Songwriting with Rick D.

Hi! Thanks for checking out my profile. My students call me "Mr. Rick." I teach acoustic guitar lessons for kids and adults, beginners through intermediate. I'm the ideal teacher for those who want to play by "ear" while learning the essentials of chord structure, music theory, rhythm, and proper technique for strumming and playing the instrument. I like making people laugh and having them relax and feel comfortable at our lessons together. I enjoy working with people coming back to guitar, or just starting for fun because they love the guitar! For students who want to play at open mics or in a band, lessons include coaching on performance, and how to pull it all together (including how to properly use the mic and vocal techniques for singing while playing guitar). For students with aspirations of being in a band, or singer-songwriter, I teach the essentials of songwriting and the basics of music recording, production/engineering and music business. Students have opportunities to perform at recitals and other venues, plus learn more about the music business, and basics of music production and sound engineering. *** Lesson Details *** I'm a patient and supportive teacher who offers a relaxed and comfortable learning environment for acoustic guitar students, and also for students interested in singing while playing the guitar. For guitar beginners, we start with the basics including notes, scales, chords and chord patterns, rhythm, and strumming technique. Students start off by learning songs they enjoy and are interested in playing. As students advance, or for those with previous lessons or who are self-taught, we focus on advanced chord structure and patterns, music theory, and rhythm guitar technique. For students interested in singing while playing, I coach them in vocal technique and exercises for pitch and vocal strength. We work on performance skills, for both live performance or in a recording studio. For students with aspirations of being in a band, or singer-songwriter, I teach the essentials of songwriting and the basics of music recording, production/engineering and music business. I bring extra value to my students through my experience as a performing songwriter, recording artist, and music producer. I've taught college level courses, and have been a panelist at music industry conferences. Students have opportunities to perform at recitals and other venues throughout the year. *** Studio Equipment *** The teaching environment includes a fully equipped, professional recording studio with wireless web access. Waiting area inside for parents students bring their own instrument to lessons -- a variety of acoustic guitars are available for student's use at lesson, if needed. Equipment: Acoustic Guitars Keyboards) Complete drum kit Bass guitar 12-string acoustic guitar Mics, Amps, Headphones Computer and Digital teaching aids Fully equipped digital-audio recording & production environment Mixing and recording console / control room Recording sound rooms and booths. *** Specialties *** Acoustic Guitar - for kids and adults, beginners through intermediate, playing by ear while learning chord structure, music theory, and proper technique. Singing and guitar -vocal coaching and exercises for pitch and vocal strength while playing guitar. Performance skills for live performance or in a recording studio. Songwriting- learn the essentials of writing lyrics and music for all pop and rock styles of music. Music Industry -- basics of music recording, production / engineering, music business, and artist development.