Piano with Andrew B.

Hello Students and Parents!  I am Andrew B. I have taught professionally, from ages 5 to 75, for almost 10 years. I have been playing music since I was very young. I was that infant sitting at the piano trying to play what ever melodies came into my head. I caught the bug for guitar at the age of 13 and my life has been about music ever since. While I consider jazz to be my home base, I am deeply rooted in the blues. I try to feel the essence of the blues in every style I approach. That is to say, I look to find the deeper understanding of that style or piece of music. Over the years I have studied and taught many styles of music on guitar and bass, including: jazz, blues, pop, rock, funk, hip hop, reggae, country, gospel, and classical. I also teach songwriting, theory, voice, and double bass. Just this last year I have had the opportunity to share the stage with several great musicians. Some of these include: Dana Murray (Wynton Marsalis, Jimmy Witherspoon, Donald Byrd, Roy Hargrove, Sherman Irby, James Hurt, Eric Revis), Ronnie Beck (Tower of Power), Donnie Beck (Buddy Miles), Calvin Keys (Jimmy Smith, Ahmad Jamal, Ray Charles, Joe Henderson, Woody Shaw), and the great Russell Malone (Jimmy Smith, Harry Connick, Jr. Diana Krall). I have studied music with Dana Murray (Berklee). Jazz, rhythm, and motivation is his specialty. Glen Smith (North Texas) has also been a teacher/mentor of mine for many years. He specializes in guitar, songwriting, bass (electric and upright), and voice. I studied classical guitar with Hadley Haven. Haven is the head of classical guitar studies at University of Nebraska at Omaha. I have also studied with Hans Sturm (Double Bass), and Heidi Joy (Voice).  Lessons with me are fun! Lesson plans will be tailored specifically to you, the student. I stress that no matter what we are practicing, we are all on the same path. If you know how to practice (and you do it every day) you will achieve the goals you set for yourself. Then it becomes time to make new goals and the process starts again. Music is a never ending journey that can transcend genres and generations. We are always learning on this journey. I look forward to learning with you!  Good Luck, Andrew B. *** Lesson Details *** I am more laid back than strict. This is not to say that I do not expect my students to work hard. The most important thing however, (especially with children) is to make the lessons fun and enjoyable. Stress gets us nowhere. Lessons are tailored and personalized for each student. First, each student will set goals. Then, once the basics are covered, we will learn songs and/or pieces that interest the student. At the same time the student will be required to work on their reading and other necessary assignments and exercises that will challenge them; including any and all music assigned in school.  In my lessons we learn how to practice. This is the single most important tool in our arsenal. If we do this every day we will reach our goals and then set new ones. This process can be a never ending one if we choose. Some of the books in my curriculum include: Mel Bay guitar series (children's and method books)Berklee Press series Progressive steps to Syncopation for the modern drummer- Ted Reed Solo Guitar Playing- Frederick Noad 20 Studies for Guitar- Fernando Sor 120 right hand studies for guitar- Mauro Guiliani The Beatles complete chord songbook Harmonic Mechanisms for Guitar- George Van Epps New Method For the Double Bass- F. Simandl The Evolving Bassist- Rufus Reid The Art of the Bow/The Art of the Left Hand- Francois Rabbath Connecting Chords with Linear Harmony- Bert Ligon  Good Luck in your search! Andrew B. *** Studio Equipment *** Upright bass available, guitars, amps, computer *** Travel Equipment *** I cannot provide equipment when I travel to you. I expect students to have their own instrument and books I recommend. As well as a blank notebook and a music stand. *** Specialties *** I have taught most styles of guitar and bass including: Jazz/blues/rock/funk/gospel and classical.