Austin, TX Classical Piano Lessons

d with a real sense of confidence in their musicianship. Plus they have a lot of fun as they make musical progress!

Gfire is also an award-winning singer-songwriter and "Yoga for the Voice" innovator. She has released 4 CDs of all-original music and is currently working on her 5th CD, to be released in 2015.

As a teacher, Gfire works with students of all levels and all areas of interest. In October 2007, Gfire became the only vocal teacher in the Western Hemisphere to gain full certification in the Science of Singing, developed by Ernest G. White of London, England. Her unique voice training program, entitled "Yoga for the Voice," combines this knowledge of the Science of Singing with ancient yoga breathing techniques. This technique allows each voice student to develop a "vocal tune-up" for the voice AND to discover what the natural singing range is and how to use the voice as effectively as possible. With the internet SKYPE technology, Gfire teaches voice students all over the world, from Switzerland to the U.K. to New Zealand to New York.

Her vocal students have sung in touring rock bands, on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, in successful auditions, in karaoke clubs, in coffee houses and folk clubs, at weddings and for their own enjoyment amongst family and friends. Whatever level of singing training you wish to acquire, she will show you the way to achieve it!

Gfire was also the main voice instructor and one of 3 main piano teachers at the Austin branch of Mars Music (now defunct) for 3 1/2 years. In addition to her vocal study and innovation, she has studied piano with top classical and jazz pianists, studied songwriting with Pat Pattison of Berklee College in Boston, gotten her full yoga teaching certification in 2004 and DJ'd at clubs and parties worldwide. For eight years straight - 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 - she has won the prestigious ASCAPlus Award for professional songwriting.

As a singer-songwriter, Gfire continues to write, record and perform with some of the best musicians and engineers in the world, including engineer Stuart Sullivan (Willie Nelson, Sublime, Meat Puppets, etc.), Hammond organ player Ian McLagen (Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart), cellist John Hagen (Lyle Lovett), fiddle/mandolin player Warren Hood (The Waybacks), bassist George Reiff (Ray Wylie Hubbard) and banjo picker Danny Barnes (Bad Livers, Dave Matthews).

Gfire's original songs have been played on over 200 radio and television stations worldwide. She has toured in over half of the fifty states, plus the U.K. and Canada.

*** Lesson Details ***
NEW - Gfire is now available to teach WORLDWIDE via SKYPE or FaceTime - so you can have a music lesson in the privacy of your own home!!

Voice lessons - I have created a unique and wonderful vocal method, "Yoga for the Voice," which combines ancient yoga breathing exercises with special vocal exercises to give you a "complete vocal tune-up." These techniques are simple, effective and easily-learned by any student of the voice, from about age 5-105. I love to help you learn to apply these wonderful techniques to learning the songs you wish to learn - whether they are pop, r 'n' b, folk, singer-songwriter, rock, country, opera, musical theater, jazz, etc. "Yoga for the Voice" is just as effective for professional speakers, such as teachers, lawyers, clergymen or actors - we just use a range of notes that is smaller than a singer's range, and we focus on using your speaking voice as effectively and efficiently as possible.

In 3-6 months, you will be able to:

1. master the "breath of fire" and "one-minute breath" - the BEST yoga breaths for singers!
2. master the "sinus humming exercises" - identifying where EACH note in your range originates in your own head
3. master the "full-body exercises" - traditional singing exercises on "mah, mee, moh, moo, meh" - so that you can move easily between your chest voice, middle voice, and head voice
4. master 2-10 songs or more, depending on your level and the level of difficulty of each song - being able to sing each song in TUNE, with feeling, and having a blast doing it!!
5. if you wish, you can perform your song(s) at one of my voice and piano recitals - on a REAL Austin stage!!

Piano lessons - I teach a wide range of piano styles at levels from beginner to early advanced, beginning around age 5. Whether you want to learn classical, rock, blues, country, boogie-woogie, or other styles of piano and keyboard playing, I will sculpt your lesson plan so that you have a great foundation in technique AND you learn the styles and songs you wish to play.

In 3-6 months, you will be able to:

1. master the Leschetizky, hand massage, and isometric warm-up exercises - the BEST piano warm-ups!
2. depending on your level, master Hanon exercises 1-12, major and minor scales, major and minor arpeggios
3. for beginners, you will be able to play with BOTH hands on the treble and bass clefs - at the same time!!
4. master the I-IV-V progression in 3-12 keys, depending on your level - so that you can play blues, rock, country, boogie-woogie, and ragtime songs!!
5. master 4-20 songs or more, depending on your level and the level of difficulty of each song (classical songs tend to take more time to master) - being able to play each song with great technique, with feeling, and having a blast doing it!!
6. if you wish, you can perform your song(s) at one of my voice and piano recitals - on a REAL Austin stage!!

