Banjo with Phillip S.

Hey Students and Parents! I've been performing and studying music since I was 8, and I can honestly say that music is my life. Music has changed my life in so many ways, and few things give me more joy than sharing that with others. I've been teaching for six years and in that time have seen my students admitted to some of the country's best music schools. My specialty is keeping lessons exciting, fun, and soulful, never losing sight of the feelings that drew us to music in the first place. Learning to play an instrument well is challenging, and sometimes frustrating. But having been through rigorous conservatory training myself, I know how to tackle most technical and musical challenges in a streamlined way so that my students can progress quickly and consistently. I teach all styles and levels of guitar, beginner and intermediate drums, beginner piano, songwriting and composition, and computer music production. When I'm not teaching I'm either gigging with several bands (R&B, Rock, Hip Hop, and World Music), playing out as a solo classical guitarist, DJ'ing, at home creating electronic music, songwriting, composing pieces for classical ensembles, or producing local indie artists. I have years of live and studio experience under my belt, and can confidently prepare dedicated students for real-world careers in music if that is their goal. For those students who simply aspire to learn an instrument well and play for and with family and friends, we'll focus on learning and finishing songs to show off with! Some of my teachers and mentors have been Jamie Haddad (Paul Simon, Herbie Hancock, Paul Winter,) Kevin Hanson (The Roots, Jay Z, Jill Scott,) Lukasz Kuropaczewski, Stephen Aron, and Tony Moore (Usher, Patti Labelle.) *** Lesson Details *** Lessons with me will be fun and stimulating, and you can expect consistent progress. We'll make sure YOUR musical goals are met. We will use songs from a variety of styles to gain new skills and experience. We'll focus on all aspects of being a musician, including ear training and listening, instrument technique, rhythm, improvisation and composition, reading, and performance. The music we work on will be the music that you love, as there's no better way to progress than to love what you're working on and genuinely want to improve at it! I'll also introduce you to new music that you've probably never heard, but could very well grow to love. If appropriate we'll use tried and true method books to make sure all bases are covered. If you're a student of music production, we'll work on getting to know your computer program of choice. Whether you're looking to produce a huge Dubstep banger, or mellow music for film, I'll make sure you are consistently FINISHING quality tracks that you can share with the world. Whether you're a guitarist, pianist, drummer, or producer, You can expect to be finishing songs. You may end up performing for your uncle and your dog, at your school talent show, or on stage in front of a huge crowd. Wherever you may share your music with others, you'll be a confident and proud performer because through our lessons you'll have learned how to MASTER music. *** Studio Equipment *** I have a piano, multiple guitars, and a drum kit. *** Specialties *** Classical Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Fingerstyle, Rock and Blues, Gospel, RnB, World Music (esp. African, Reggae, Brazilian, and Carribean), Electronic Music (Dubstep, House, Hip-hop)