Songwriting with Michael J.

As a music teacher, I am very passionate about my trade. Not simply because I enjoy music or have a talent in the area, but because I literally love talking about, working on, and helping others understand music. I have had tons of real world experience in music, from teaching to performing, from composing to producing. I have taken this experience to the lesson room by making sure to adapt each lesson uniquely to each student. I like to take a very practical approach; conquer the basics as well as delve into song writing, theory, production, or technique at different levels based on the needs and wants of each student. As for myself, I have been in love with music from a very early age. I started playing piano at the age of 5, being taught by my mother who was also a pianist. Early on in my teen years, I started playing in bands as a bass player and/or keyboardist and I have been hooked on performing ever since. I went on to get my degree in music from California Baptist University and started teaching soon afterward and found a new love for private lessons! I have had the privilege of teaching students from every age group, from 5 to 85, and with each new student have come to love to process of learning and teaching more and more. With me as your teacher, you can expect a fun and open lesson. I am very apt at adapting to the needs of my students, taking time to really explore a new concept when necessary or moving along quickly when we're wanting to progress faster. I like to keep the lessons relaxing and enjoyable while still maintaining steady musical progress. I look forward to the possibly of having you as a new student and sharing with you my love of music! *** Lesson Details *** I am usually a very laid back teacher, but I have been known to push more advanced students to reach higher goals when the time is right. I use the Alfred series mostly for beginning students, but also have adapted that to fit some of my other younger students. After 4 or 5 months, a beginner can expect to read music and be familiar with the most foundational chord patters. From here, we can move onto learn specific songs and looking for performance options (if you are interested, of course!) For more advanced students, I like to make sure that all the bases are covered, learning original compositions from the baroque to the modern that highlight growth areas in technique for that student. As we progress, I like to find each students personal musical goals and do everything to empower them to reach those goals. That could be as simple as learning read music (which isn't all that easy!) to bettering their technique or composition skills. *** Studio Equipment *** Music Room: Music stands, full 88 weighted keys piano, guitars, basses, studio gear, sitting area *** Travel Equipment *** For piano, bass, or any other instrument I expect the student to provide a working set of all thing necessary to use said instrument (e.g. bass = guitar and amp) for theory or recording, I would expect student to get the curriculum and a computer to work on. *** Specialties *** I am familiar with most styles of piano performance, including classical, modern, pop, and jazz. I have spent the last three years working mostly with a band doing electronic music recording/producing and then live performances. I have become pretty acquainted with modern piano lesson books such as the Alfred series, both for children and adults.