Music

Songwriting

Brendon R.

Overview About Reviews Experience Education Certifications Affiliations Languages Gallery

Background check

Teaches online

Teaches all skill levels

Age: 8+

Speaks Spanish,

Teaching since 2009

MM, Composition

1 Repeated Students

Study songwriting with an award-winning composer and bandleader

Lessons are highly personalized and guided by your musical goals and interests; songwriters using any instrument are welcome. Topics may include storytelling, structure, chord progressions, arrangement, accompaniment, the relationship of music to text, emotions vs intellect, beats, recording, and more.

Instructor details

Subject

Location:

Teaches Online

Teaching Hours

Monday

1 PM-3 PM

Tuesday

10 AM-5 PM

Wednesday

12 PM-5 PM

Thursday

10 AM-5 PM

Friday

10 AM-12 PM

Times are shown in your local timezone (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)

Pricing

45 minutes

$65

60 minutes

$80

About Brendon R.

5.0

(29)

I’m a composer and guitarist based in Brooklyn, NY. I’ve taught at Yale, Saint David's School, and CO-OP Arts High School, among others; performed around the world in rock bands, orchestras, opera pits, and experimental groups; composed award-winning orchestra pieces, critically-acclaimed rock albums, and film/TV soundtracks. I have a Masters’ degree from the Yale School of Music. My students have performed at the Kennedy Center, successfully auditioned for music schools, performed songs in feature films, written their first songs (and their first symphonies), composed and released albums of electronic music, joined gigging rock bands, put their first band together, found artist management, put on classical guitar salons for their friends, and learned their first chord. No matter the student’s level, age, or goals, I consider it a privilege to be part of their musical journey. My biggest joy as a teacher is seeing moments where long-term progress becomes clear: where a student realizes they can easily perform a song that only months ago seemed impossible, or finally writes down the music that’s been in their head for years. I am also experienced working with students with diverse learning styles and backgrounds, and I enjoy the process of finding the learning style that works best for each student.

ReviewsWrite a review

100%

5.0

29 Reviews

Jeanette

Online

Brendon is an awesome teacher. I have learned a plethora of music theory and composition techniques from him that are extremely valuable. He is very patient, knowledgeable and has given me a lot of practice materials that has enhanced my learning experience. On a scale of 1 to 10 he is a 10. Thank you.

Posted Feb 18, 2023

Elena

Online

Brendon is amazing teacher. Between running my business and raising a family, I don’t have much time for practice, but Brendon always helps me to catch up if my practice takes a back seat for a week or two. He creates supportive atmosphere and after the lesson I am always reinvigorated to practice more.

Posted May 4, 2022

Tim

Online

Brendan is a great instructor. He has quickly learned my son's skill level and adapted his teaching to it, finding practice material that is beneficial as well as enjoyable for him. Olive is really enjoying his weekly lessons with Brendon.

Posted Mar 28, 2022

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Experience

Guitar/Music Theory Instructor

Oct, 2010 - Jul, 2012

Vibo Music School

• Taught private lessons in classical, jazz, folk and rock styles to beginner, intermediate and advanced students • Led group classes in beginning guitar and musicianship • Provided individual test preparation for the ABRSM Music Theory exam

Teaching Assistant

Sep, 2013 - May, 2014

Yale School of Music

I was a TA for two undergraduate electronic music classes - Introduction to Electronic Music, and Advanced Topics in Electronic Music • Assisted professor in course organization, preparation of course materials, and grading • Led two sections of 4-5 student labs • Provided individual instruction in MAX/MSP, Jitter, Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and Final Cut Pro.

Teaching Artist

Oct, 2012 - May, 2014

Yale School of Music

• Taught group guitar, composition and rock band classes at two high schools in New Haven, CT • Provided individual instruction and private lessons • Oversaw individual and ensemble performances

Education

B.M., Music

Sep, 2005 - May, 2009

Pomona College

MM, Composition

Sep, 2012 - May, 2014

Yale School of Music

Certifications

Teacher Training Level 1

Aug, 2010

The Walden School

The Walden School's Teacher Training Institute is based upon The Walden School Musicianship Course, an original approach to teaching the fundamentals of music with an emphasis on creative application, specifically through music improvisation and composition. In addition, the course offers activity-based methods for developing high-level fluency with theoretical concepts and effective methods for teaching ear training.

Affiliations

American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers

Aug, 2010

The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) is a membership association of more than 480,000 US composers, songwriters, lyricists and music publishers. The ASCAP is committed to nurturing music makers throughout their careers.