Music Theory with Kelly A.

I have over 13 years of teaching experience (all levels) and I currently teach music at Cornish College of the Arts (since 2015). I have taught many different styles of voice, piano, songwriting, and musicianship lessons, and I can tell you this-- I LOVE teaching! My students have ranged from 5 to over 65, from classical piano, or jazz/pop piano, to pop/rock/jazz singing, to songwriting and/or ear-training, professionals to amateurs, and no matter what we always have a great time. I guarantee that in our lessons, you will see progress almost immediately... but above all, learning music is FUN! A little extra info.... **In 2012 I finished a Masters degree at NYU in Jazz Studies, and recorded an album of some jazz, folk, and original music. **I perform actively around Seattle and the PNW, and I tour with my band a few times each year **I have been teaching at Cornish College of the Arts (music - pop/jazz voice, songwriting, piano) since January 2015! I teach private lessons in voice, piano, and songwriting, and group classes: Musicianship (combination of theory/ear training, and piano), Piano (Piano I, II, III, IV), The Art of Songwriting class, Vocal Standards Class, Ear Training I & II, and in the past I also taught a vocal anatomy/production/professionalism class called VOX: MIND/BODY. I also put together showcases each semester for my private students to perform their music at local clubs/venues in downtown Seattle. **Since 2019, I've been writing and releasing some new original songs in collaboration with producer (Andrew Vait - SISTERS, Little Wins) and have released three singles which you can check out on Spotify/iTunes/YouTube, etc (electro/synth-based funky pop music with a hint of nostalgia). More new music and music videos coming in 2021... stay tuned! **I made a LIVE music video for my single, "Last Love," which came out in February 2020 - check it out on YouTube - link below! **I taught jazz piano and voice lessons for four years at NYU and also through the New York Jazz Academy and Brooklyn Music Factory, from beginning to advanced, classical, pop or jazz -- and I teach rock bands how to learn music by ear and have fun playing with other people! I have also been teaching privately (independent home studio) since 2007. **I organize and teach vocal workshop classes, where singers can learn how to work with a band. **I also organize and teach songwriting classes, where you can learn how to get into writing songs and performing or recording your own music, either as a solo artist, or with a band! **NOTE: My availability will open up starting May when the Cornish semester ends! If you're looking to schedule ahead, please feel free to get in touch using the "Ask a Question" feature and we can schedule lessons at the time of your choice beginning first week of May!** I moved back to Seattle in April 2014 after being in NYC for four years -- completing my Master of Music degree (NYU), living, teaching, and performing in Brooklyn and Manhattan. NYC was amazing, and I'd love to share with you all of the cool things I picked up during my time there. From 2005-2010, I lived in Seattle and taught music lessons. I graduated from Cornish College of the Arts in Jazz Performance (voice) and performed a lot around Seattle-- from jazz clubs to concert halls-- performing pop, rock, soul, jazz and even working in a Steely Dan Tribute Band!! (your parents might appreciate that more than you do). I actually still perform actively with the Steely Dan tribute band (Nearly Dan), and we perform at some of the premier venues in Seattle, such as Jazz Alley and the Triple Door. More than anything, I'm fascinated by the different ways that students learn and always love figuring out what kind of learning works best for YOU. *** Lesson Details *** I love watching my students progress and enjoy their music, no matter what style they enjoy or what level they are. I work with students to pick out music that they'll enjoy working on-- it's always more fun to learn songs you love! I'm a pretty laid back teacher, but I work to inspire my students to try their hardest and do the best that they can do. I will provide you will the exercises, materials, and right level of songs to help you meet your goals, and together we can create a plan for our lessons. In our lessons we will cover a variety of topics, including: --Strong, Healthy TECHNIQUE so that you can gain a command of your instrument and play or sing whatever you choose. Through various EXERCISES you will develop strength, control, musicianship, and good habits. (Vocalists:) It is important to develop a healthy technique so that you can sing whatever you want without getting fatigued or injuring your voice. We'll work on developing strong technique and finding your own unique SOUND-- we'll choose music that is right for your vocal style and music that YOU connect with so you can really express yourself. (Pianists): No matter whether you want to play classical, pop, or jazz, you'll want your fingers to be strong and agile enough to get the sound that you want out of the instrument. With good technique you can play anything! --Rhythm, subdivision, and groove --Ear-training & Music Theory (chord qualities, pitch matching, easy transcription) --Building your REPERTOIRE so that you have songs to play, and discussing techniques specific to each style of music you study --Arranging or Communicating with a band (if that is something which interests you) --Performance considerations.... developing confidence and personal expression! My goal is to inspire students to play their instruments (or sing!), develop good habits and encourage healthy curiosity..... but most of all to LOVE playing music! *** Studio Equipment *** full music room with 88 f/w keyboard with music stand, amp, microphone (if applicable), acoustic guitar, seating for parents. I will provide lesson plans and corresponding handouts, exercises, examples, etc. If the student is taking piano lessons they should have access to a keyboard or piano at home. I also have a vocal microphone & amp to work on microphone technique. *** Specialties *** I specialize in songwriting, and in jazz/pop piano and voice, and have a strong background in classical and jazz theory and technique. I typically design curricula which include technical exercises from my classical background and then focus stylistically on the genre that the student is interested in. I have extensive experience both performing and teaching in many jazz, pop, rock and soul styles-- I try to help the student find their unique voice while establishing a strong foundation of healthy technique. I also love working with students who want to explore a variety of things - songwriting, playing piano, singing, accompanying yourself, etc.!