Huntingdon Valley, PA Music Theory 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.

f Weezer, Nikki Sixx of Mötley Crüe, and The Blue Man Group.

Teaching drums is just as much a passion of his as is drum performance and recording. In 2005 he was hired as the drum instructor at Los Angeles City College. Since then, he has authored three different drum books and has taught music at Southern California Music School, Alhambra School of Music, Pasadena City College, LA Valley College, LA Academy and several other institutions.

Andrew was awarded Teacher of the Year 2007/2008 at Southern California Music School. He also received Best Drummer Award at the Emergenza’s Battle of the Bands contest in 2005. Under Andrew’s instruction, Carver Middle School was also awarded 1st place during the NVISION Battle of the Bands contest in 2010.

*** Lesson Details ***
After years of teaching, I have learned to speak the language of my students. I always find a way to help them understand the mechanics of playing drums. I get very excited over good music, interesting drum concepts or beats. I am patient and encouraging. I give my students praise for every accomplishment. I believe that anyone can become a great drummer.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Rehearsal Studio with seating for parents.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide the learning material, I expect the student to have their own drums/equipment.

*** Specialties ***
I teach reading and writing music notation as well as to play by ear. I specialize in Jazz, Rock, Blues, Country, Metal, and Latin styles. I know heel-up, heel-down, and heel-toe bass drum pedal technique. I also specialize in rudimental drumming.

provide sheet music. I expect students to have their own instrument and for electric instruments their own amp.

*** Specialties ***
Classical, avant-garde, modern

tes toward straightforward rock, blues and folk.

Scott's guitar playing and songwriting has landed him features from American Songwriter, CMT, and more. He holds a BFA in Studio/Composition, with a minor in Jazz Performance, from SUNY Purchase in Purchase, NY.

Scott is currently on faculty in the Music Industry department at Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ.

*** Lesson Details ***

When studying with Scott, students can expect a comfortable and fun atmosphere that promotes experimentation and positive reinforcement. Employing a curriculum that is equal parts formal technique and informal playing of the students favorite music, Scott makes every lesson engaging and exciting for his students.

After 3 to 6 months studying with Scott, beginners should expect to be able to play many of their favorite songs, have a firm grasp on basic scales, chords, theory and sight reading, and can even begin writing their own songs and improvising solos!

If you're already an intermediate/advanced player, Scott will push you to find your unique voice on the guitar, and tap into advanced techniques and approaches that will help you fully realize all that the guitar has to offer.

Lessons are tailored to each individual student's particular interests and abilities. Wherever you want to take your guitar playing, Scott will get you there and beyond!

*** Travel Equipment ***
I will bring an acoustic guitar with me. My student must only have a guitar of their own of any kind. If it's electric, an amp is preferable, but not necessary.

*** Specialties ***
Music, Guitar, Bass, Theory, Song Writing, Composition, Improvisation, Sight Reading, Advanced Harmonic and Rhythmic Concepts, Group Playing
I am schooled in Jazz, but have a passion for all styles, including rock, blues, country, funk, folk, punk, and world music.

Musical "Mamaleh". Sandra has performed in over fifty productions of Musicals, Operetta, and Opera. Some of her favorite roles include: Aldonza (Man of La Mancha), Desiree (A Little Night Music), Marguerite (The Scarlet Pimpernel), Antonia (The Tales of Hoffmann), and Lauretta (Gianni Schicchi).

Most recently, she has performed the role of Lynn Fontanne in Ten Chimneys at Old Academy Players, and played one of the principal roles in Jacque Brel Is Alive And Well and Living In Paris at The Steel River Playhouse.

As a director, Sandra has staged operas for Center City Opera Theater, the Delaware Valley Opera Company, Boheme Opera New Jersey, and the New York Metro Vocal Arts Ensemble. She is currently singing concerts with the vocal group "Touch of Classics", and can be seen in commercials for Time Warner, Cuisinart, The Skooter Store, and Aspercreme.

