Grapevine, TX Songwriting Lessons

ough high school while accompanying myself on piano or guitar when singing privately or for others. I wrote my first song at 17 and worked my way through college playing original music in coffee shops while earning my bachelors degree. After college, I started touring across the US (this was long before American Idol and the Internet when if you wanted to make it, you had to "pay your dues" on the road first). Working in the studio was always the most fun and challenging, my first original song got air play in 1990 (this was before CDs).

I received international distribution of my original music starting 2004 - that summer I worked and sold CDs in Munich Germany; however, upon returning to the US realized that performing was not my preferred way of providing service to others - teaching then become my passion. So while working for a local public school district as substitute teacher for general music classes (orchestra, band, choir as well), I was asked to write and teach a beginning songwriting class. From the very first day I had kids' attention in the palm of my hands (some of those students eventually recorded their own songs in studios).

After 30+ years of professional musicianship spanning across two continents (US and Germany) with originally produced music available on iTunes and two CDs on the market, I have found a unique way of teaching music to others. I especially enjoy teaching families (children, parents, grandparents, cousins, etc.) that want to learn to play a variety of instruments and music together. Married couples are wonderful to teach as well, I can usually get any combination of two or more people playing music together.

I usually host annual recitals. I do not force anyone to play in the recital, however most everyone enjoys the experience.

*** Specialties ***
Piano: Beginning/intermediate classical piano; then onto pop, blues, jazz, hymns, praise music (piano/voice).

Guitar: Beginning Classical Guitar (nylon strings; notes, chords, fingerpicking); Beginning Acoustic Guitar (steel strings; notes, chords, fingerpicking, strumming, using a plectrum or flat pick).

Ukulele: Beginning note and strumming patterns while accompanying voice.

Voice: I can take you to professional levels! As proof, one of my adult male students, singer/songwriter/pianist/guitarist/trumpeter, came to me to enhance his "character" voice. After 30 lessons, and assistance arranging vocals (including mic technique) in home studio four-song demo, my student signed a four-song demo recording deal with an eight (8) time Grammy award winning music producer Joe Chiccarelli - in LA with studio right on Sunset Blvd.

Lastly, I would love to enroll students who want to learn Joni Mitchell's style of piano and guitar playing. Mitchell never had formal music training, she played by ear; particularly on guitar she used more than 50 open tunings.

*** Lesson Details ***
First of all, I'll need to know you or your children's goals, dreams and natural talent(s). What types of music do you love best? Are you more the serious type or fun-loving (I can work with both types of personalities but do require a respectful demeanor).

Lessons are once per week. It is extremely important to develop the brain, nervous system, physical coordination all together with momentum and repetitive physical movements; particularly, the first six months of learning.

I do schedule students on "Schedule-As-You-Go" however usually only after consistent weekly lessons.

If you already know an instrument and want to take Combination Lessons - Voice/Piano or Voice/Guitar - I am an excellent teacher for that purpose.

Please do not expect overnight success, hand/motor skills need to be developed and that doesn't occur with one or two lessons, unless you've had prior experience on your instrument and just need to refresh your brain's neural pathways.

If you are the creative type and wish to compose your own music, then by all means let me know as I teach not only composition, but arranging, music production, and the legal aspects of copyrights and international distribution.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Piano lessons will be given on my parlor grand piano. For guitar lessons, I use either my Yamaha acoustic-electric classical nylon string guitar OR my vintage Epiphone steel string guitar. Please see the photo noting the studio's microphones/vocal monitors, plus I have a variety of hand percussion.

learn from sight reading to ear training, my experience has given me enough to be able to work within any style, with all different learning types. I have a great repertoire of music and can teach even the most popular songs on the radio today. I can teach in both English and Spanish.

The sky is the limit and I look forward to starting lessons with you.

nd more importantly any song you want to go over.

I feel learning to play your favorite songs is the most important and the most fun about guitar playing. After playing songs, some of the information given (scales, chords, theory, ear-training) starts to make some since and you begin to slowly figure the guitar out.

Theory and Ear-training I feel are very important to learn when trying to understand music. It just gives you a basic mathematical way of understanding how music works. It can be very frustrating to learn and takes some time to sink in so if you don't want to learn it then that is great. Ear-training is cool because when you start to understand it you can actually hear music and not just listen to it. You can listen to a chord progression on the radio and go home and play it and also improvise over it.

I encourage BEGINNERS through EXPERT to at least hear what I have to say. I have A LOT of information to give about the guitar. I played for ten years made 2 demo CDs, one full length album, another demo specifically for Metal Blade Records, was in a big cover band and so I thought I knew it all and was a great guitar player. Then I went to GUITAR SCHOOL in Hollywood and reality hit me.
I wasn't as good as I thought. When you hear the best guitar players in the world everyday for a year and a half like I did at Musicians Institute it makes you want to be better and practice, practice, practice. I learned everything there about guitar and music and I know the Right way to teach.

Please consider me for your guitar teacher I will make it fun and a good learning experience as well.

