Songwriting with Robert M.

Musician and instructor Robert M. is a highly versatile musician, ranging from rock to jazz to classical. He has performed on tour with a number of the top show biz artists, and on Broadway has played in such shows as Les Miserables, Evita, Grease, Mary Poppins and Annie. Playing in various bands, he’s travelled extensively throughout the United States and abroad, playing for such luminaries as The Queen of England, Prince Charles, Presidents Bush, Clinton and Reagan.  Under the baton of Claudio Abbado, he was guest soloist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and has played on  numerous recordings in both New York and Chicago. While in Chicago, Mr. M. was head of the guitar department at Columbia College, and headed the music division of the famed Old Town School of Folk Music. In New York, he currently teaches guitar, bass, banjo and piano privately, in his NYC studio. He enjoys working with people of all ages, bringing his unique brand of experience to each of his students and their own unique goals and aspirations. He makes it fun, tries to keep it simple, and challenges each one to his or her very best. Mr. M. attended the University of Illinois for three years, received his B.A. from Columbia College in Chicago, and did  graduate work at Northwestern University.  He is also active as a composer of music theater, and as a conductor has been music director of several Off Broadway shows, as well as the European Tour of The Best of Andrew Lloyd Webber throughout Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and most of Scandanavia.   *** Lesson Details *** I use some of the basic books and methods as a base, but put the emphasis on learning not from countless exercises, but rather through the use of popular songs, or popular classics. In other words, learning is more intuitive and effortless when we are learning from music that we all know and enjoy, rather than endless scales and arpeggios. I try to work within the the framework of each student's individual personality, and after 3 months time, the student will be actually playing some of the music they have either grown up with, or enjoy listening to on the radio or their Ipods. It's important to realize results early and know that still greater things are just around the corner. *** Studio Equipment *** *** Travel Equipment *** *** Specialties *** I work with popular songs, in the main, and personal instructional methods I have kept of file over the years.