Music Theory Lessons

in Levittown.

Amazing Teachers.

, Dennis Wasko, and John Swana. Vince has also attended master classes held by Randy Brecker, Matt Gallagher, Michael Abene, Craig Morris, Steve Wilson, Claudio Roditi, Pat Martino, Malcolm McNab, Matthew Shipp, Scott Holbert, John Abercrombie, Jeff Curnow, and Alison Balsom. 

Vince first began teaching music in 2006 as the trumpet instructor at Silver Creek Central School. He directed trumpet master classes for high school students. Vince later took on various private students teaching trumpet, guitar, electric bass, improvisation, arrangement and composition. While earning his Master of Music at the University of the Arts, he served as the trumpet department intern and was responsible for teaching private trumpet lessons, preparing transcriptions for class materials and live performances, and proctoring music theory exams. Also at UArts, Vince was a teaching assistant for the Freshman Jazz Improvisation class for which he conducted sectionals, administered exams, and offered critiques regarding inventiveness of improvisations. In 2017 he taught a jazz improvisation masterclass at Schenectady County Community College.  

Since each student approaches music differently; Vince tailors his teaching to fit students' approaches. He asks each student, "What do you want to accomplish?" Together, they set short and long term goals. Vince believes a strong technical foundation leads to freer ease of artistic expression. His students receive a wholistic approach to music applicable to whatever instrument they choose. 

Vince’s original music has been described as “a contemporary instance of fusion done right” (Matthew Aquilin, All About Jazz). His next album, The Nook, is a full length straight-ahead jazz album featuring John Swana. The music harks back to Miles Davis' first great quintet. The Nook was preceded by Sound Plan (2017), Live at PafA (2017), Syzygy (2014), and Syzygy: Remix (2014). Vince is currently self producing four more solo albums. One unreleased composition was recently featured in the Philadelphia Real Book Volume 1.

Vince has appeared as a side man on 40+ albums. He is the trumpeter and arranger with the York Street Hustle, the John Byrne Band, and You Do You. Vince founded the Philly Phatness horn section, which has recorded with regional, national, and international artists, and on film soundtracks. He serves as Musical Director and bassist for Phloyd: a Philadelphia Pink Floyd tribute band. "His horn croons and wahs with touches of funk or blues, bridging the futuristic digital age with a snazzy sense of classic cool" (Geno Thackara, All About Jazz).

Quotes:

"Vince proves himself a very creative composer. I look forward to hearing more from this upcoming composer & instrumentalist." (Fred "Rock Steady Freddie" Reiter)

"Vince plays his horn with creative passion and soul, his tone is very open and full these two combined make him one of the leading up and coming young jazz trumpet players of today." (Rebecca Coupe Franks)

"I've had the great pleasure of working with Vince as an arranger and writer. His music explores many styles and directions, and is always well crafted. He has an original and distinctive voice as a player, an arranger, and a writer. Such dedicated talent deserves to be heard, and I'm sure we'll be hearing a lot from Vince in the future." (Vinnie Martucci)

ous students I love theory and love sharing what I've discovered over the years.

*** Lesson Details ***
I'm a very laid back guy but I take my playing seriously. music is my life and there's nothing I enjoy sharing and expressing more. I learned to love playing guitar when I was 12 from the coolest guitar teacher ever. he had a vibe that i gravitated toward and encouraged me in just the right ways to get me believing in myself. I try to encourage my students the same way. music should be fun above all and sculpt my lessons to each students individual needs so that they are better equipped to succeed.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I expect them to provide guitar/bass/piano

*** Specialties ***
Jazz, Rock, Blues, Classic, Pop

rovement quick. Above all, I make sure enthusiasm is never lost because without it, there is no point. I make the lessons fun and laid back, but always take my job seriously.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I expect them to provide their own instruments. I can bring an extra guitar for lessons but it is extremely encouraged to have an instrument to practice on.

*** Specialties ***
Although I specialize in rock instrumentation and song writing, I also have the knowledge of classical music theory and jazz. As far as rock music goes, I have plenty of experience in blues based rock and jazz based rock with a very wide catalog of styles under my belt.

individuals interests and goals. Sometimes this means arranging, transcribing a recording, or even composing something new for my students. Additionally, in each lesson, I balance technical skills, ear training, and music theory to assure that each student walks away a complete musician, all structured around your musical goals.

