Bryn Mawr, PA Music Performance Lessons

Education

Ian's musical training began with piano at 7, saxophone at 9, self-taught guitar at 11, and finally electric and acoustic bass in high school. He was awarded scholarships to Philadelphia's Settlement Music School and the Berklee College of Music. Finally settling in NYC, Ian completed his B.F.A. in Jazz and Contemporary Music at the New School School for Social Research in 2000. Ian has recently completed his PA Teacher Certification K-12 from Temple University 2011.

Why study music with Ian?

Quite simply Ian is a fun, creative, open-minded, and experienced teacher/musician who teaches a wide genre of music styles. He simply loves all music. Jazz, Classical, Funk/R&B, Rock, Metal, and Country are all within the expertise of Ian's vocabulary. Ian teaches with the same intensity and passion that he performs with. Ian truly cares about teaching each and every student the best way he knows.

*** Lesson Details ***
Ian's lessons are a combination of goals set by himself and the student. Whether you aspire to be the next rock god in 3 months or to just play casually with your friends at the next barbecue, Ian is there to understand your musical goals. Every student is different therefore Ian accommodates his style and methods to each the individual. Old-school rigidity are not what Ian is about. Rather, Ian dips from both the traditions of the past and new techniques of today.

Topics Covered

Technique, Song Performance, Harmony, Rhythm, and Music Theory are all important components covered in the lesson plan. Sight reading standard music notation is encouraged but not necessary. Rhythm notation is a mandatory skill every musician must know and is taught from the beginning. Song choices can be tailored to the students tastes however Ian seems fit. Ian has no problem teaching anything from the Jonas Brothers to Jimi Hendrix.

Improvisation, Groove, and Ear Training are areas of special interest and study which can also be taught to enhance a students studies.

Students skills and goals are assessed every few months to ensure student and teacher are on a clear and steady path. Everything from major and minor scales to song retention is logged down to provide a means of assessment.

Practice

As both a teacher and playing musician, Ian honestly believes that it
takes a combination of 20% talent and 80% sweat/hard work to be a successful and
competent musician. Therefore a set practice time length is agreed upon
between Ian and the student to which the student must stick to a practice schedule as
best as he or she can. Learning not just "what to practice" but "how to practice" is an important skill that is acquired through patience, hard work, and repetition. Ian can show you the skills it takes to master the "Art Of Practice".

Lesson Length

Lesson times of 30 minutes and 45 minutes are recommended for beginning students.

60 minutes for intermediate to more advanced students

*** Studio Equipment ***
Casio 88-key weighted keyboard
Fender Telecaster Guitar
Fender Precision Bass
Kolstein Upright Bass
Vintage Ampeg Bass and Guitar Amplifiers
Fostex 8-track Digital Recorder

*** Travel Equipment ***
I always have a bass or guitar on hand , a metronome, CDs, iPod, and music manuscript.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in Classical, Jazz, Rock, R&B, and Funk on Upright Bass and Electric Bass.
I teach Beginning and Intermediate Level Piano and Guitar in Classical, Rock, and Popular Music Styles.

s in Early Childhood and Elementary Education at West Chester University.

I served on the faculty of Suburban Music School for 17 years where I taught voice, piano and recorder lessons. I also directed the Children’s Choir and the Women’s Choir. I was formerly on the faculty of Delaware County Community College where I taught courses in the Music Department; and of Temple Music Prep where I instituted, developed and maintained a vocal program at Temple University’s Ambler Campus.

In addition to teaching I was employed for eleven years as a chorister at Christ Church Christiana Hundred in Greenville, DE where I have had the opportunity to sing for such notable conductors as John Rutter, Sir David Wilcox, Sir Philip Ledger, Stephen Cleobury, and James O’Donnell. Previous choral work has included singing for Dr. Ifor Jones and for Michael Korn. I perform in solo and chamber music recitals throughout the Philadelphia area and in Cape May, NJ and with a Celtic group called Celtic Women and Friends.

