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.
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.

ave been teaching and performing for over a decade both in the US, and in England. I have played in various bands and have produced independent artists. I have worked for a recording studio and for various academic institutions including the Filomen M. D'Agostino Greenberg Music School in New York city.

I obtained my degree from Purchase College in New York and am a member of their Conservatory of Music.

*** Lesson Details ***
I construct lessons for each individual student depending on their musical tastes, goals, and current skill level etc. I want each person to get as much from their time studying with me as possible. Within three to six months, I'll have you working on timing, theory, ear training, improv, and songs/styles of music you may be interested in. I'm laid back, however, I expect at least the minimum practice time between lessons, which I'll change throughout the course of our time together depending on your skill level etc. Practice materials I draw up are included. I write out everything in plain English and do not require the use of sheet music!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Small recording studio, piano, various guitars, bass, and amps.

*** Travel Equipment ***
guitar, bass, laptop, digital recorder.

*** Specialties ***
I concentrate on ear training, improvisation, and explore styles ranging from pop, alternative, rock, prog, and blues, to metal, funk, and folk etc. I do not require sight reading skills for any level of student. Rather, I work with the student with theory and arrangement conventions to really understand the music. This intern, greatly sharpens their musical ear and helps them to learn music much faster because they understand how it is put together; why and how it works, etc.

***Teaching Special Needs***
I have experience teaching students who have been visually impaired,
blind, hearing impaired, or who have had mild learning disabilities. I
am also comfortable with a student bringing their service dog or
therapy dog to our lessons if they wish.

pecialize in include rock and metal vocals and guitar. Songwriting, production and performance

levision programs, concertized and spoken in the US and abroad, recorded nine albums in various languages, co-authored an Early Childhood Education book which included training in the use of music for the young, authored three poetry books and accompanying cd's, and teaches Voice to her private and group students.

*** Lesson Details ***
The atmosphere is relaxed in our comfortable professional studio. We work hard, and enjoy the journey as we develop your voice and repertoire with a focus on whatever style of singing you choose. It won't be long until you will see that songs that were previously too high or too low are now comfortably within your grasp. And, you will be able to sing for longer periods of time without getting tired or injuring your voice. You might also want the experience of practicing stage presence, working with trax, learning how to relate to an audience, and learning microphone technique, all of which will add to the professionalism of your most excellent and enjoyable career.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Music studio room w/ piano and seating for parents

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in finding the student's unique voice, and helping them to understand its natural operation in order to set it free to be used in any style they choose to sing. The Italian Bel Canto method describes the basic singing technique, and is the foundation from which a healthy and versatile voice can be developed. My upcoming book, "All God's Chillun' Got A Voice" How To Find It, and Release It As A Creative Tool”, discusses both the technical and esoteric sides of the singing voice, its operation and purposes.

onal tours, released albums, are in bands, have been accepted into performing arts schools (high schools and colleges), have been cast in regional/Off-Off-Broadway/Off-Broadway Theatre, movies (Noah, The Wolf Of Wall Street, Finally Famous), music videos, and on TV (Royal Pains, Smash, 30 Rock, The Good Wife, Law and Order: SVU, & NBC's The Voice competition).

Owner/Teacher: Rachel M.
SAG-AFTRA, VASTA, NATS (certified), NARAS, NAMTA, BMI, MAC, NJMEA, NAfME. NJ Theatre Alliance, & Certified Artist Developer with Conquer Entertainment,
16+ years of teaching to children - teens - adults (Ages 6+ group classes, 8+ private lessons)

RACHEL M.'S BIO:

Rachel is a member of SAG-AFTRA, The National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS certified), VASTA (Voice And Speech Trainers Association), NARAS (The Grammy Awards), NAMTA, NJMEA (New Jersey Music Educators Association), NAfME (National Association of Music Education), NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association,) MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs), The NJ Theatre Alliance, NSA (Nashville Songwriting Association International), and BMI (Broadcast Music Inc). She has been teaching Bel Canto singing technique for the modern singer and Stella Adler-Stanislavsky-Chekhov-Meisner acting technique for all mediums for 16+ years to children, teens, and adults.

