including Jay Anderson, David Grossman, Larry Grenadier and Ben Street.

I look forward to helping you grow as a musician and learning from you as well!

All the best,
Martin

*** Lesson Details ***
My primary mission is to help you accomplish the goals you have set for yourself. Within the first lesson I want to learn what you hope to achieve. I always ask my students what music they love and want to learn more about.

I want to use the music that you connect with to help you grow on your instrument. I will also teach you the techniques needed to play the instrument and expose you to the different styles possible on the instrument.

I tailor my teaching to each student's needs, concerns, strengths and weaknesses. I use a variety of teaching tools, including books and recordings, based on what I think will help you.

I am very patient, fun, and engaging. I guarantee that within 1 lesson you will feel inspired and ready to embark on an exciting musical journey.

*** Studio Equipment ***
The studio lessons take place in the living room with a piano, upright bass, and guitar. Seating is available.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I use public transportation. I expect the student to provide an instrument and if possible, the book we are working through. Otherwise I will provide the book.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in jazz, but can teach classical, rock, pop, funk, r and b,

Reviews

February 10, 2019
Joseph Occhiogrosso

I've just started with Martin and I couldn't be happier. He is very knowledgeable and attentive to details in our lessons. He posseses all of the basic qualities of a good teacher. I'm excited that I'm finally playing upright bass.

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Martin N.

Brooklyn, NY

(1)

Marie-France M.

Waldwick, NJ 07463

(65)

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Private Songwriting Teacher

Writing songs is almost like breathing for me. It is a great source of joy in my life and I've been helping others find that joy for many years. Whether you are a beginner or seasoned songwriter I can help you shape and improve your writing skills, find your way through writers' block and inspire your creativity to a whole new level.

About Marie-France

I have taught piano and voice most of my adult life. Early on I learned the need to adapt my teaching style to the uniqueness of each student, especially those whose perceptions differ widely from the general populace. I love what I do, helping each student discover and nurture their abilities, no matter what age the student may be.

The Holistic Piano method is especially effective with my Autism-spectrum students, a segment of the population I find particularly rewarding to teach.

The following is a quote from ex-student Karena Krull, author of "Drama Made Easy", and "Rummy Roots."

“Her greatest strength is her ability to find the right direction for each individual. This ability to adapt to the student's needs lends to individual success for student and avoids their frustration. If her current method or communication is

n't creating success for a student she will quickly change to another till she finds the right words or method to enable the student to succeed with the least amount of frustration.”

*** Lesson Details ***
I draw on a wide range of materials in The Holistic Piano (and voice) method. The curriculum may be color-based or number-based, we might focus on chord building or sight-reading, or Songwriting, depending on the student's need and desire.

*** Studio Equipment ***Private Music studio with glass door so waiting parents can see what's going on (though they can also be in the studio if they feel more comfortable.) I have a grand piano, 1 keyboard, and a variety of other instrument including hand drums, chimes, boomwackers, a chimealong and autoharp to enhance learning experience.

*** Specialties ***
Because each student is an individual, I approach teaching like a coach, custom designing a course of study for each student to meet their individual needs.

Reviews

December 20, 2018
Jason

I enjoyed my 2 sessions with Marie, at the end of my second lesson she offered to email me a list of acting/improv classes in NYC because everyone she knows was in NYC.
This was contradictory because initially she told me she just moved here and doesn't know anyone up north. And besides that, I expressed how happy i was with her classes which was down the road 35 minutes and not commuting to NYC which is over a couple hours.
Anyway, I am glad that I actually learned something and got to do exercises and not leave with the feeling that i wasted my money and most importantly my time like other acting coaches on here.

May 17, 2018
Hannah

Great teacher. Very encouraging and patient which is what an adult learner needs. She supports her students and gives them interesting contemporary pieces to learn (that is the genre we picked so we stay interested in practicing!). Thanks Marie France!

