Music Theory with Joshua M.

I studied music performance at Central Michigan University under the instruction of Dr. Andrew Spencer. There I focused on many aspects of music including music theory, ear training, composition, arranging, and most importantly performance. I've studied and performed countless percussion instruments, and currently teach and perform in the Detroit area. For myself, music is not a choice. Music wakes me up in the morning, gets me through my day, and helps me wind down at night. Music keeps me organized and focused through goal setting and prioritizing. Music is how I communicate, without it, I'm speechless. Now, for you, my potential student (or parent), music may play a different role in your life. It may be entertainment, it may be a social exercise, it may be family, it may be injury recovery, it may be therapy, it may even be that deeper calling that I spoke of previously. What music is for you, is not for me to say. However, through music, we will both develop a deeper understanding of ourselves, and in doing so, will better know what you are capable of achieving. We will learn to set goals, and to prioritize. We will build confidence through accomplishing these goals, and we will unlock potential that may have been otherwise untapped. ***First Lesson*** Our first lesson will be an informal meet and greet. You'll get to know me, and I'll get to know you. We'll talk more than we'll play in this first lesson because I want to really understand your goals, and what motivates you. We'll discuss some attendance policy stuff, some instrument stuff, and I'll let you know what books* we'll be working out of. What books* we use will be based completely on what you want to study (i.e. drum-set, marimba, composition, ear training, percussion, music theory, performance). I use books to supplement the overall hands-on experience. Rather than reinvent the wheel by writing exercises by hand, we will rely on the many brilliant musicians that have come before us. You could play through a book on your own, I'm here to give you some perspective about what the book is meant to teach. ***Lesson Details*** These lessons are going to teach you talent. Despite what many people believe, talent is not something you either have or don't, it's something that develops over time. I was not always good at what I do, but through patience and perseverance I was able to increase my skill and my confidence. These lessons are very freeform in that we may be discussing how to play a drum set beat one day, and we may be talking about how to play a shaker the next. The lessons you buy are yours, and they are what you want them to be. We will be setting goals, and learning to prioritize, but it will be goals based on what you are working on. I sometimes think of it as a "Study Hall" for music. If you ask more questions, you'll learn more things. If you practice a few hours a week, we'll be able to progress further and faster. ***On-Line Lessons*** I personally believe this is the future of private mentorship. The fact that you can chose from hundreds of qualified teachers from around the world is amazing, and I strongly believe it will change how society is educated in the future. The expectation is that you have a functional webcam, and some way of capturing audio. Be prepared to purchase a separate microphone and camera if we are doing full drum set lessons. Drum set can get tricky when it comes to sound quality, but be not afraid, I will guide you through the optimal microphone placement. Lessons are available through FaceTime, Skype, and Google Hangouts. Here are the peripherals I recommend: Webcam - Logitech - C920 HD Pro Webcam ($99) Microphone - Audio technica - atr2100 ($60) ***In-Home Lessons*** Nothing beats one-on-one personal training. In-home lessons allow us the luxury of On-Line lessons, with the added experience of having a live audience; me. If you are local to the Detroit area, and you have the necessary equipment already at home or nearby, I'll come to you for private training. Lessons that are done in person are ideal for marimba, timpani, xylophone, and I would encourage that they be arranged to take place at a local school or music shop. I do not provide equipment for in-home lessons, which is why I recommend getting a third party involved to supply the larger instruments. For those outside of the Detroit area, Online-Lessons are your best course of action. ***Why take lessons from me?*** I've been teaching music for over a decade, and I'm currently active in the music community. I embrace technology and utilize the amazing breakthroughs from recent years to create a lesson environment that is forward-thinking and streamlined. My experiences have given me the expertise to work with all students, whether they are young, refined with age, or in need of special accommodations. I pride myself on my patience, and I continually strive to better understand goal setting, prioritizing, and the motivating of others. My students learn life skills that are not taught in schools, and will be prepared for success in all that they pursue.