Columbia Station, OH Songwriting 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.

ers.

Because of my experience and educational background, I am able to help my students learn what they "need to know" in order to play the songs they want to play. Students will benefit from my unique teaching methods. I won't waste any time learning things that don't apply to your personalized objectives. You tell me what you want to be able to do and I will teach you what you need to know to get there. I have a easy going personality and a user friendly teaching style tailored to the students individual needs.

Here is some more information about my experience and educational background.

I've been a working musician almost my entire adult life. I'm performing around 60 gigs a year in three different bands. Each band I perform in is different and unique. I also perform from time to time as a soloist. When one dedicates their life to music the way that I have, it's not hard to find work. I have more work than I need. I love playing music so much that I now do it for the pure enjoyment. It's really difficult to do all the music I enjoy playing with just one band, that is why I play in three.

I’m am a student of the guitar as well as a teacher. You never stop learning. I'm also a Husband, Father, Son, and yes a grandfather.

Here is a little about my musical background. I started teaching guitar lessons to a few students in my home in 1978. Wow can’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 am also a singer and songwriter. In 2017 my band Canyon Wind released our 3rd Album of all original music. I wrote or co-wrote all the songs.

*** 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, Bluegrass. Acoustic and/or Electric guitar and Ukulele.

The Ukulele is a unique instrument and it's amazing how easy it is to play when you've developed great technique the way I have by playing the guitar. So if you're a guitar player and would like to branch out on the Ukulele I can show you how. Even if you don't play the guitar or have a desire to I can teach you Ukulele if you're a beginner. It's a fun instrument to play.
Right and left hand technique is so important. I spend a lot of time making sure you develop great technique. It's amazing how many guitar students come to me with bad technique. I can help you clean up your playing by developing proper technique.

I can teach people how to play both "Lead and Rhythm Guitar, Soloing, Chords, strumming patterns, chord progressions, and a little finger picking. I teach how to use a plectrum, which is also called a pick. I'm primarily a flat picker when playing lead guitar and I love strumming away at playing rhythm. Learning how to play lead guitar is fun but when you think about it 90% of most tunes is made up of playing rhythm. It's so important to learn how to be a great rhythm player. In a band they call it playing in the pocket. but if you are a soloist supporting your own singing or in a duo where you are accompanying a vocalist playing solid rhythm is a great skill to have under your fingertips.

If you write your own music I can teach you music theory. You want to learn how to write your own music. I can guide you and teach you how to develop song structure, hooks and great melody lines to your tunes.

On the guitar most guitar players play by ear but if you desire to learn how to read music I can show you. I coach both singing and playing as well as preparing for performance. Both on vocals and guitar. I have never had just a vocal student but I encourage students to sing while they play. So if that is there desire I can help. I'll show you how to play guitar scales you can use for vocal exercises. While studying voice at Baldwin Wallace I learned how to play the vocal exercises my teacher was showing me on guitar. I can pass this knowledge on to you.

If you play in a band, or desire to play as a duo or soloist. I have the experience to guide you along your path. There is an art playing with others that can't be overlooked. If that is the direction you want to take your in good hands with my guidance.

Some of my students just want to play in the comfort of their own home. Maybe only with their dog or their significant other listening. They find great joy in doing this and have no desire to ever really perform in public. And that is GREAT! When you break it down to the least common denominator, we do this for the love of music. I love music and the joy it brings to my life. You can experience the same joy that I have so why not let me help you? Let's face it.... is there really a better instrument to learn than the guitar? From my perspective there is not. And it's never too late to start.

man and father of two, I also I earn my living and support my family with music. I have a very student-driven teaching style, work with students of all ages, with focus on helping the student achieve his or her individual goals, small or large. I try to keep the lessons fun but focused at the same time.

I bring a balanced and personalized teaching style to my lessons, based on a well rounded education and wide range of real-world life experience. I have a B.A. in Liberal Arts and have performance experience on many different fronts, from local rock cover bands to Top 40, from acoustic soloist to fronting a nationally touring Metallica tribute.

I come from a musical family - my father is also a pro musician. The biggest thing I've learned as a teacher of guitar, bass and voice is teaching the instrument has only made me a bigger student. The learning process never ends and that is one of the great things about music.

No matter where you are with the instrument - a beginner picking it up for the first time, or a seasoned pro of 10 years that just needs help "putting it together," I believe I can help you to get wherever you want to go.

Regarding availability - make sure to inquire if you don't see a time open that suits you - I am flexible. I perform 4-6 times a week and teach full time. Flex lessons tend to work very well.

he Boston and Philadelphia area.
In 2011, I successfully obtained my master's degree in Jazz Studies from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. The master's program was an intense submersion in music performance that shaped me into the musician that I am today. I was lucky to study with Don Glanden, Mike Kennedy, and Kevin Hanson.
I am also well versed in computer recording software and DAWs. I teach students how to use software programs such as Logic and Reason as well as notation software like Sibelius and Finale. With some basic training in these programs, I can teach a student how to effectively record and produce professional quality recordings so that a student can write, record, and produce their own music.