March 29, 2018
Jason

I enjoyed my 2 sessions with Marie, and from work she was a 35 min commute vs 90 mins to NYC.
With her I felt engaged, she was prepared, professional, stayed on topic and gave relevant critiques and feedback.
At the end of my second lesson she offered to email me a list of acting/improv classes in NYC which she did.
Anyway, I am glad that I actually learned something and got to do exercises and not leave with the feeling that i wasted my money and most importantly my time.

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Marie-France M.

Waldwick, NJ

(65)

Robert M.

West Babylon, NY 11704

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Private Songwriting Teacher

Anybody can play a musical instrument. It’s my job to help students become better at playing their instrument.
For example, making sure they use their fingertips to press on the strings so their fingers do not interfere with the other strings while playing chords. Using a metronome to improve their timing, etc.
I’m in the process of developing a leveling system to help monitor progress. For example level 1 would include open position minor scales and level 2 would include open position major scales. I believe this system will not only help monitor progress but also give students a feeling of accomplishment.

About Robert

*** Travel Equipment ***
I could provide strings, picks, and a notbook if neccassary, but i would expect them to have their own guitar, an amplifier would be good for students with electric guitars but it isn't neccassary, and possibly a notebook, a regular ruled notebook would be fine.

*** Specialties ***
My main Genres would be Rock/Heavey metal and also classical and acoustic. I believe everyone learns at their own rate but i like to teach music theory, as it applies to the guitar and also technique using exercises. Techniques would include finger picking, flatt picking and sweep picking. And other techniques such as hammer ons, pull offs, and trilling. Fingering styles and different ways of playing harmonics. I would get them going on scales and scale patterns, chords and chord patterns and Arpeggio patterns. I would get them to re

ad music, both notation and tablature, by learning to play songs and to also develope their ear by having them try to learn songs on their own.

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Robert M.

West Babylon, NY

Vincent T.

West Long Branch, NJ 07764

Private Songwriting Teacher

About Vincent

I have taught for 18 years, giving both private and group lessons. I am a professional musician, having played in numerous bands, recorded and played shows. I have taugh all ages, and all elvels, and all styles. I play a number of instruments including piano, guitar, bass, violin, banjo, mandolin, and harmonica, in addition to writing and singing. I took private lessons for over 10 years, and also studied music in both high school and college.

*** Lesson Details ***
A student can expect to be treated with respect, and have a lesson tailored around their abilities, interests, and amount of practice time. I make the lessons fun but also informative. I try to get to know my students so that they feel comfortable. I am laid back, but also determined that a student practice well, and learn not only the instrument but music fundamentals a

s well. I try to show students that learning music is a lifelong pursuit that can provide all types of fun and personal fulfillment, in addition to being a potential career and social outlet. After 3-6 months, the student will be playing songs, good ones, not just scales. They will also have learned basics, such as chords and scales, as well as sight reading.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Basement converted into music studio with instruments, and piano and keyboard. Parents can sit in on lessons. Street parking available.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide all lesson materials, listening examples, and, on occassion, an instrument. I often use my laptop to play songs and tutorials for students (who don't buy records like we did in the old days.) Generally, students must provide instrument.

*** Specialties ***
I tailor my lessons based on three factors: a student's interests, their ability, and their amount of practice time. I do not use a cookie cutter method of teaching because each student is different. I have studied, formally and informally, rock, pop, blues, jazz and classical. My specialties are rock and blues. On occasion, I will use method books, such as the Schirmer books for piano, but only if the student clearly seems to benefiting from them.

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Vincent T.

West Long Branch, NJ

Kris S.

Ridgewood, NY 11385

(6)

Private Songwriting Teacher

Learn what makes a good song work. We'll find out how to write songs that capture the emotions you feel.

About Kris

Music is a rewarding art with infinite depths - the approach you take to learn it should reflect this.

When you take piano lessons with me we’ll cover all sides of musicianship, with a focus on building creative ability. Your classes will be varied and fun, from useful music theory to piano exercises designed to build strength and coordination. We'll play a wide range of pieces from classical works to rock, from bebop jazz to indie pop, breaking the music down to learn why and how it works. And we'll work together to help develop your sense of rhythm, melody, and harmony so that you can sit down and truly express yourself in impromptu jam, join a group, write a song, or to feel comfortable learning on your own.

