Verona, PA Songwriting Lessons

Graff, and Maxayn Lewis (who has worked with Celine Dion and Britney Spears).

I am also currently the lead singer (also playing guitar & piano) for the band Hello Human. I've worked with amazing musicians including Michael Thompson (guitarist for Michael Jackson, Christina Aguilera), and John Robinson (drummer for Quincy Jones, Elton John). I've also had the honor of working with Wyn Davis (producer of No Doubt, Sublime).

My songs have been on Alcoa Tennessee'™s Love 89.1 Radio, Refuge, CSN, WCTL, and on hundreds of other radio stations.

*** Lesson Details ***
I divide my class into 4 parts: 1.Scales/Chords/Arpeggios/Warm-ups 2.Sight-Reading 3.Theory 4.Improvisation. Depending on the instrument of your choice, and also what your specific goals are, each of these parts are customized. You will learn quickly.

*** Studio Equipment ***
A weighted 88 keyboard is used. Free parking on street and lot.

*** Specialties ***
My emphasis was voice (Tenor) at Vanguard University. I am classically trained and trained in Rock/Pop. Violin was my first instrument, then I learned guitar and piano in college. I've done many professional recordings and performances throughout my career.

lesson is a review of material the student has covered; a "warm up"
The second half of the lesson is for learning a new song or guitar solo as well as chord theory (learning and understanding new songs / songwriting) and scale theory (learning and understanding how melodies and solos fit over chord progressions).
I recommend setting a baseline intention of practicing 15 minutes a day. If you stick to that every day you will improve on the guitar and be playing music very soon!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Fender guitar mini for ages 5-9.
Fender guitar (standard) 9-adult.
Fender Pro Reverb amp.
Chairs, Music Stand, Blank Sheet music, Books
Cables, picks etc.
No need to bring an instrument to the lesson!

*** Specialties ***
Electric and Acoustic guitar
Rock / Pop / Alternative / Blues / Folk / Heavy Metal / Jazz / Fusion / R&B

Learn anything on request!

years. Students who have studied with him come from a wide range of backgrounds with different goals. Those who have continued with musical studies in college have consistently placed out of at least the first two semesters of music theory and achieved advanced placement in their chosen fields of study. Those who chose a different path continue to benefit from the education and training they received from taking music lessons.

*** Lesson Details ***
There is no "standard formula" to lessons. Each student has their own unique background, needs, and goals. Lessons tend to be somewhat casual but are structured in such a way as to meet the unique requirements of the student.

To accomplish your goals, there are a few requirements and basic expectations that the student and parent must meet.
The first is practice. Students are expected to practice daily for at least the length of their lesson time. This, above all else, is essential to progress. It is also expected that a parent will attend lessons for students who are too young to drive themselves here. It's important for a parent to guide the student's practice time (particularly for younger students) to ensure that the most is gained from it. This is why I ask that a parent observe lessons.
Each student or parent should bring to each lesson a notebook, pencils (with erasers). The notebook will be used to record notes about each lesson, homework, practice advice, etc. Pencils (not pens...nobody's perfect!) are used by composers to record their creations and performers to mark their music. Both of these essential practices are subject to changing thought and must be open to change. So no ink, please!

Performers: It is not necessary to know how to read music at the first lesson for beginners. However, learning to read is required for subsequent lessons and will be a large focus for all non-readers. Lessons are not learned "by ear." A certain amount of theory will be a part of every lesson just as technique and repertoire. Concerning repertoire, it will be selected based on the student's learning needs but also with their input. The main emphasis on performance lessons, however, will be technique and reading. Students should come to the first lesson prepared to discuss their background & goals and the plan of their course of study.
Note: Voice students must be at least 16 years of age.

Composers: Just as with performers, it is not necessary to know how to read music at the first lesson. However, learning to read is required for subsequent lessons. Many young composers have great ideas but can only hear them in their heads or play them on an instrument. Lessons will allow you to obtain the skills to write them down with greater speed, accuracy, and clarity. More advance students will also include exploring a wider range of harmonic languages, advanced notation, instrumentation, orchestration, and aural skills. Students should come to the first lesson with examples of their work, either written, notated, or recorded in a digital format. They should be prepared to discuss their background & goals and the plan of their course of study.

IMPORTANT NOTES:
• To reschedule a lesson, more than one day notice is required.

• Make up lessons must be scheduled before the next regular lesson.

• A make up lesson cannot be scheduled in place of a regular lesson.

• If, for any reason, two 30-minute lessons are scheduled one right after the other, they will be charged as two 30-minute lessons, not one 60 minute lesson which is a different rate.

• If, for any reason, two 45-minute lessons are scheduled one right after the other, they will be charged as two 45-minute lessons, not one 90 minute lesson which is a different rate.

• the studio space is also inhabited by two lovely cats. Do consider this when signing up for lessons.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Yamaha DGX-650 weighted 88 keys full sized keyboard
area for parents to sit and observe lessons.

*** Specialties ***
Main area is in classical music and media scoring with secondary focus on musical theatre vocal performance and composing/arranging.

Grammys.........

I play and teach all styles; Classical, rock, Broadway, jazz,pop, etc.....

I have performed at the world class, A-list level in all the above mentioned styles as well.

I believe it is critical to be humble, down to earth and easy to work with, no matter how accomplished, student, teacher, or parent. :)..................

e the most of each student's own unique abilities, limitations, preferences, and interests. Whether students prefer, or do better with, traditional materials, playing/singing along with their favorite recordings, improvisation, or anything in between, I am more than happy to accommodate and bring out each student’s best!

I teach real music -- students begin playing music they love almost from day-one. For example, many of my piano and guitar students pride themselves on learning to play every song on the Beatles One album ... playing right along with the CD! Reading, playing by ear, improvisation (jamming), singing while you play ... there are so many ways to play and avenues to explore in music.

**** MY STUDIO ****

My studio is spacious (very spacious – no cubicles here!), well-appointed, and very quiet. Unlike music stores and multi-lesson facilities, there are no other lessons on the premises, no drummers going crazy on the other side of the wall. This means students can concentrate better and learn faster. There is also plenty of room for parents and siblings who may wish to sit in on lessons.

**** STYLES / GENRES ****

I believe that students make the most progress learning music they love and I am very happy to teach every student the style of music he or she loves most.

My most requested genres are: pop, rock, country, blues, classic rock, jazz, and classical. Some students arrive knowing exactly what they want, but most are happy to explore various styles that interest them in search of the perfect fit. It is not at all uncommon for a student to spend part of their lesson polishing up a Beethoven piece or jazz standard, then finish up playing the chords to “Hotel California” along with the CD. Another student might start off their lesson learning a Taylor Swift hit, then move over to doing some blues improvisation. Variety is a wonderful thing and it is highly encouraged!

**** MY STUDENTS ****

Over the years, I have taught students from four years old to eighty-somethings. I’ve taught absolute beginners (most of my students start from square-one), hobbyists, seasoned professionals, even a Grammy nominee and a Grammy winner! Many of my young students have gone on to perform in school bands / jazz bands and/or professionally. In all cases, they acquire a skill that will last for a lifetime and provide joy, enrichment, and satisfaction.

Do you have a song or two in your heart. Contact me today and I will help you reach your musical goals and have a good time doing it!