Songwriting lessons - I will teach you how to create a great song, in the style you wish to write in. Country songs, pop songs, rock tunes, r'n' b, folk, etc. - all of these genres have "unwritten rules" about how to put together an effective song. We will utilize special songwriting exercises and tools to help you learn to be a wonderful songwriter.

DJ lessons - I teach beat matching, turntable fine-tuning and repertoire selection to help you become the DJ you aspire to be. I own crates and crates of vinyl records and CDs, and I have DJ'd all over the world to enthusiastic crowds, so I can teach you to attain a real joy and skill in the art of turntablism.

Yoga lessons - I am a fully KRI-certified yoga teacher and I can help you develop a valuable yoga routine to help you achieve your health and relaxation goals. We will choose from literally hundreds of exercises and breathing techniques specifically geared to your needs and wants.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Pro Tools mBox PRO Full Recording Studio
Yamaha U1 Upright Piano
Shure SM 58 Microphone
Shure SM 57 Microphone
Korg microKorg Synthesizer
Yamaha M06 Synthesizer
Yamaha StagePas 300 PA System
Neumann TLM 103 Microphone
Neumann KMS 105 Microphone
Nord Lead Synthesizer
Taylor Acoustic Guitar
West African Djembe
MacBook Pro Computer
Universal Audio LA-610 Pre-amp
2 Technics 1200 Professional DJ Turntables
American DJ Pro-Scratch 1 Professional CDJ
Rane MP22 DJ Mixer
Mogami Professional Audio Cables

*** Travel Equipment ***
Yamaha M06 Synthesizer
Yamaha StagePas 300 PA System
Neumann KMS 105 Microphone
Macintosh Laptop Computer

*** Specialties ***
music, singing, piano, songwriting, DJ'ing, yoga, folk guitar

I have developed "Yoga for the Voice" - a combination of my 18 years of studying and receiving certification in the "Science of Singing" (as taught by Ernest George White of London, England) and my 10 years experience and certification in yoga, specifically ancient yoga breathing techniques. I will work with voice students as young as 4 and as old as they want to go! Voice lessons span all styles and all levels - pop, rock, r 'n' b, country, folk, singer-songwriter, opera, classical, musical theater, etc. from beginner to advanced. Generally beginning around age 7.

Piano - levels beginner to early advanced, most styles, including classical, rock, pop, folk, country, singer-songwriter, blues and boogie-woogie. Generally beginning around age 5.

Songwriting - all popular styles, including rock, pop, folk, country, blues, singer-songwriter, r 'n' b, etc.

DJ'ing - all basic DJ methods, including beat matching, turntable basics and repertoire selection.

Yoga - yoga breathing AND physical exercises, depending on the needs and wants of the student.

Folk guitar - finger picking and accompaniment skills for folk singers.

In piano, I specialize in teaching students who want to play a wide variety of music - classical, pop, rock, country, blues, etc. I begin with piano students who are 5 years of age and older, as long as they have the requisite attention span.

In songwriting, I specialize in teaching students methods of developing popular songs - pop, r 'n' b, country, rock, folk, etc.

In DJ'ing, I specialize in basic beatmatching and repertoire selection.

And in yoga, I specialize in tailoring the yogic needs of the student - whether she/he wishes to work on stretching, breathing, abdominal strengthening, etc.

your passion for a certain genre of music, or possibly learning and playing songs you love. In another example, you may have been playing for a period of time and possibly you desire to heighten your game, learning new skills and technique regarding your instrument. Or quite possibly, you want to blend the joy of singing while playing the piano or the guitar! It's time to go through the joy and benefits in playing a musical instrument and or singing!

PERFORMANCE
Steven B has extensive experience in performance. For many years, he performed piano and sang at many fine establishments throughout San Diego and Los Angeles. Later on, he produced a concert tour and performed 50 concerts to 15,000 young people throughout San Diego. The title of his concert tour is Heroes In Our World. Steven B played keyboards, guitar and sang. The concerts honored real-life moms, dads, doctors, nurses, teachers, athletes, entertainers who give back to charity, police officers, firemen, and explorers who make our world a better place. His list of performances continues. He has a record of being the only musician to write a song, produce it, playing the instruments and vocals, along with filming and editing the videos of the performances each week for 52 consecutive weeks. His students benefit because he teaches many aspects in performance and can prepare students for any kind of audition or performance.

In conclusion, whether you want to learn to play an instrument and/or sing just for your own benefit and joy... Or you want to perform... Or you want to be professional earning money with music - you have come to the correct place. He will be looking forward in working with you. Again, he teaches all styles, ages and skill levels. Beginners are most welcome. He currently has one or two openings for new students.

Reviews From Students and Parents (Piano - Guitar - Voice)

“I just wanted to say Thank You and let you know how much I appreciate all the information and help you have given Mikey. You helped him form a great hobby that he loves to do and the family loves to hear. He has come so far since his first lesson and I am happy you kept the Piano lessons interesting for him. Thanks again for being a kind, great teacher to him.” - Cheryl, 5 Stars! 