*** Lesson Details ***
Because I've studied with some legendary teachers who have taught some legendary students (like John Mayer), I'm able to pass on to my students the same knowledge that these incredible teachers passed on to me. I guarantee that I will be unlike any guitar teacher that you've had before. Along with instrumental training, I offer extensive lessons in music theory and ear training. My family is full of educators and I've experienced the teacher-student relationship from a young age. I am fully committed to developing lesson plans based on the route that a student wants to take, whether it's just learning the basics and playing along to your favorite songs or engaging in serious study and preparing for college auditions. I am available to teach at any location within the Philadelphia area.

*** Stylistic Focus ***
I specialize in jazz and blues. At Berklee, I was able to take instrumental labs that spent an entire semester focusing on the playing style of certain guitarists. I've taken the Wes Montgomery lab, the Pat Martino lab, the Jimi Hendrix lab, the John Scofield lab, and the Stevie Ray Vaughan lab.

e or advanced player. You don’t have to start with super basic “baby” steps & then learn what the “real” players use later down the road. You get to immediately start with the real deal.

. Soon after, he was one of the first students to receive a full scholarship to Berklee through the African Scholars program. In 2009, he settled in Boston, Massachusetts.

At Berklee, he was exposed to a variety of influences, but wanted to go deeper into the roots of jazz and expand his knowledge of music. He auditioned and was selected to participate in the Berklee Global Jazz Institute, which is directed by Danilo Perez and the residency teachers, including Joe Lovano John Patitucci, and Terri Lyne Carrington. The Institute emphasizes an artist's original vision in jazz, and has helped Albino find his own unique voice in the art form.

Albino still felt the absence of his own Mozambican traditions in his music. With the help of his mentors, Richard Bona and Lionel Loueke, two of the most prominent African musicians in the United States of America today, he began to bridge that gap.

Today, Albino's music succeeds in combining many disparate parts into an organic whole. It incorporates his musical experiences from Mozambique, the U.S., and many other places around the world, combining rhythmic patterns and musical concepts to create a unique Moz-Jazz sound. He will always continue to combine and capture the energies of different musical traditions to create a unified and original musical style.

Albino's original composition “Mozambique Dance” was recorded by Jazz Revelation Records, a student-run record label at the Berklee College of Music, for the 8th annual album released in 2011. He also recorded “Awusiwana,” his own composition, for the Berklee 2012 summer album. His debut album, also called Mozambique Dance, is to be released in Spring 2013.

Albino is an active musician, and has performed in several countries including Mozambique, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Italy, the U.S., and Mexico. He has also produced and recorded various projects in Mozambique and in the United States. In 2012, he will graduate from Berklee College with a degree in Music Production & Engineering and Performance, and a minor in Acoustics and Electronics.

*** Lesson Details ***
My teaching method dependent on the type of student. All my students will be treated with care and commitment to help them archive the their goals in the lessons.
We will be using book method as a way to follow a clear direction.
Learn songs, chords, scales, phrase, theory and more material that is needed for better musical foundation.

I am open to what the student wants to achieve over short and long terms.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Desk top and Laptop Mac Computers
Protools, Logic Pro, reason
Focusrite 56 Liquide, Focusrite Dual Mono Mic pre
BBe Maximizer
Bricasti, M7, sterreo reverb

*** Travel Equipment ***
Guitar
Guitar Amp
Mic
Laptop
Mbox

*** Specialties ***
Guitar
Bass Guitar
Voice
Ukelele
Song writing
Production
Audio Recording
Mixing
Mastering

sity of Illinois, specializing in Ethnomusicology (the study of music of different cultures). This education gave him a strong background in music theory and history in the Western tradition, but also opened him up to a vast experience of a diverse cross section of music from around the world. His insatiable love for learning new instruments started here, where he studied music from West Africa to Bali.

Currently Ryan is a co-lead singer, songwriter and stringed instrument player for the local band Distant Brothers, a folk rock band based out of Chicago. They play venues throughout the Midwest, with some of the notable venues being House of Blues, Metro and Cubby Bear in Chicago. Another highlight of his time with the band has been a collaboration with Oistrakh Symphony Orchestra, where he not only was able to play in collaboration with the orchestra, but joined in the arranging and conceptualization of some of the pieces played.

appers with different skills and different goals.

I regularly teach: Jazz, Alternative, Rock, Soul, R&B, Blues, Hip-Hop, Pop, Indie Rock and Funk