Piano with Jonathan B.

Piano, singing, and songwriting began for me when I discovered really awesome piano music such as with bands like Queen, Yes, and ELP. After high school, I studied classical music composition at Wheaton College's Conservatory of Music receiving my Bachelors in Music Composition with a focus in piano. My professional experience includes singing on film/TV productions such as High School Musical, Hairspray, and Struck By Lightning. I compose and orchestrate for theater (Glendale Center Theater, Vanguard University Theater Department), film/TV, orchestra (L.A. Jewish Symphony, TCOTW, BIOLA University) and album projects (Anna Nalick, Oodle's World Productions). Singing credits include Jurassic World, Adele on the Academy Awards, Josh Groban's Stages album, High School Musical 1, Hairspray The Movie, High School Musical 3, Chris Kolfer's new movie Struck by Lightning, Atlanta Aquarium Dolphin Show recording, Boston Public, Who Wants to Be A Millionaire ad (New Wave Ent.), and The Drew Carey Show. Piano credits include American Idol finalist Stevie Scott, various other bands, Mastro's restaurants, and local churches. I love to share musical knowledge and really enjoy teaching! *** Lesson Details *** Music education environments can be tense and intimidating, but that's what causes averse attitudes towards learning. Learning is hard, but it's also extremely rewarding and should build confidence along the way. With me, lessons are all about progress and not about criticism. We will maintain an organized and detailed set of personalized goals all along the way, and you will see your progress in all different facets of music, playing, and singing. With any instrument, voice and piano especially, staying relaxed is key. How can you learn to fly over the keys or soar into your upper vocal register when you are tense or worried about making a mistake? I guarantee: 1) That lessons will be fun. Learning takes hard work, but it can also be fun. That's part of my job! 2) That I will never make you sing in a way that can harm your voice. 3) That you will be empowered with tools of knowledge about your instrument (voice/piano) and about music theory that will help you to be a versatile musician. I expect: 1) That you come willing to try new things in a low pressure environment. This will lead to progress! 2) That you come prepared to sing/play. 3) That you or your child will make mistakes. That's what lessons are for! Commit to not making the same mistakes the next time, and ENJOY the praise and feedback you get along the way. *** Studio Equipment *** Real piano Bladwin Acrosonic, recording studio with Manley reference mic, keyobard, and guitar inputs. *** Specialties *** Classical piano technique for strength and versatility. How to read music and grasp music theory concepts for self-confidence and self-sufficiency as a musician in all genres including pop and jazz. Singing of all styles. I teach the fundamentals, breathing, resonance, intonation, tone, and text-focused performance. For writing music, I have extensive knowledge and experience with different forms/styles of classical composition for piano and all orchestral instruments as well as expertise in pop song structures and lyric writing. Learn how to record!