Clinton Music Lessons

me at school and home. My dad was a piano player and teacher so music has been a part of my life since day one and I want to share what I have learned. Everyone has a unique musical talent and I enjoy helping them find it. I believe that anyone can be an excellent musician. Playing an instrument should be a fun and creative adventure. Whether it's strumming at home, playing out in the clubs, or writing the next big hit, I will do my best to get you there!

My musical life began when I was in 5th grade and my dad bought me a saxophone, which I played for over 12 years. I quickly learned how fast I could improve if I simply kept playing with focus. When I hit my teen years I fell in love with rock music and mowed enough lawns to buy my first guitar. I jammed and wrote songs with many other musicians and several bands over the years. We played countless shows and released a few albums. Now I write and produce music and sound design daily for TV, Film and Trailers for companies like Disney, Universal, MTV, NFL and many more.

I started teaching 11 years ago and found that it is one of my favorite things to do. Helping others grow into great musicians is rewarding and fun. I've learned that from grade school to retirement, each student is a unique and special individual. My lessons reflect that fact so that we can reach all your goals together. *My personal goal is to get my students to understand and write music that will stay with them and encourage them to continue."

All lessons take place in a fully operational Digital Recording Studio and dedicated lesson room. Gaining real world playing experience with current technology is a definite advantage over traditional lessons. This also allows the student to capture ideas when songwriting and provides a unique playing experience. Imagine looking back years down the line, listening to something you wrote and hearing the improvements and your own personal music history. That's what writing and recording as you learn is all about.

*** Lesson Details ***
Everyone is different, and every lesson should be suited to fit the individual. Depending on the type of lessons (guitar, bass, music production, theory, etc.) the style teaching will be adjusted to fit. It's all about YOUR goals and needs.

Each student is going to receive lessons based on their preferences of genre and style of music they desire to play. I expect my students to practice regularly and have a good time as their abilities and knowledge grow. By working together, we can focus on goals and problem solving to get you to the next level of play. Most importantly, we are going to have a blast while we learn to play music!

*We'll start slow and build your knowledge base with each lesson.
*You can expect to understand what you are playing AND be able to write your own music is desired.
*You will be given everything you'll need to succeed including custom made drums and songs to play with so you can improve at home.

Let's start learning and improving today!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Fender Telecaster
Fender J Bass
Schecter 7 String
Schecter 6 string Hellraiser
Italia Modena Electric gtr
Danelectro U2
Peavey T60
Seagull Acoustic
Saxophone
Tambourine
Egg shaker
Line 6 Spider amp
Vox Valvetronix amp
Novation X-station
KRK Rokit monitors
Alesis monitors
Presonus monitor station
Shure SM57
GT55 Condenser
Ableton Live Suite 9
Guitar Rig 5
Superior Drummer
Dozens of Virtual Instruments
Music stand
Guitar stands
Mic stands

*** Travel Equipment ***
I currently do not travel. My studio is the #1 advantage for learning!

*** Specialties ***
*Instruments: Guitar & Bass -Rock, Blues, Metal, Indy, Folk and Americana styles.
*Production: Ableton Live, Recording, Mixing, Mastering, Programming, Virtual Inst, MIDI, Production, Sound Design.
*General Music: Theory, Songwriting, Producing.

an’t believe it was that long ago. That led me to teaching private guitar lessons at two different music stores as well as guitar class for an adult continuing education program. After a run of 15 years and graduation with a Masters degree in Adult Learning and Development I became a serious student of the guitar studying around the country and in Canada. During this entire time I performed as a working musician in several bands. I’m currently the leader of three different musical groups performing locally and mostly on weekends. I have a easy going personality and a user friendly teaching style tailored to the students individual needs. But most of all I just enjoy teaching and sharing my knowledge and experience with others.

*** Lesson Details ***
I can teach a student how to:
Read music and tablature
Form and play chords needed to play songs
Music Theory and ear training
Good Timing
Proper right and left hand technique
Both Lead and Rhythm techniques
Acoustic and Electric guitar
And I can help the experienced player break bad playing habits and advance to higher levels of playing.
I like to incorporate visual and audio aide as well as demonstration when I teach.
I use all or part of these teaching methods and more in order to enhance the learning experience. I always base my instruction on the needs, abilities and goals of the student..

*** Studio Equipment ***
Basement studio w/ guitar, amps, keyboard, pa system, vocal microphones and seating for parents

*** Specialties ***
Country, Blues, Light Jazz, Classic Rock, Motown, Soul. Lead and Rhythm Guitar, Soloing, Chords and progressions and reading music and preparing for performance. Vocals and Guitar.

ontrol, flexibility and range extension.

For piano lessons, I combine great technique with a lot of music theory. For piano lessons, I do require the student having 24-hour access to a piano or keyboard. It's nice to have an 88-key, weighted key digital piano or keyboard. If you don't have an 88-key instrument, you want to strive for that. I prefer the student own a 'real' piano, if possible.

When it comes to composition/music theory, I love making it easy to learn, so it is never overwhelming. Learning theory properly can open up a whole world of songwriting. Having a heavy background in composition, I love the creativity that can happen utilizing the tools of music theory.

I can teach students with some special needs. Please use the tool "Ask A Question" to correspond with me more about this. Thanks. Also, I do have 45-minute slots available, it may just not be reflected in my schedule, as the calendar doesn't allow me to show 15-minute time increments. I also have a rare time slot! An every other week time slot on Monday from 1:45 to 2:15. This is a rare occurrence, so if you are interested, I'd grab it ASAP. If any questions about my schedule, please just shoot me a question, I'll we'll talk about it!

My home studio is a fun, relaxed atmosphere and even though I focus heavily on technique, we're always going to have FUN learning and enjoy what we're accomplishing! Please keep in mind that when you schedule with me, I can only hold a time slot for one week for you. Also, if you are under 18 years old, you MUST have an adult sign up and pay for lessons for you. Thanks and I so look forward to meeting you!

with, I will work with your group to improve your cohesiveness and your musical style.

dents to ensure this happens. Music provides kids with discipline, and it works the creative and analytical sides of the brain at the same time. How cool is that!

https://www.linkedin.com/

including the Luther College Symphony Orchestra, the University of South Dakota Symphony, the Kent State University Orchestra and the University of Akron Symphony Orchestra. Dedicated to performing chamber music, he currently plays with and is the manager of the Cuyahoga String Quartet. Additionally, he has founded several ensembles including the Enigma String Quartet, the Rosen String Quartet, and several piano trios.

Andrew earned a MM in Chamber Music and Violin Performance from Kent State University where he studied with Cathy Meng Robinson (Miami String Quartet) and Jung-Min Amy Lee (Assistant Concertmaster with The Cleveland Orchestra). He studied chamber music with members of the Miami String Quartet and the Verve Chamber Players. Prior to Kent, he earned a MM in Violin Performance from the University of South Dakota studying violin with Dr. Eunho Kim and chamber music with members of the Rawlins Piano Trio. He earned his BA in Music from Luther College where he studied with Drs. Virginia Strauss and Jubal Fulks. Additional studies were undertaken with Frederick Halgedahl, Dan Auberbach and Maria Peters.