Private Bass Guitar tutoring lessons Austin, TX.

ng for parents.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I bring my bass, iPod, tuner, drum machine,manuscript paper,etc. The student needs to provide adequate space and amplification.

*** Specialties ***
Theory, fingerstyle, thumb, reading notation & chord symbols, blues, country, funk, jazz, rock, soul.

cts not directly related to the arts such as Mathematics and Science.

One of the most important aspects of playing Music is being able to Play by Ear. This has been a priceless gift that I have developed throughout my life and I encourage all musicians, young and old, to do the same. The use of simple Rhythmic Dictation and Ear Training exercises can do wonders for "picking out" Beats and Harmonies no matter what Genre we are interested in.

I attended music courses at The Boston School of Contemporary Music, Thomas Jefferson College (MI), and have a BA double majoring in Music Composition and English at Columbia College Chicago.

I have toured internationally as a Guitarist and Saxophonist. I am also a Songwriter. THIRD BORDER's "Sun of Water; Sea of Light" was selected to be nominated for the Grammy's as The Best Alternative Album of the Year in 2006. On this record, I played Guitar, Saxophone, sang Lead Vocal and wrote all Songs on that CD. So, if you are a Songwriter, we can polish up your approach! As a Composer, I have done Sound Design for Film, Dance, Spoken Word and Multi-media Performance - most notably with renowned poet Anne Carson and former members of The Merce Cunningham Dance Co.

I hope to talk to you soon!
Benjamin

*** Lesson Details ***
My teaching style is relaxed with a forte on Patience and Encouragement. Though I have specific expectations on what needs to be learned, I gear each lesson towards the student's wishes and their personal direction in Creativity. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced student, I can guide you wherever you are headed!

For Guitar (acoustic or electric), you will learn the fundamentals of Music Theory, Chord Structure, varied Strumming and Picking Techniques, and Scale Positions to travel from one part of the neck to the other. Any song you wish to learn, I can teach!

For Saxophone, you will learn proper Embouchure technique, Notation, Music Theory, and Scale Patterns for improvisation. Whether you are interested in a Classical, Blues, Funk or Jazz approach, I can help you find your own sound that is both personal and professional.

I teach 2nd year Piano and Drums/Percussion directing you into Intermediate level.

For those leaning toward the experimental genres, I am well-versed in the use of Electronics. Much can be accomplished with my lessons on Sound-Scape Improvisation either as 1 on 1 or Group Workshops.

*** Studio Equipment ***
At Home Studio: music stands, metronome, guitar amps, electric and acoustic guitars, guitar tablature, staff music paper, a scanner for weekly homework. I can also record and send MP3s of our lessons to review at home if you wish.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Students will need their own instrument, a mutually chosen music book to learn from, a metronome, and hopefully easy access to a keyboard (very helpful!)

*** Specialties ***
I am fluent in Rock genres, Blues, Beginning Jazz, Beginning Classical technique, Prepared Guitar, Electronics/Sound Art.

ve had hundreds of students, many who have gone on to successful careers in their own right.
My philosophy is simple. I believe that anyone can learn to play and instrument if they have the right teacher. The right teacher is one who inspires and encourages the student not belittles or discourages. Because if it’s not fun why do it right? So go on, now is the time to try something that you've always wanted to try. Let’s rock!

*** Specialties ***
* Ability to play and teach all styles of music.

* Accomplished songwriter.

* Can teach beginners through advanced students.

r, mandolin, bouzouki, keyboards, or bass in folk, classical,

ike to begin by letting the student lead.
In addition to learning from you, I intend to present you with new information, to try and broaden your musical tastes and teach you how to be an active listener.

o built and modified many of my own instruments and ready to teach you some quirky musical production skills as well. I believe listening and being adaptable to an individual student's needs are the keys to teaching anyone to express themselves through music.

After studying Spanish for 2 years at the university level and extensive travel to Latin America I am fluent in Spanish in both the academic and conversational sides of the language.

) the Classical approach to Western tonal harmony and asks that the students develop certain fundamentals of technique and theory. In my experience, this structure creates the strongest foundation for pupils to build the rest of their musical lives on, whether professionally or solely for personal enjoyment. All of my students are on the fast track to studying music theory. Whatever level they are at when I start with them, I guide their efforts into bringing the students up to a certain level of comprehension regarding the mathematical aspects of music and how it relates to their instruments. This understanding of theoretical principles of sound allows the students to play any style of music they wish, no matter how their tastes may change throughout their lives.

Curriculum Gradation:
Elements of rhythm
Elements of pitch
Elements of dynamics
Elements of articulation
Reading/Writing notation
Tone development
Finding/Expanding your range
Dexterity, speed, and accuracy
How to project
How to advance to the next level
Music theory
Playing by ear
Improvisational techniques
Finding your signature style
Expression/Lyricism
Composition/Arrangement
Project Management

hands-on lessons. I really enjoyed doing it and so I wanted to offer lessons to others who might also be interested.

I'm very flexible about how you may want to set up the lessons. Once I understand what you're looking to achieve, we can build a course of study that fits your schedule and goals. Let's chat and get you started playing music!