Music Theory with David M.

Composer and guitarist David began formal music training at the age of 5 on the drums. He taught himself guitar as a teenager and began playing in local rock bands. Initially entering college as a Journalism major, his passion for music led him to Meramec College where he studied Music Theory with Robert C. Howard and classical guitar with Larry Bolles. From 1990 through 1993, he attended Webster University, and became only the second composer in the school's history to receive the BM/MM Scholarship. While at Webster, he studied composition with Dr. Kendall Stallings, Robert Chamberlin, and Kim Portnoy, Jazz History with Paul Demarinis, and 18th Century Counterpoint with Dr. Eloise Jarvis. During his education, he performed with many student ensembles and sat in on master classes by the great sitarist and surbaharist, Imrat Khan and jazz guitarist Peter Leitch. In 1993 he started St. Louis SoundWorks with Grammy nominated Adam Long and Mark McClanahan that specialized in mobile recording, and composing music for films and commercials. As a musician, David has composed over 200 pieces for various instruments and combinations from small chamber ensembles to full orchestra. He was bandleader of two creative ensembles that focused on alternative notation compositions and improvised music, and later co-founded the avant-garde influenced rock band Diverted Course which released two CD's. As a teacher, David has taught classical guitar and musicianship as an adjunct faculty member at Meramec College and Webster University. He has given seminars on the music of Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman, and Anthony Braxton. He has been teaching privately for 23 years and many of his students have gone on to successful music careers and performed all over the world. *** Lesson Details *** I teach students of all ages in a fun and positive manner. I am flexible and will tailor the lessons to satisfy your own individual goals. Whether you are a beginner that wants to gain a foundation in technique, sight reading, and basic theory or an intermediate or more advanced player that wants to increase their knowledge and polish their skills, I will devise a plan to meet your needs. I encourage regular practice and like my students to keep a journal to monitor their progress. I teach a variety of styles including classical guitar, blues, rock, jazz, and avant-garde. Ultimately, I believe everyone needs a creative outlet, a way to express themselves, and has something unique to say, and I aim to help those students find their own voice. *** Studio Equipment *** Extra guitars and amps at both places. Mixing board at the studio. Only has a upright piano at his home address but has a keyboard at studio *** Travel Equipment *** Expect my students to provide the guitar. Amplification is optional. *** Specialties *** Classical, jazz, rock, blues, and avant-garde.