Composition with Julian Y.

My musical background is uniquely rooted in classical training and popular music (non-classical) experience. I have professionally played toured and/or taught on a variety of instuments including Bass, Drums, Guitar, Piano, Ukulele and Voice for the past 8 years all over the world. My main focus has been bass guitar, on which I've played in over a dozen local bands. In addition, I received my Music BA from CU Boulder in 2014. My classical training in combination with my experience as a song writer, multi-instrumentalist and band leader gives me a uniquely well-rounded teaching style. I aim to teach and inspire students to use music as a joyful platform for learning important skills such as diligent practice, cognitive flexibilty, and creative expression. Growing up and playing in Hawaii and Colorado, I have had the opportunity to learn from prolific, passionate and talented musicians from all over the globe. With my students, I love to share my experience, appreciation for eclecticism, nuance and groove while also emphasizing the importance of a theoretical foundation in music and comprehension of aural skills (hearing music in a theoretical context) as a means to fluent apprehension in any genre. Ultimately, this makes me a very flexible and expeditious teacher. What would you like to learn? If you have any questions, or would like to chat, please feel free to call me at three O three 5032572 or message me via my Take Lessons profile. I look forward to it! *** Travel Equipment *** I can provide most necessary lesson materials, however it is necessary that students have their own instruments on which to play and practice. I may request that students buy some materials such as tuners (for stringed instruments), lesson books, or music applications, but these are optional purchases. *** Studio Equipment *** I can teach in my home studio in South Boulder if that is your preference. The studio has keyboard, bass, drums, guitar, ukulele and vocal microphones. Students should bring their own instruments to the studio lessons (drums and piano provided in the studio) Parents may attend the lessons if they choose. *** Specialties *** Pop, Rock, Jazz, Blues, Reggae, West-African Highlife, Funk, and Soul ***Some additional background to my experience*** I grew up "noodling". I avoided the difficult task of learning to read proficiently until I was almost 18. Looking back I realize that for me, music was a way to relax and pause internal dialogue. I would create music, especially on the piano that was entirely my own, and based solely on intuition. I got by in piano lessons and choir for so many years as kid by relying on an intuitive ability to aurally recall music and "play by ear". Eventually, I was turned on to the necessity of being able to read when I was accepted into a nationally competitive choral program at Fairview High School under the direction of Ron Revier. Shortly after that, I picked up a guitar and discovered music theory. Realizing that reading, and theory were inherently different things allowed by to accelerate quickly at music theory which opened so many doors for me creatively. Suddenly, my ability to improvise in context and write my own songs was born. I realized that every note I sang or played was part of an essential structure, whether or not I was paying attention to it. This is why I particularly enjoy teaching aural skills, sight reading, and music theory in conjunction with whatever repertoire or skillset a student wants to learn. These things facilitate becoming one's own teacher which is the most important thing I can pass on to a student. If you can contextualize everything you hear, you can more easily pursue whatever type of music inspires you. Understanding theoretical things like musical modes creates a structure around the seemingly elusive nature of musical improvisation. It comes naturally to some, but is stubbornly avoided by others. I assure you, anyone can do it with some guidance. Through the years, I have developed a handful of shortcuts and tools that allow elementary musicians to start creating their own music that is not necessarily oriented in genre or style, but can be applied to all of them. I look forward to sharing my passion with new students!