Music Theory with Daniel S.

I began playing guitar when I was 13, and have loved every minute! After studying privately for a few years, I started gigging in local bars and coffee shops during high school in my hometown of Ocean Springs, MS. During high school I studied classical and jazz guitar in preparation for a college degree in music. I enrolled at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) in 2004 to study classical and jazz guitar; during which time I played in many festivals, masterclasses, and concerts throughout the southeast. While a student at USM, I put myself through school by teaching private lessons and by gigging at private parties, weddings, churches, festivals, and in local bars. A few times a year I also play in the pit orchestra of various theater productions. Upon finishing my undergraduate degree in 2008 in Jazz Studies, I continued to perform in jazz, classical, and pop groups as both a leader and a sideman while pursuing a Master’s degree in Music Theory, which I finished in the Fall of 2011. Now living in New Orleans, I regularly perform in the city and throughout the southeast as both a sideman and a leader. I have taught privately and in the university setting for the past 9 years, and many of my more than 300 students have gone on to become successful performers, college music majors, or just hobbyists who love to play. As a professional gigging guitarist in a diverse array of genres, I can provide the insight and experience that are essential to fostering the talent of any developing guitarist. *** Lesson Details *** Students can expect to improve their skills while studying with me, whatever their level upon beginning lessons. I am strict about practicing and fundamentals, but do not force students to work at something that is not pleasing to them. I always find a way to incorporate any technical or theoretical concepts we are working on into learning tunes, that way we don't get bogged down working on details while never learning actual music. I do not use a set curriculum for my general guitar students, but jazz and classical students are asked to purchase certain method books and sheet music as needed. *** Studio Equipment *** Living Room/Designated Music Room: Piano, guitars, seating for parents *** Travel Equipment *** I have everything they would need for the first lesson or so, but I do expect them to own their own guitar, picks, tuner, and capo(if needed) by the second month of lessons. *** Specialties *** I specialize in Jazz guitar, but am comfortable teaching in any style including Classical. As far as music theory is concerned, I can tutor at any level, and also am able to give instruction in beginning composition.