Songwriting with Brian H.

I have been writing, performing, recording and teaching Music for over 15 years right here in South Florida. Learning to play the guitar was my first step into a life-long career/obsession with Music. In those early years, I turned my love of rock and roll into an outlet for pure self-expression. Thanks to the help of some excellent music teachers, I learned to play all styles of guitar as well as write and sing my own songs. Eventually I began performing in rock bands and larger ensembles. After earning a degree in Audio Engineering from the University of Miami, I spent a lot of time working as a recording engineer in many state-of-the-art recording studios. While working in the studio, I developed a deeper appreciation for the values of professional musicianship: proper playing/singing technique, well-structured songwriting, ear training, and more. I continued to study, practice and improve my own technique, not only with guitar and voice but also at the piano. In 2011 I enrolled in the Miami Piano Academy where I am currently studying under pianist/conductor Oscar Bustillo. My love of rock music has broadened into a love of all different kinds of Music (including electronic music and Hip Hop). I now compose music for large and diverse groups of musicians including pieces for full orchestra. In addition to teaching, I am also a composer of music for film, video, & advertising. I write and produce all styles of music including: Rock/Pop, Jazz, Electronic, Dance, Hip Hop and Orchestral music. *** Lesson Details *** The decision to learn to play music marks the beginning an exciting journey that will be as unique and individual as you are. Because my students all have different goals and different levels of ability, my role in the student's journey changes from CHEERLEADER to TEACHER to COACH. For BEGINNING students I'm more of a CHEERLEADER. This means my main goal is to create a safe and positive environment full of positive support. I focus on celebrating the student's achievements every step of the way and together we enjoy their introduction to the basics. No pressure! Beginning students are often afraid of making mistakes and are easily frustrated. I teach beginners that music is a process of DISCOVERY and so there really are no mistakes, just new and FUN things to discover. I also focus on what kind of music the student is most passionate about and together we develop a plan to learn to play the student's favorite songs. For INTERMEDIATE students I often serve as a TEACHER. Together we develop the students understanding of their instrument by exploring Music Theory and Musical Literacy (reading and writing music). I use a lot of colorful handouts, interactive software and a lot of musical examples to help students truly understand these fundamental concepts. In addition to developing proper playing techniques and learning more complicated songs, I show intermediate students how other musical skills (such as ear and vocal training) can help them get inside the music! Finally, for ADVANCED students, I get to be the COACH. With strong technique in the hands and in the voice, and a mind that can fully conceptualize how music works, advanced students can focus on developing their abilities to both write and perform music with expressive confidence. Similar to the beginning stage, the advanced students also need lots of positive support, only this time they also need a coach who will challenge them to push themselves to higher and higher levels of self expression and artistry. At all levels this job is about keeping the student engaged and having fun while learning each new concept or technique. It is only when the student is engaged and having fun that the real magic of expression and discovery happens! ALSO: Because of my extensive background in music technology & orchestration, I also teach some special topics geared toward electronic musicians, aspiring composers and other music professionals. These topics include: - Digital Audio Recording Techniques (Tracking, Mixing, & Mastering using ProTools and Apple Logic) - Microphone Techniques (Selection, Specification, Placement, etc.) - Sound Design (FM Synthesis, Wave Table, Analog Emulation, and more using Native Instruments) - Electronic Music Production (Performance and Sequencing using Ableton Live) - Advanced Music Theory - Vocal Harmony and Ear Training - Songwriting and Instrumental Composition - Introduction to Orchestration (Writing for Symphony Orchestra using the Vienna Symphonic Library) *** Studio Equipment *** Living room: chairs, music stands, amp, stools, guitar, bass, piano, drums, ukelele, recording equipment, additional seating for parents. *** Travel Equipment *** I can provide one electric guitar (or bass), one small amp, one acoustic guitar, and all my teaching materials (which include my laptop with guitar teaching software, numerous printouts, books, etc). I would prefer the student have their own instrument, but that is not strictly required. Students should have a notebook and/or folder to take notes and keep track of printouts. *** Specialties *** I specialize in all genres related to Rock, though I am familiar with traditional Blues, Jazz, and many other genres. I also have an extensive background in electronic music (both in-studio production and performance).