“Steven B, a patient, gifted teacher has supervised my studies on guitar with good humor, wit and flexibility.  I would recommend him without hesitation to players young and old.” - Tim, 5 Stars!  

“I took voice and piano lessons in Steven B’s Coronado Music Studio and also online via Skype.  Both experiences were great, and it was really convenient to do the lessons on Skype.  Steven B is an excellent teacher, and he is very patient.  I recommend him to anyone who wants to learn to play an instrument or sing!” - Kat , 5 Stars! 

“Steven B’s fun and patient teaching style rocks. I see how his bright, fun-loving personality, and knowledge of music for piano makes him top choice as my daughter’s music instructor.” - Anthony, 5 Stars!   

“Steven B is a wonderful teacher!  He is talented, always enthusiastic, and extremely motivational! Each lesson is designed specifically for our daughter Kelsey's ability and desired genre of music! Kelsey began guitar and vocal lessons in the Coronado studio and is now taking lessons via Skype since our move to Virginia.  The lessons are convenient, affordable, and productive. We are excited to be able to still have Steven B as her guitar and vocal teacher!” - Amy, 5 Stars!  

“I came to Steven B as a beginner in piano and I took the piano lessons on my Casio keyboard. I just wanted to learn my favorite songs. Steven B got me into the music I really enjoy!  In only three months, I was able to play and sing a song I truly love titled “Angel” from Sarah McLachian.  My teacher said I performed it as well as the artist. My friends, loved my performance of the song!” - Katrina, 5 Stars! 

“My son has taken guitar and voice lessons with Steven B for the last year.  We are pleased with classes and the improvement we've seen in comparison to a previous instructor.  Steven B is punctual and extremely respectful of the time and money it takes to provide lessons.  He can be counted on to be both friendly and professional.  He comes prepared for lessons and expects the same of his students.  If you are serious about learning and improving your skills, we highly recommend him.” - Christina, 5 Stars! 

“My time in being instructed by Steven B on piano was a great, informative experience. Ever since the first lesson, he is a very good teacher that clearly knows what he is doing. Mr. B. taught me at my own pace, taking time to help me work on skills, especially small details that help me perform much better. He is a very skilled instructor, teaching me pieces from not only music books that he provides, but also the valuable skill of learning by ear, a skill few other teachers bother to touch on. Steven B has helped on a number of occasions with songs that I am learning on my own and fit time into our lessons to work on them. He is always willing to let the student work on what they like as well as what he gives out. When I once mentioned my liking for jazz, we soon started an in-depth series of lessons into the genre, teaching me much more than I ever knew prior to it. I’ve never felt pressured by my assignments and pieces to bring home, as Steven B knows everyone goes at their own pace and can take anytime from a few days to a few weeks to learn a song. My time with him was a very fun and informative time that I thoroughly enjoyed.” - Michael, 5 Stars!

PIANO - GUITAR - VOICE LESSONS:
- In Your Home Via Webcam with Steven B (See Teacher's Special)
- In The Teacher's Coronado Music Studio

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.

) 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

by serving many years as church musician in congregations of various different denominations, as well as performing at weddings, funeral services, and for musicals.

Ms. Johnson’s students have performed locally at the National Federation of Music Clubs Piano Festivals, National Piano Guild Auditions, MTNA Local and State Auditions, Pianorama, Music Field Day, American Piano Gallery - Home of Steinway, West Town Mall, Knoxville Fantasy of Trees, Knoxville Chocolatefest, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Ijams Nature Center Holiday Market, Farragut Community Nativity, and the General Morgan Inn, as well as opportunities at their schools and studio recitals.

Through her piano study with Dr. Paul Ridgway, Ms. Johnson follows in a teaching tradition that can be traced back to Ludwig van Beethoven. Ridgway was a student of Leon Fleisher, who had been a student of Artur Schnabel, student of Theodor Leschetizky, student of Carl Czerny, student of Beethoven.

Ms. Johnson is particularly noted by her students and their families as a calm, patient, and thorough teacher. Her students learn standard music theory, and to read music through instructional methods as well as supplemental pieces in various genres of music according to their interests including classical, sacred, popular, jazz, and more.

tional Jazz Piano Competition, and the Downbeat Awards. Antonio has also arranged and recorded albums with Lee Konitz, John Ellis, Donny McCaslin, and Joel Frahm among many others. His work whether it be in jazz, popular music, film music, or concert composition reflects the unique blend of his Spanish, Peruvian, and Puerto Rican heritage. Antonio is a truly American Sound that continues to capture the attention of his listeners. Watch and listen to Antonio on YouTube.

practical advice to build confidence and make the experience more enjoyable.

I finished my bachelors of music at the Oberlin Conservatory, my masters at the Juilliard School, an Artist diploma and the Cleveland Institute of Music, and am currently pursuing my Doctoral Studies at the Butler School of Music at UT Austin.