Lesson Details
Songwriting
- Levels Taught:
- Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Robert teaches
About
- Teaches students:
- Ages 8+
- Teaching since:
- February 2005
Hey there! I've been performing music for as long as I can remember, and performing professionally for over 30 years. I have formal training and 12 years of teaching experience. I teach with positivity, patience, and perseverance and help you express the music in you!
*** Lesson Details ***
All of my lessons are customized to your needs, preferences and goals. No matter what instrument or skill level, I'll take you through the basics and help you build solid practicing fundamentals. I'll also help you develop your performance and, depending on how serious you'd like to get, I can also teach you to read music and learn music theory as well! I balance learning and technical skill with fun and self-expression.
*** Studio Equipment ***
I have a dedicated music room, stocked with guitars, basses, and practice amp, keyboard and computers with recording software.
*** Travel Equipment ***
Keyboard, practice amp, and/or instrument cords. I expect the student to provide his/her own instrument, and prefer they have an amplifier for electric instruments.
*** Specialties ***
I teach in all genres, but have experience in rock, alternative, pop, jazz, and even music theater.
Experience
Instructor
Nov 2011 - Nov 2013Taught private lessons in guitar, bass guitar, voice and trumpet.
Vocalist & Bassist
Aug 2005 - Nov 2013Sang lead and backup vocals and played bass for a variety cover band, and played private parties, corporate functions, weddings, and local bars and nightclubs.
Instructor
Feb 2005 - Nov 2013Taught private lessons in guitar, bass guitar, voice, and trumpet.
Staff Musician-Vocalist, Bassist, Guitarist & Songwriter
Jan 2005 - Nov 2013Performed every week with a pianist/keyboardist, guitarist, drummer and/or any other guest musicians for each of AUC's two Sunday services. I performed Unity music, original music and a variety of spiritually-oriented, popular cover songs. I also WROTE songs appropriate for particular topics and/or sermons. I often sang with the church choir and performed songs with the choir as a member of the band.
+ Read MoreVocalist, Bassist, & Keyboardist
Jul 2005 - Aug 2011Sang lead and backup vocals, played bass and (occasionally) keyboards for a Beatles music tribute band, featuring music spanning ALL of the Beatles' albums.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - School of Communication, College of Public Programs
Aug 1990 - May 1994Music - Vocal Performance
Jan 1987 - Jun 1987Music - Vocal Performance
Aug 1985 - Dec 1986Affiliations
American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers
Jan 2001The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) is a membership association of more than 480,000 US composers, songwriters, lyricists and music publishers. The ASCAP is committed to nurturing music makers throughout their careers.
Photos & Videos
25 Reviews
Write a ReviewRobert was a pleasure, caring and patient. we will be working together for a while I hope.
Instructed our son on the trumpet & guitar for 6 years. He is patient and flexible and just incredible. I would recommend him to anyone!
He is a very patient teacher. And he's very flexible on his schedule by moving our schedule to an earlier time because we had a prior engagement in the afternoon. And most of all, my daughter now knows the basics and we will most likely contact him again in case we decide to continue guitar lessons.
+ Read More10 minutes in and things started clicking about mouth positioning and breath control! Highly recommended from me, so far!
Thoroughly structured lesson plan and positive encouragement! Highly recommend Robert for vocal lessons.
Robert is the most patient and informed instructor you could hope for. He has incredible knowledge, but knows how to share it in digestible chunks and adapt his style to who you are and what you are trying to accomplish. And as a bonus he has an awesome guitar yoga routine you start with which I always try to use now. A super guy and a great teacher!
+ Read MoreExcelente!!!!!
Robert was so patient to teach my little girl from the start.. we liked the way he taught her yesterday
Rob is a great teacher. I feel very comfortable in our lessons and I am progressing.
I wanted to wait a while before giving Rob a review so that I could be fair and honest about his teaching and my experience. Rob is a kind, dedicated, and patient singing instructor. He understands how to make students feel comfortable with singing, which for me was a really big deal. I'm a 25 year old male and that didn't make him flinch, despite my lack of formal musical training.
Rob's also great about letting his students pick songs that they're actually interested in singing and is encouraging when you're struggling. He understands how to point out strengths and remains optimistic in a way that bolsters your confidence and helps you get over whatever obstacle (mental/physical) that stands in your way. There's no "can't" when working with Rob. Only suggestions on how to be a stronger singer and words of reinforcement.