*** Lesson Details ***
Voice Lessons

When you study voice with me, you will start with the basics - posture, breathing and tone production. If you have studied before, we will review these areas and brush up on anything that needs work. The next step is to learn some vocal exercises to warm up and develop your voice. When the exercises are going well, we will begin to work on songs. You will need to learn some classical songs because they help to develop your voice, but we will also work on the kind of music you like best. In addition to songs, we will work on solfege (do, re, mi, etc.) which helps to train your ear and to improve your sightreading ability. If you don't know how to read music I will teach you that. If you read music but have some gaps in your knowledge, we will fill those in.

I teach what is called bel canto (beautiful singing). It is a healthy vocal technique that will help you avoid vocal problems. When you learn to sing with this technique, you can sing any style of music you want. After a few months of study, you should be able to tell that your voice is growing stronger, that you have better breath control, and that your range is increasing.

Although I have high expectations of my students, I am relaxed and friendly. If you love to laugh, we will enjoy that together!

Piano Lessons

When you study piano with me you will enjoy playing a variety of songs from your lesson book. As you advance, we may add a repertoire book which increases the number and variety of songs you play. There are many excellent piano methods. I use different methods for different students, depending on their needs.

Lessons will include posture and proper hand position, warm-ups, songs and music theory. Music theory is the study of notation and how music is put together. You will have a workbook with exercises for this study. If there is a particular style of music you would like to play, we will look for music at your level to add to your lesson. After a few months of study, you should know how to read basic notation and be able to play a number of songs. You will also have increased your knowledge of musical notation and harmony.

I expect my students to practice in preparation for their lesson every week. I am relaxed and friendly, so that should help to put you at your ease.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Piano, music stand, stereo equip, seating for parents

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in teaching the bel canto style singing. With this technique, a person can sing any style of music she or he chooses.

d rave reviews for her “musically impressive” and “soaring” performance from The News Journal. Alexis will be staring

In theater, Alexis has played both comic and serious roles, including a striking female interpretation of E. K. Hornbeck in Inherit the Wind. Alexis has also worked in film, recently completing the production of Dead on Delmarva, a zombie-comedy-thriller produced by Arkham Productions.

In addition to her acclaim as a performer, Alexis gained recognition for her work as a choral conductor, working at the New Ark United Church of Christ and the Church of the Advent in Kennett Square, as well as vocal coaching with The Tatnall School. was the music director for the production of Les Miserables at Mt. Pleasant High School. Alexis currently works at the St. Anthony's Cathedral in Wilmington.

When speaking of her career, she comments, “Performing music and drama is not just a passion for me; it’s my sense of purpose. Whether I am working on a role, singing in an opera, developing a character, teaching a student, whatever the artistic avenue. It completely fulfills me. ”

*** Lesson Details ***
Alexis teaches proper singing technique and support through the Bel Canto philosophy of vocal production, and specializes in Classical, Opera, Musical Theater, and Jazz singing styles. Sight singing skill work is also offered and will cover basic music theory in addition to solfege music reading techniques. Alexis offers audition preparation services such as audio recording and transposition for her current voice studio students, for an additional fee.

In addition to vocal lessons, Alexis is pleased to offer beginner piano and music theory lessons. The piano lessons are geared towards singers who would like to learn to accompany themselves, or would simply like to be better at piano for rehearsal purposes. Music Theory lessons will be presented at the individual students level and will cover everything a student desires to learn, from basic rhythm and pitch reading through compositional theory.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Living Room: couch, computer desk, piano, studio bookshelf, room for parents to sit in on lesson

*** Specialties ***
Opera voice, musical theater acting and voice, jazz voice, classical voice, safe stage combat acting, diction and speaking, Alexander Technique, sight singing and music reading, basic music theory, audition preparation

11
Philadelphia, PA
Taught percussion ensemble
Tutored intensive individual instruction
Facilitated drum and snare studies
Prepared students for school concerts

Lansdale Catholic School, Drum Instructor Sept 1991-June 2000
Lansdale, PA
Taught marching band

*** Lesson Details ***
My lessons are laid back and fun. I set short and long term goals for my students. Beginners will learn song form, basic beats, sticking patterns and proper technique as well as a focus on playing the music that is most inspiring to them. As our lessons progress we'll work on reading more advanced music, drum set technique, soloing, playing more difficult songs, music theory and learning about all the great drummers in the world! After a few months you'll be booking yourself gigs!