*** Lesson Details ***
Our lessons will be relaxed and informal. My goal is to make you the best you can be. We will work on giving you a solid vocal technique so that you can approach any style of music with a good foundation. We will also work on learning to read music, and most importantly work on songs that will bring out the actor in you.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Small studio, keyboard, seating provided (couch), street parking

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in musical theater, classical, and opera. I can also teach German and Italian diction. My acting experience is mainly in musical theater.

had shared stages with guitarist John Scofield, Singer Ike Willis (Frank Zappa Band), Medeski Martin and Wood and The Disco Biscuits among countless others.

C. has completed a Master of Arts in music education as well as Bachelor of Music in bass performance. Michael is qualified to teach on bass, upright bass, guitar, drums, piano, voice and a rare instrument called steel pan (steel drum) among others. Michael performs as a freelance musician. He can be found performing regularly at private parties and events around the greater Philadelphia area. He has performed playing most styles and genres of music. Among these styles are Pop, R & B, Blues, Hip Hop, Jazz, Calypso, Flamenco, Latin, Pop, Musical Theater and Rock & Roll.

C. is a trained professional and prefers to cater his lessons to the individual need of each student. He believes that each student is unique and will encounter challenges in their own manner. Michael likes to supplement his lessons using musical interests of the student. C. has been known to arrange popular pieces for recital performances for his students. Some of the pieces he has arranged for his students include Something in the Way She Moves (Beetles), Long distance Run Around (The Who), Iron Man (Black Sabbath), That' €™s What Makes You Beautiful (One Direction), Hall of Fame (The Script) among many more. Michael encourages his students to use the music they love to challenge their ability and cognitive processes. Michael has the experience and training required to inspire and motivate you to become successful not only in music but in your daily endeavors.

*** Lesson Details ***
Michael has over twelve years experience teaching music and chooses to cater his lessons to the goals of his clients. He does not follow a set curriculum because different students tend to have different goals and expectations.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Logic Pro X, Reason, Fast Track pro audio, Double Bass, Piano, Rhodes Electric Piano, Acoustic guitar, Electric Guitar, Flute, Sax, Clarinet, trumpet, Electric basses, Steel Pans (drums), etc.

Audio recordings of each lesson are free of charge and available upon request. C. is capable of creating demos and audio recordings as well as audio production of original material.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Laptop, Guitars, PA system, Basses, Metronome, Method Books, etc.

*** Specialties ***
Steel Pan lessons are available. Access to a steel pan(drum) is a requirement for this specialty.

ce and share their music with each other. I enjoy music of all styles and in addition to classical music I play rock and jazz. I collaborate frequently with Trenton based rock artist Roy Orbitron.

For beginning students I start with Suzuki books until about book 5 and then begin to branch out into other repertoire. I also incorporate etudes by Dancla, Wohlfahrt, and Sevcik. I teach students to read music as well as basic theory and ear training. I also incorporate playing by ear and improvisation. These are important skills which help students develop into flexible and well rounded musicians.

I am happy to teach any piece in any style that the student wants to learn. Students do much better work and can learn much more when they are excited about the music they are playing. In addition, I can also help students prepare for auditions, competitions, or or to prepare orchestra music.

s and vocalists. He is comfortable in all musical styles and genres, and has an extensive knowledge of music history and theory. Erik is currently on staff at New York University.

Students of Erik have the opportunities to perform in studio recitals and workshops.

fter getting into to teaching a while back, I realized that I really enjoy it! It is highly rewarding, and a great chance to share the joy of music with others. I currently teach at three different locations for two different businesses in NJ, and I've set up my profile on Take Lessons so that I can continue expanding my student base, which consists of students ranging from 8-70 years of age.

I am always studying music, even to this day, and constantly trying to understand new styles that are outside of my wheelhouse. My approach to teaching is simple: connect with the student, help find common ground in musical tastes and set up an engaging foundation with which the student can reach their goals while having fun in the process!