Film Studies with John P.

MUSIC: I began playing music in a blue collar, east coast town. I learned from playing in bars and clubs from the time I was 16 years old. I learned quickly how to play to and for an audience as well as how to connect with an audience as small as 5 people, and as large as 50,000 people. . Playing lead guitar and singing, my first two bands toured extensively. We played tiny backrooms to big clubs to amphitheaters, opening for all sorts of people, such as: Love/Hate, The Misfits, Rainshine, Dee Snider of Twisted Sister, Guttermouth, Firehouse, and other such bands. I'm the lead guitarist and co-lead vocalist for my current rock band which recently played at the Chivas Arena, the Orange County Fair and we have a regular gig at the Kibbitz room in West Hollywood. CA. We perform originals and covers. I've also spent a lot of time in the studio, and put out several indie rock CDs over the years, as well as assisted in audio engineering trouble shooting in the studio for a top 10 Billboard hit recording artist. WRITING: I am a Published novelist with "Nerves" (2012), "Dust Of The Dead" (2015) and "Ghost Heart" (2016). I have been in around 50 anthologies, short stories, magazines and novellas, and have been nominated for a Bram Stoker Award 3 times so far. I have also written for The Examiner, Diversity News Magazine, Fangoria, Dark Discoveries and others. FILM: I have made a few feature films and worked with a cast of A list directors, producers and actors. I have also shot for Living With Frankenstein, Diversity News Television, The HWA, and Various projects ranging from book trailers to actors reels. I have edited for Film, Television and created Trailers from start to finish. *** Lesson Details *** I'm told I'm pretty laid back, but that doesn't mean I'm not a stickler for discipline. In the end, it's up to you to do the runs and scales and chords, so there's only so much I can do. I try to inspire my students to do well, as it's the most rewarding thing you'll do, creatively speaking. There's nothing more satisfying than hearing music being made from your own hands. I can get you there, but you have to do your share. One of the biggest goals I have is to get people up and playing as soon as possible because it's very inspiring to get there. I started teaching guitar when I was 16, and each one of my students was playing in bands within their first year. They were extremely motivated, and I hope I was key to their inspiration. They tell me I was. I've also taught many people not interested in just performing, but who have come to music for different reasons. Some found it therapeutic, others wanted to do it, 'just because' -- and that's perfectly wonderful reasons to want to express yourself through music. Another area I really love teaching is songwriting. I grew up in a time where playing lightning fast medieval scales was all the fashion. Well, that just wasn't in me. I was more into songs, so I focused on that area. I've written tons and tons, and have been the main songwriter for all the bands I've been a member of. *** Studio Equipment *** Recording Studio, piano, guitars, vocal booth and other instruments. *** Travel Equipment *** I've got my own guitar and bass. I can bring a small amplifier if need be. *** Specialties *** My methods vary from student to student. Usually I try and assess how each person is comfortable, and re-assess over the life of our lessons together, as it can change. I'm a folk and rock player, but I've taught so many different styles at this point, it's great.