Reviews

July 23, 2019
Caleb

I had an excellent experience with Kris. He challenged me but also understood my specific circumstances and pace. He was flexible with scheduling and helped me greatly improve my piano playing in a short amount of time. We worked on arranged music and songwriting. I’d recommend Kris for all levels!

April 12, 2019
Margaret Ford

Kris is welcoming and encouraging. He knows a lot and seems to be able to explain it in a way I can understand.

March 8, 2019
John B.

Very patient, friendly and knowledgeable!

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Kris S.

Ridgewood, NY

(6)

Da-Rell T.

Brooklyn, NY 11221

(9)

Private Songwriting Teacher

I will show you how to make full usage of all literary aspects to come up with songs that are complete. Full of sound and meaning. Conceptual as well as catchy. I've helped many write songs for movies, albums, spoken word, and have also ghostwritten for artist. After lessons with me you'll learn how to really connect with words and music and how to allow others to see and feel that connection.

About Da-Rell

I am a hip-hop/house/contemporary dancer with professional/classical training, an academic background, and a passion for taking my students to the next level. I received my degrees in Dance, Psychology and Philosophy, and use these fields as a framework to help direct and assist students in learning how to train their bodies and minds in many different disciplines. I've lived in many cities and always learned each city's dance styles.
I can teach: popping, locking, waving, tutting, liquid, sliding, house, footwork, breakdancing, acrobatics, choreography, improvisation, and theatrical.
I can help you build your own style. A style that specifically pertains to you. I'll show you how to incorporate concepts, themes, and ideas, to tell a story, or to just express yourself through movement and rhythm.
I love teaching, and I love that look i

n a persons face after they get something that was tough. I love helping them understand what they could do differently to yield different results.
If you want to learn hip hop, house, or fusion- I am a very patient yet motivating teacher. I can be strict at times, but only when needed ;-)

Classes focus on ideas and concepts as well as ways to act them out. We learn how to utilize balance, emotion, finesse, attention, and focus to transition between movements. Exploring performing with character, style, technique, and form to develop their own individual philosophies on movement. We dissect different instruments and rhythms to experience them in different parts of the body. Integrating hip hop, ballet, modern, house, and martial arts into one cohesive style.
My goal is to foster artistic growth and to help you surprise yourself!

Reviews

February 7, 2019
Hananel B.

August 9, 2018
Frank L.

Da-Rell is a very knowledgable and sensitive teacher, who worked with our son who definitely needs this special attention. We are sorry our son doesn't live in Da-Rell's area.

January 10, 2017
Jordan B.

Da-Rell and I hit it off right away. In less than a day we already had a dance lesson planned, and we got right to it. Da-Rell has groove and is the number one recommended hip-hop dance trainer from the Take Lessons company. We went over moon walking, sliding / gliding, and other modern hip-hop moves. Da-Rell also helped film the dance moves on camera so I could keep the video as a study guide. Thank you Da-Rell!

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Da-Rell T.

Brooklyn, NY

(9)

Ben R.

Jersey City, NJ 07307

(5)

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Private Songwriting Teacher

I have written and recorded with a number of successful bands, including as the primary songwriter, and in collaborative arrangements. I believe equally in the importance of a strong theoretical background, and in the importance of subverting conventions.

About Ben

Hi, there! My name is Ben and I can't wait to meet you! I've been teaching private lessons since 2012 and have taught students of all ages from 3 to adult. I have experience not just with teaching but also with writing, recording, and performing music in successful bands and on multiple instruments and in multiple genres. I am comfortable teaching piano, guitar, and bass guitar, ukulele, and I especially love teaching music theory. I have extensive theory training at the college level and have written and composed extensively in the classical, rock, jazz, and folk traditions. I look forward to meeting you and helping you to achieve your musical goals.