*** Travel Equipment ***
The student must provide their own instrument and assigned method books. I will provide a music stand if necessary, and other useful instructional tools (metronome, tuner, etc.)

*** Home Studio ***
I offer lessons in my home located within walking distance of Broad Street in South Philadelphia, near the Tasker-Morris subway stop. I am equipped with a well-playing upright piano and plenty of space for musical activities. There is ample street parking in the area during the afternoon and early evening, and our living room is available to parents while students take their lesson. Students who travel to me for lessons gain all the benefits of performing on a piano, rather than an electric keyboard, and have access to many more resources that I am able to offer from my home, such as recordings and method books.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize teaching "late starters" (teens and adults new to piano) fundamentals in music in a fun and exciting way that will have you playing the music you love quickly.

For brass instruments, I am able to help brand new beginners build up their sound and facility through simple exercises that will have them astounded by their progress.

MATH: I use my years of classroom teaching and Master's degree in math education as experience to help guide you to the success you are seeking. I am able to tailor sessions to your specific needs with a few key points in mind:

- helping you catch-up, while also preparing you for what is ahead
- balancing practice with conceptual knowledge and application
- using research-based techniques to maximize your learning

I am a patient teacher, and well-equipped to explain tough topics in multiple ways. I like to use visuals and objects with simple examples to help my students really understand a concept before we try harder material. Total understanding and confidence is my goal for you.

My personal interests in mathematics are problem solving, puzzles, and combinatorics (think "How many different outfits can I make with all the clothes in my closet?"). If you're looking for an addicting puzzle to try, I suggest KenKen to all my students.

eless musical Cabaret. This production was on tour from December 2017 through May 2018 all across North America. Broadway.com's review praised the musicianship of the show, "Musical director Erik Flaten's musicians are impressive in their dexterity: At one moment, they are providing rich interpretations of the memorable John Kander score, while perhaps at the next they are playing denizens of the Kit Kat Klub or neighborhood thugs, wastrels and other folks of questionable repute. Flaten and his band are given their own richly deserved moments in the spotlight at the top of Act Two and the music director himself is given the well-earned final bow at the end of the curtain call."

Erik currently resides in Philadelphia, where he coaches and plays for a diverse range of singers. In addition to coaching and playing, Erik works as Music Director for musical theater, manages a private studio, and serves as Artistic Director of the Media Performing Arts Series. Previous successes include performances with mezzo-soprano, Angela Niederloh and baritone, Matthew Hayward in Portland, and a performance of the Grieg piano concerto with the West Seattle Symphony. Upcoming engagements on the East Coast include collaborative work with with soprano, Leah Golub.

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

dents to take creative risks, to be expressive, and above all, to play with joy! All students have the opportunity to share their progress with family and friends during fun, low-stress, semi-annual recitals. (Participation is optional but highly encouraged!)

Teaching Materials:
I use the Faber and Faber Piano Adventures books as a foundation, but also incorporate other music, including classical, pop and theatre music, depending upon student interest and what I feel will best help my students to stretch and grow! Students are also welcome to request pieces they would like to learn; I will do my best to find or create an arrangement that's appropriate to your current skill level.

Collingswood Home Studio -- Equipment:
Grand Piano
Guitar, ukulele
Microphone and amp
Recording device

Specialties:
Piano, Guitar, Songwriting, Classical, Musical Theater, Pop, Rock, Music Theory, Composition & Songwriting, Songwriting, Guitar Accompaniment, Piano Accompaniment, Performance, Business of Music.

Bio:
Allison has had considerable success as both a touring singer songwriter and composer for film, TV, and theater. She has shared the stage with Petra Haden, Rachael Sage, Fred Armisen, Lelia Broussard and many others. Songs from her most recent record, Sweet and Vicious, have been heard on Lifetime's Dance Moms, NBC's Late Night with Carson Daly, as well as shows on PBS, Bravo, Oxygen and TLC. As a composer, she was nominated for an EMMY and received a Telly Award for the music she composed for the documentary 5000 Miles from Home. Most recently, she composed music for the indie romantic comedy Get Happy, which premiered at the 2015 Manhattan FilmFestival. After many years in New York City, she now resides in Collingswood, New Jersey with her family.