Percussion with Michael D.

I have 15 years of musical training with professional experience as well. Got my degree in music composition at Nyack College in NYC. Sang performances of original song sets in famous folk/rock venues in New York like The Bitter End, Kenny's Castaways, and the Village Lantern- places where people like Bob Dylan and Niel Young got their start. Given lessons to instrumentalists and vocalists since I was a senior in high school. I would love to help teach, produce, and record any aspiring singer/songwriters. Then I can show off your stuff to my industry friends if you so desire. Let's get started, it will be lot's of fun! *** Lesson Details *** Vocals: We will practice scales and exercises to warm up using the Classical Bel Canto ("Beautiful Singing") style vocal techniques to improve range and tone. We will then apply those techniques in singing whatever it is that you would like to learn. I may have you learn some Italian art songs (arias) if you are very serious about singing and would like to greatly excel in every way possible. Otherwise, if you are learning to sing for a band, or you simply want to be competent enough to skillfully sing your own songs, we will focus only on the genres of music you enjoy most. Singing is one of my favorite things to do in life, and I can't wait to teach you all that I know!! Songwriting/Composing: If you have some skill with an instrument, but have no idea how to write a song, then you are missing out on one of the most lucrative skills in the music industry! I will teach you to organize your musical thoughts, learn how to develop small musical ideas into larger songs, discover the simplicity of writing lyrics, and get a demo of your music going! I can also teach you how to write notated music, orchestrate, arrange, and compose for any orchestral instrument. I use a notating software called Sibelius for all my scoring, and can teach you to use that as well- it is imperative to know how to use scoring software for a modern day aspiring composer! As you learn to compose and write songs, we be exploring many facets and variations of music theory- keys, scales, harmony, and chord structure as we go. Guitar: I love the guitar! This is my primary instrument for songwriting and self-accompaniment as a singer. I am a great rhythm guitar player. I have a good knowledge of scales, arpeggios, chords, and inversions. I can teach just about any pop-rock song and contemporary Christian rock or praise song. I can also teach you jazz and blues chord progressions. We can also explore creating your own personal arrangements of songs you like using unique chords and rhythms. I have some nice riffs up my sleeve, and am great at writing and playing rehearsed solos. I will teach you everything I know! Drum set / percussion: Ah, my first instrument- the DRUMS!! I primarily played drums and only drums from around age 9 until I picked up guitar and singing in mid high school. Playing the drums got me into a music conservatory when I was 18. I switched majors twice (from vocals to composition- having to audition each time I switched!), but drums is what got me in the door. I've studied rock, jazz, latin, pop... You name it! Drums are tons of fun, and I would love to help you excel in this craft as well. In any instrument or focus of study, I will help the musician progress in a fun a engaging way from beginner to advanced stages *** Studio Equipment *** Lessons in the garage set up with speakers, drum set, and chairs *** Travel Equipment *** I expect intermediate students to have their own instruments. I can provide beginning guitar students with a guitar (apart from my own) during our lessons. I have a drum set, so the drummers will not have to bring their own of course, but if I travel to their homes I expect they will have one. Drummers should also have their own sticks after the first lesson. I will provide print outs from books and lesson plans, as well as mp3s for listening assignments. *** Specialties *** I am especially learned in jazz drumming and vocalizing, with some experience in this genre playing guitar. As a vocal instructor, I use the pure vowel sounds practiced in classical training to teach my students to access the fulness of their unique voice and range. I also teach certain arias as foundational songs for bel canto singing. Once developing strong classical technique, the student can apply it to any genre. I specialize in jazz, Gospel, and rock singing myself, with some experience in musical theater.