Reviews

September 8, 2019
Kamal

Ben has been instructing my 2 kids (now aged 11 and 9) in-home for at least 5 years. We started off with piano for the first few years but then switched to a combination of piano and acoustic guitar (half a session dedicated to each instrument).

He is patient, kind, and highly knowledgeable. I clearly see the upward trajectory in my kids' musical capabilities. One of my kids can be difficult to deal with, especially when he is tired, but Ben would mold his approach to the lesson on the spot to keep my kid engaged (e.g., instead of continuing the lesson on the actual piano, he'd switch to a fun music-oriented game).

September 4, 2019
Lauren

I hadn't played a musical instrument since elementary school when I started Ukulele lessons with Ben. Ben started from the beginning, answered all my questions along the way, and built upon that information in each lesson. It wasn't in a didactic way, but in a way that was really customized to fit my Ukulele lesson goals. Ben's teaching style is very flexible also. I had some Ukulele lesson books I had been gifted and we worked from those. I didn't feel that I had to buy a bunch of additional equipment, books, etc.

I recommend Ben as a music teacher. He is understanding, encouraging, and inspirational. I am looking forward to continuing lessons with Ben and JC Instrumental.

August 28, 2019
Pam

Ben has been working with our daughter since January 2019, when she turned 6 1/2. He arrives at our home on time each week and he works with her at an age appropriate level. We appreciate that he recognizes the effort she puts into the weeks when she practices often and he gently makes her aware when she hasn't practiced enough. He always speaks with her in a kind way and with us in a collaborative manner. We all want her to enjoy her piano experience, and we are thankful to have found Ben just a few blocks away from our home.

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Ben R.

Jersey City, NJ

(5)

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Songwriting Reviews

Mike

"Fawn is my favorite music teacher. There have been real problems with the attendance of other teachers but come rain or shine Fawn is there. In 4 years I

have learned more about music - piano, songwriting and voice than through any other teacher. She has a professional, enthusiastic and kind manner and I wholeheartedly recommend her."

...

Georgia

"I love to write but then writing music seemed out of the ordinary. Well.... not any more! Thanks!"

Kathy

"Cameron has a wonderful gift for song writing, and really enjoys passing on the lessons he's learned in his many years of writing music and lyrics. He ca

n work with any level, beginner to adult, especially those interested in playing guitar and singing. You'll really enjoy his easy going teaching style and sense of humor. Cameron will be a great choice for you as a teacher whether you're looking for someone to get you started with songwriting, or if you're looking for some feedback about original songs you've already begun. Kathy"

...

John

"Very patient, friendly and knowledgeable!"

Paula

"Mimi is a very patient, compassionate, knowledgeable, and inspiring songwriting teacher. She does not merely give me a fish, she teaches me to fish. I wro

te one of my best songs while in lessons with her-most definitely several points above average!:)"

...

Karen

"Jordan is excellent at providing a smooth chord structure and consistent rhythm in an original song. He is a proficient guitarist and delivers an edgy lyr

ic style. He is a versitle adept musician that is also patient and relates well to his students."

...

Fiona

"Jan is wonderful to work with!

I worked with Jan thru skype while living in Australia on my songwriting and singing, she is a joy to work with really car

ing and helped me challenge myself to become a better songwriter. There were even days I woke up at 4am Australian time just to work with her! The whole experience was great! I then had the pleasure to work with her in person to record some of the songs we had been working on as I traveled to LA for a few weeks. Her techniques really helped me bring out certain emotions and I can't express how much I enjoy working with Jan."

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Gillian Renolds

"Wonderful and personal teacher. Really warm and lovely! I actually couldnt believe Mr Gunn is teaching lessons!! I have been a huge fan for years and I al

most fell off my chair when I saw his name....such an asset to the teaching world!"

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Paula

"Mimi helps me to gain confidence in my singing and songwriting and helps me feel good about the songs I write. She also helps inspire my creativity and gi

ves me good ideas for what I can work on. She is a very patient, knowledgeable, and compassionate instructor, definitely several points above average!"

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