Piano with David B.

Originally from Indiana, David has been teaching music in both the private and public school sectors for 12 years. Getting his start as a drumline instructor with only 4 students, David soon expanded his teaching to include both guitar and piano, which he studied under Frank Puzzulo (of Miles Davis' group) at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. Upon graduating Ball State, David moved to Colorado to study jazz and classical music with Dr. Douglas Walter, an accomplished percussionist who is known for his versatility and multiple percussion talents. He also studied piano and guitar in his off time, jamming with several rock and jazz groups both in and out of school. In 2006, David left the college scene with a Masters in Music and moved to Florida where he began his teaching career. In Florida, David taught roughly 70 students, ages 5 to 18, at Wewahitchka High School and Middle School. He was beloved by the town, helping out in the community as a local organist for the Presbyterian Church and as a frequent contributor to Wednesday night worship. As wonderful as this time was, David gave up the gators and swamps to move back home to Indiana in 2007. Here, he took a job at Kokomo High School and Maple Crest Middle school where he resumed teaching students from 5th graders to seniors in all areas of music, including wind, strings/guitar and percussion. David established the first ever "rock and roll" class at the high school in 2008, a program that started with only 5 students and has ballooned to 38 in this current year! The class consisted of guitars, keyboards, bass and drums, all of which David can teach at a professional level. Most recently, David graduated with his second Masters in Jazz Performance from DePaul University. He studied primarily with professor Ron Perillo, unquestionably the most innovative piano player in Chicago and with Bob Palmieri, a gifted guitarist. Having now graduated, David is devoting himself full time to teaching private students and looks very much forward to working with you! *** Lesson Details *** Although David has a laid back personality and approach to life, he takes his job very seriously. He prides himself in not being the kind of teacher who is there simply to entertain and hope the student learns something in the process. Though you will most certainly have a good time, you should only take from him if you really want to become a great musician/player. Having been a highly qualified public school teacher for 5 years, David has more experience than most private teachers you can find. He knows what it takes to achieve greatness and he knows that most students, in the end, respect that more than a half hour "jam session." David will tailor his curriculum to each student. Every student is expected to have a notebook with staff paper and a pencil at their lesson. Students will also be assigned a book to purchase (in some cases more than one) and he/she will progress through it at a pace appropriate to his or her level. More than anything, what you will see in David's lessons is his love for music and teaching music. It is truly a special thing to be gifted in this art, and he believes that anyone who is willing to put in the time, the effort and the dedication needed will be rewarded and enriched in the end. David is also available for online lessons via Skype! He loves taking advantage of this modern technology in his lessons and is happy to take on new students in this format. *** Studio Equipment *** He has a fully weighted digital piano, electronic keyboard, acoustic guitar, bass guitar, clarinet, flute and various percussion equipment in a room completely devoted to music. Can accommodate seating for parents. *** Travel Equipment *** I can bring my own guitar/bass, but any drum lessons or piano lessons would require the student to have the necessary instrument at home. *** Specialties *** I specialize in non-wind instruments, especially drums, percussion, bass guitar, piano and rock guitar. I consider myself extremely versatile with various styles and genres. Piano lessons are taught on a wonderful, fully weighted 88 key keyboard. I apply several teaching methods to reach as many kids as possible, with a focus on hands-on learning.