Rachel has trained at The Hages Music Studio under a master teacher for 22+ years in the Bel Canto singing technique for all genres, studied at The Stella Adler Studio of Acting in NYC as well as recorded and released her first album called "Just Meant To Be". Other credits include commercials, films, TV shows (One Tree Hill, AMC, Food Network), music videos (including Rachel's singles "Don't Even Try", "You Will Love On"), & numerous stage credits (Off-Broadway/NYC Theatre). Rachel most recently was seen in the reading of a new play "Vanishing Son" by Peter Gil-Sheridan performed in NYC. She is also a songwriter (16+ years), scriptwriter (10+ years), director (14+ years), and an international recording artist (10+ years).

Rachel has been performing for 20+ years, has performed in front of sold out crowds, and has been honored with many standing ovations. Other honors include magazine covers, featured articles, singing to thousands of people, studio recordings/albums, originated the role of "Antigone" in "Oedipus: The Musical", 2002 Helen Hayes Nomination for" Outstanding Vocal Performance in a Musical" ("Miss Adelaide" in "Guys And Dolls"), & 2008 finalist for NYC Singing Idol Competition. Rachel has also been fortunate to have worked & performed with many people in the business including Grammy-Tony-Emmy Award Winners/Nominees.

LESSON DETAILS

Whether you are a parent looking for instruction for your child, or for yourself, Rachel can customize the right program that best suits your needs. Her students come from all walks of life and have different goals, but they all have one thing in common. They love performing and have the desire to be the best at their chosen craft (singing/acting).

Some students want to sing/act for themselves, others want to sing/act for a hobby, and others want to be professional performers. That's where Rachel comes in. No matter what your goals are, she can help. Rachel teaches her students how to become true artists without tearing them down and without taking away the part of them that makes them unique. She teaches healthy technique that is based off of the human anatomy; the science of how the body/mind works and how the body/mind can work as efficiently as possible while singing or acting.

Learning how to sing/act is a process and doesn't happen overnight. Rachel's ultimate goal as a teacher is to not only make her students the best performers and singers they can be, but also give them all of the proper tools they need to have a more productive mind frame and become self-sufficient. Of course this can take years to master. It takes time and dedication.

OTHER LESSON INFORMATION

SINGING: Bel Canto singing technique for the modern singer is taught in private and group classes. No one sounds like old opera singers, even if the student wants to sing opera. Students are allowed to choose most of the material they learn in the lesson. There will be times when Rachel will suggest a song to a student but if the student doesn't enjoy the song, they will work as a team to find a song that does work for the student. Gain a better tone quality, complete control of your voice, bigger range, more flexibility, and confidence. Learn healthy voice technique, how to fully take care of your own voice so you can sing for the rest of your life (even after lessons), and become a self sufficient performer for life.

ACTING: Stella Adler, Stanislavsky, Chekhov, and Meisner Acting Technique for Theatre/Camera is taught in private and group classes. All students are exposed to each technique and Rachel sees which technique each student responds to the most. Once the student and Rachel are able to identify the technique, Rachel continues to use the terminology of that technique for the remainder of the time the student is in lessons. Students eventually are able to play roles truthfully and realistically, even if the roles are opposite of the student's own personality.

BY THE TIME STUDENTS GRADUATE FROM LESSONS:

1. Gain a lifelong, solid, consistent, and healthy technique that they can always count on in practice and performance.

2. Gain specific technical and personal notes in a notebook and/or computer file that is organized and always accessible for review.

3. Gain artistry, performance skills, and a strong voice that will look/sound authentic; Singers will sound appropriate to whatever style of music they are singing. (No fake sound or look.) Actors will just be in the moment and truthful whether they are on stage or in front of the camera.