*** Studio Equipment ***
recording gear, two drum sets, rehearsal space seating for parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
I have a studio with two drumsets set up

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in Rock, Funk, Prog, Reggae, Folk, and Jazz

tant to solidify the foundations of music, so that the student can grow into a knowledgeable, expressive musician. My lessons are taught with a personal and energetic approach leaving the student excited and eager to further explore music. I always make sure that the student is having fun!

Learning an instrument is all about personal growth as a musician. I will help my students become better musicians week by week as long as they are willing to practice and come prepared for the lesson.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I will provide a metronome, tuner, music stand and some music books/repertoire. Student may need to provide their own lesson books.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in classical techniques, improvisation, composition and songwriting.

Cancellation Policy:
Out of common courtesy, please notify me at least 24 hours in advance if you need to cancel and/or reschedule a lesson, and you will not be charged. NOTE: You will be charged for the lesson if you cancel less than 24 hours before the scheduled lesson. No notification of cancellation will result in being charged for the lesson as well.

ths in themselves to live a fulfilling life through their instrument.

***Lesson Details***

We create daily, weekly, and monthly goals for you to achieve.

Guitar: After 3 to 6 months of learning with me, you will have a basic knowledge of chords, how to read musical notation, strumming patterns and basic rhythms. Most importantly, you will have learned 3 or 4 songs of your choice so that you can experience the joy of expressing yourself through music.
To achieve these results, you must be willing to practice 20-30 minutes a day most days each week.

***Specialties***

I specialize in teaching students to learn to play by ear and improvise songs based on their tastes, style, and ability level. I also walk students through how to write and record semi-professional quality songs with drums, vocals, guitar, and piano. Music genres I cover are mainly Pop, Pop/Rock, Folk, Blues Rock, Classic Rock, Alternative, and Classical (piano only)

*** Studio Equipment ***

I provide a comfortable, quiet room with live instruments, and playback and recording equipment. I expect students to bring a guitar, books, sheet music, picks, and a tuner.
Instruments:
1. Taylor Acoustic Guitar
--picks, tuner, and capo
2. Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar
-- Marshall 100W Amplifier
-- Classic Cry Baby Wah Effects Pedal
3. Casio PX-310 Weighted 88-Key Piano Keyboard

Playback and Recording:
1. MacBook Pro OSX 10.10.3 13-inch screen
- Insignia 27W Speakers with subwoofer
- Garageband
2. Steinberg UR-22 Recording Interface
3. Audio-technica M30 Headphones
4. Sterling Audio ST51 Black Condenser Microphone

*** Travel Equipment *** (same as above except for piano)

'13 under the tutelage of Catherine Cook.

One of the most important things that I have learned thus far, is that singing is a truly expressive art form that requires hard work, diligence, and commitment. It is my goal to bring each of my students the farthest I can in healthily developing their technique as well as work on the emotional portrayal and fundamental building blocks of music. Although I teach each student specific to his or her individual needs and desires, my lessons usually consist of three parts - technique exercises, sight singing, and repertoire. Furthermore, other things that stay consistent are a comfortable and safe environment for the student, my undivided attention, all the information that I have to share with others, and most importantly FUN!

Although it is my personal decision to pursue opera and classical music, I have experience in musical theatre and am comfortable teaching a variety of genres. I truly believe that although each genre is different, the foundation and principles of healthy singing are the same.

Not every teacher is right for every student. However, I do my best to give all my students lessons in a comfortable and productive learning environment. I hope that you will take the next step of your path towards healthy and beautiful vocal production with me. Thank you for your time and consideration and I hope to hear from you soon!

er Center. Last summer, she understudied Sybil Vane in Loehmann’s The Picture of Dorian Grey. In 2013, she performed the role of Suor Osmina in their production of Suor Angelica, and covered the roles of Fortuna and Venere in their production of L’coronazione di Poppea. She also portrayed Pamina, La Contessa, Ilia, Anne Truelove and Laurie Moss in their various scenes programs.

Rachel completed her Bachelor’s of Music at Mannes College in 2012. There, she performed in their Opera Scenes Workshop and their Rise of Modernism Festival, singing Canciones populares Españolas by Manuel de Falla.