In my time learning from Rob I feel my vocals have improved pretty dramatically. I can sing without strain, my power, breathing, and general understanding of proper singing technique have improved ten fold. He gives you the tools that you need to continue working on your own (singing exercises, keyboard warmups, stretches, plosives, etc.). I can't say enough good things about the guy.
I would recommend Rob to music lovers of any age that want to learn a new skill. I hope to continue taking lessons from Rob for a long time to come. Thank you for all of your hard work, Rob!
Rob and I are off to a great start. He is helping me with the fundamentals in both reading and singing music. Looking forward to next week.
So far. The lessons are great and Robert has been professional and encouraging. Thank you
So far. The lessons are great and Robert has been professional and encouraging. Thank you
Great teacher very helpful and knowledgeable. Helped me dramatically
Great personality. Learned about chords and ways to practice. Recommend!
I have been taking lessons from Rob for several years. He is a terrific instructor and very personable. I know have an excellent knowledge of my instrument, some music theory, and can play music with other musicians. I highly recommend him
Robert is a great teacher! It is apparent that Robert is knowledgeable about music and I loved how approachable he always was. Robert knew very well how to make a lesson comfortable and I was glad that I chose him as my teacher!
My 10 year old daughter has been taking singing lessons from Robert for 4 months. Her singing voice has improved immensely as well as her confidence in her own voice. She has thoroughly enjoyed each lesson with Robert and always comments on how quickly the lesson time passes by. She also talks about how much she has learned from him.
Overall we have both been thrilled with the experience of taking lessons from Robert.
Robert is really great! Very attentive and thoughtful. Awesome teacher for my daughter.
Patient, kind and effective teacher
I've had nothing but positive experiences with Robert! We've worked together for over a year and I can say my voice has improved as well as secondary benefits like my breathing. What I love about Robert is how he teaches, he helps my confidence, courage and faith in my abilities. In my work I use my voice everyday, often I am speaking in front of a large crowd. The lessons have really helped with speech, volume and enunciation. BTW I do all my lesson with Skype, which I believe is a great way to do it.
Fantastic mentor!
Rob instructed my daughter in both acoustic guitar and voice for nearly four years. His creative technique and wealth of musical knowledge helped her to increase her abilities, raise her confidence, and foster her own love of all things musical. With Rob's influence, she is now able to play multiple instruments and has fully overcome her performance anxiety. Rob is an amazing musician in his own right and is fully willing to share his wisdom with his students. I would highly recommend him to anyone who truly loves music and wishes to discover and extend their own latent abilities.
Great teacher!
I took guitar lessons from Rob for 3 1/2 years when he lived in Atlanta. I learned a lot from him and really enjoyed our lessons. He's a great teacher and I would still be taking lessons with him if he lived here!
Rob is great!
Rob is great. His teaching style is informal and comfortable. He is very laid back. Rob is very patient with beginning students and can really coax their talent from them. I've seen him with more experienced students too, and their sessions seemed to be almost a jam session.
Rob has taught my son since he decided to take up the Bass and so we have known Rob for many years and have become friends. We've seen him perform in a lot of venues. He can sound like Paul McCartney or John Lennon as a Beatle or Geddy Lee in Rush. I'm sure he can surprise me with his stylistic range. Even as a bassist, which usually are very staid, he leads the group with his vocals.
He can act too, and make us laugh with just the right timing.
As a teacher, you can't do better than Rob.
Excellent Teacher
Not only did I learn how to play the songs I like, but I also learned key musical concepts and theories that helped to advance my musical skills outside of lessons. I thoroughly enjoyed having Rob as a teacher.
Sing from your heart!
I had the great fortune to take many vocal performances classes from Rob. Rob really helped me find the singing voice I had longed to express. Through teaching fundamentals and exploring correct breathing techniques, Rob taught me how to sing correctly. Through his years of performance, he taught me how to engage with my audience and express the music. And through his heart-centered approach, he taught me how to really enjoy performing. Rob is very gifted, patient, and effective. I have seen him work wonders with myself and other students. Not only will you be thrilled with the results, but you will get to know this amazing man.