4. Gain the confidence to always put on a great performance.

5. Gain focus and a more productive mind frame.

6. Become self-sufficient by knowing how to assess a problem and then fix it without creating a new issue.

*** Studio Equipment ***
PRIVATE HOME STUDIO: Keyboard, speakers (smartphone, iPod, iPad), CD player, tape recorder/player, digital recorder, music stand, mirror, laptop, sheet music selections, HD video camera, tripod, video editing software, audio editing software, USB microphone, and high speed WiFi internet. Full PA, two mixers (one mixer with 8 inputs and the other with 4), 8 Lavaliere microphones ("body mics"), multiple hand held microphones, laptop stand, and music stands.

**ASK ABOUT ON LOCATION TRAINING (ON SET, THEATER, PERFORMANCE EVENT, OR RECORDING STUDIO)!

**ONLINE LESSONS ALSO AVAILABLE!

*** Specialties ***
We specialize in Bel Canto voice technique for the modern singer. Each student can sing all genres without sounding too classical, "fake", and without losing their voice while singing for long periods of time.

Other Specialties: Teaching acting technique for theatre-TV-Film (Stella Adler, Stanislavsky, Chekhov, & Meisner), performance skills, songwriting, and creating self-sufficient singers-actors-performers (Artist Development).

STUDIO POLICIES-

CANCELLATION: 48 hour lesson cancellation policy and emergencies (determined by me) are handled on a case by case basis. If the student needs to miss a lesson due to an other activity or vacation, they or their parents/guardian if under 18, must contact Rachel Menconi at least a week from their next scheduled lesson in advance to prevent from forfeiting the lesson.

MAKE UPS: Make up lessons will be scheduled when time allows. No make up lesson or class will be given to ‘no shows’ or late cancellation, and no extra time will be given to students who are late to their lesson or class. If there is ever a time Rachel Menconi is running late, extra time will be given to make the lesson a full 60 minutes. If Rachel Menconi needs to reschedule, a make up lesson will be scheduled as close to the same week as possible. Make up lessons are scheduled at Rachel Menconi’s discretion.

ONLINE LESSONS FOR IN-PERSON LESSON CLIENTS: In the event that the student is sick but still would like their lesson, an online lesson can be scheduled instead. Students can NOT come to their in person lesson sick, coughing, sneezing, with a runny nose, cold, flu, “allergies”, fever, etc. (This is to make sure no germs will be spread).

An online lesson can also be scheduled if there is bad weather, if a student is having car trouble, or any other reason for the student not being able to physically get to Rachel during their normallly scheduled lesson time. Online lessons are conducted through FaceTime, Google, Hangouts, or Skype.

SCHEDULE:
Lessons are weekly, on the same time/day of the week unless we have rescheduled or we have discussed in writing another lesson plan. If the student’s lesson falls on a holiday, we will either reschedule or if no other day is available, resume the following week.

LATENESS:
If a student is going to be late they need to contact Rachel Menconi as soon as possible, to let her know they will be late. Lessons will end on time unless she is able to extend the lesson due to a late student or her schedule allows for it though please understand, Rachel Menconi would be extending a courtesy and would not be obligated to do so. If on the rare occasion Rachel Menconi is running late, she will always make up the time.

SITTING IN:
Parents/Guardians are ONLY permitted to stay for the first lesson and are NOT permitted to sit in for any other lesson/class unless invited. This is to promote good/strong teacher-student relationship quickly and easily. Also, many times students feel more comfortable when their parents/guardians leave.
Of course there will be times when the parent will be invited back in at the end of some of the lesson to showcase progress.

"I try to be as fair as possible to both parties when it comes to cancellations, rescheduling, lateness, and make ups. Have a concern or question? Just talk with me. I'm all about communication!" - Rachel Menconi

ore difficult. I go at the pace you learn best at!

Bass guitar, ukulele, song-writing, counterpoint, orchestrating, arranging, music theory, and composing are subjects I'm well versed in and love to teach to other people.

I'm experienced with all kinds of music software, such as: Pro Tools, Logic, Garage Band, Cubase, FL Studio, Finale, Sibelius. If you want to learn how to write, record, mix, and master your own music, there's never been a better time to learn.