Piano with Jerry G.

Dr. Jerry G. has performed as a professional musician, drummer and vocalist for almost 50 years. He has a background in classical music and has studied theory and numerous instruments and vocals. After playing hits in the 60’s, "Dr. J" performed as an organist doing 10 shows a week in '69 and '70 at, what is today, the Pabst/Riverside Theater in Milwaukee. Jerry played 6 nights a week in the 70’s and toured with the legendary Grand Ole Opry star, Webb Pierce. By the late 1990’s, after earning a Doctorate in Education and Instructional Technology, Jerry was with Ernie Givens & The White Lies Band and won Nashville’s OCT “Indie” award as the best Country Band in the World in both 1999 and 2000. He is a highly versatile percussionist versed in a wide range of musical styles from rock and country to swing and jazz. Retired after 30 years as a university professor, he is a widely published author, public speaker, stage actor, pilot and a member of MENSA. And, as a 5th degree Taekwondo Master, he is a 5-time national medalist. As an astronomer, he operates his own observatory and served as the Astronomy Lecturer for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines for 15 years. Dr. J. performs as the drummer with the Dever-based party band 25 South. When not on stage with the band, he performs his own show as a vocalist at various venues around Colorado. A connoisseur and performer of the great music of the past 55 years, Jerry is influenced by Louis Bellson, Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich and Neil Peart. He is now available playing drums and doing his solo vocal show in the central Colorado area *** Lesson Details *** For drums... You will learn the basics of music structure, how to provide a rhythmic foundation and then to embellish from there. We will play along with live music (basic Rock-n-Roll) learning to hear and interpret what's going on in the music and how drums help create that sound. Stick control, posture, maneuvers and techniques along with hardware management and maintenance are all included with the focus on becoming a working and productive member of a band. For piano... Directed toward beginners, my approach will focus on simple music structures, basic fingering techniques, and other fundamentals while learning how music is built and structured. Students will play from simple music charts as well as learning to develop a musical "ear." Music theory is an understanding of how music is a composite of related components which is critical for interpreting, learning and performing. Piano is learned in the context of a music theory framework. Pop Vocals... Through a wide-variety of pop music from the past 40-60 years, singing styles help guide activities in vocal control, projection and style. Karaoke-style tracks are used as a foundation to which singing is applied and examined. Everything breathing techniques to posture are considered in working toward a performance-level outcome. --------------- Like English, Spanish, Chinese or Swahili, music is a language. Learning how to relate to, interpret and understand musical communication is fundamental to being a musician. Whether you play the dulcimer or the triangle or even a kazoo - whether you sing opera, pop music, backup harmonies or just hum with the radio, you are conversing musically and a deeper understanding of that phenomenon will enrich your life. *** Studio Equipment *** In home: High quality drums, electric grand piano, guitars are but a few of the instruments available in our recording studio. Parents & guests are welcome to wait comfortably in the living room adjoining room. *** Travel Equipment *** Student should have either a piano or drum set for the lesson and their own rehearsal. For drums... a playable music source would be important although alternatives can be worked out. *** Specialties *** Drumming has included oldies, classic rock, rock-n-roll, heavier rock styles (not "metal"), classic country, Modern country, R&B, Soul, Big Band, Funk, Disco and more. - Does NOT include modern metal, head-banger, rap, hip hop, grunge. Vocals include oldies, country, club acts (like Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Dean Martin, Tom Jones, etc.) from the last 40-60 years, Rock, ballads, and more. Again, does not include Rap, hip hop, scream-ology or other similar styles.