Thank you,
Ben

*** Lesson Details ***
It depends on what level the student is on and that is where we will go with the lesson. If you are a beginner we will start with the very basics. I try to make it to where you can easily understand everything taught. The most important part of the lesson is you are having fun with playing the guitar and also getting as much information as possible. Upper level students may want to go over a song they are learning or want to know about theory or chords. Usually we will talk about where you are at with your playing and then go from there.

Thanks.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Acoustic and electric guitar PA system, small amplifier for student

*** Travel Equipment ***
Books and paper. They should have guitar and pick

*** Specialties ***
Teaching Rock, metal, country lead, blues, ear training, theory solo improvization. Scales and chords and how they go together. Melodic soloing and chord melody. Can teach out of a book and can read music. But most importantly have fun and learn cool songs

io are definitely more beneficial to the student, because I have all my toys here! Besides having all of my other instruments here for demonstrations, or being able to freely change between electric or acoustic guitar for example, I have access to my computer and all of my teaching materials.
I also find that students who are at home (especially the children) tend to be more distracted, whether it's from lack of privacy due to the area chosen for the lessons, or often (again, this goes especially for the kids) there are pets that they like to play with while I'm trying to talk to them.
When they're guests in my home, however, I find I have their strict attention.

*** Specialties ***
I am primarily a guitar player specializing in electric lead guitar and solo acoustic guitar/vocal performance. I also teach beginner to advanced bass guitar, primarily finger-style. In addition I teach slap style bass guitar, as well as slide guitar. I am also a classical mandolin and tenor mandola player. I am currently the director of and first mandolin player for the Fort Worth Mandolin Orchestra.

h beginner to advanced students of any age. I also can provide pro and amateur electric guitarists an in-depth study of correct hand postures and left-hand/right-hand technique which can help to refine their overall technique and stylistic approach. I can also advise professional electric guitarists on their electronics, effects pedals, and amplifiers to achieve their own individual sound. I also teach Bass, and reading the Bass clef.

My teaching specialties include: Solfeggio, Sight Reading, Music Theory, Scales and Modes, Left and Right Hand Technique, Blues Progressions, Jazz Standards the Classical Repertoire, Flamenco styles, techniques and repertoire, and the works of Sor, Giuliani, and Carcassi, Brouwer, Aguado, Villa-Lobos, Sabicas and Paco de Lucia.

I have an in-depth knowledge of the stylistic approaches and techniques of such guitarists as Eric Johnson, Jeff Beck, Joe Satriani, Randy Rhoads, Jimi Hendrix, Robert Fripp, Adrian Belew, and SRV to name a few, and I can teach you the components they use to build their signature licks.

As a rule I only transcribe to give the students examples for lessons. I intend for all of my students to grow as musicians, so my lessons do not consist solely of transcribed solos and riffs.

I have a vast library of music, so I can draw from my own resources to teach you, or from a method of your choosing.

My schedule has a few openings right now. I do teach outside of my stated teaching radius, but ONLY at the 60 minute rate.

I teach people of all ages, from children to adults. I believe everyone is on an even keel, if they are willing and eager to learn.

*** Lesson Details ***
Emphasis on classical posture and technique.
Emphasis on sight-reading.
All students learn to play basic blues and jam
Technique varies depending on the particular style the student wishes to learn.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I presently don't teach in my home studio. I can bring a folding music stand or extra footstool if necessary.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide a limited number of learning materials such as copied exercises, listening or practicing CD on occasion. However, I feel that it is the student's responsibility to provide their own guitars, and the bulf of their own learning materials and necessary electronic equipment. This can include footstools, music stands, method books, amps, cables, pedals, etc.

*** Specialties ***
I've been playing guitar for 25 years, and this has given me the time to study, perform, and perfect many styles of guitar playing.

I studied classical and flamenco guitar with Robert Guthrie for 4 years before and after my studies in the SMU program. I've also played in jazz and rock ensembles since the age of 14. I studied with Chuck Pangburn, pro jazz cat, and Brad McLemore, an indie rock songwriter, early on in my studies as an adolescent.

I encourage most students to learn to play on a classical or nylon-string guitar early on in order to develop proper technique, posture, sensitivity, and sensibility. I also encourage all students to learn to sight-read at a very early point in their studies. Once, this hurdle is cleared many other challenges are easily surpassed.

Presently, I am developing a new method which incorporates solfeggio, blues and popular music forms, and improvisational playing. I also am exploring the vanguard of new guitar technology such as the Moog Guitar, analog effects, and various guitar synthesizers.

I try to introduce an understanding of music theory early on so that students develop a full comprehension of not only the written language of music, but also the sonic-aural language of music.

k or CD or not according to your needs.

I have several books to choose from as well as CDs and other tools. BUT .....some things are learned best through 1 on 1 instruction and explanation without a book.

I like to see progress every week and I usually do.

*** Studio Equipment ***
recording studio w/ seating for parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
Student needs instrument only to start and discuss from there.
I have many tuners, metronomes, props, books, etc

*** Specialties ***
I teach using modern popular songs as vehicles but back up examples with theory and some reading and ear training.
I usually get quick results and my students can understand the music as well as play it.

al needs of each music student. I am well versed at solving problems and helping students thrive and reach their full potential. I think that I do this best by personalizing the instruction experience for each unique situation. I love to encourage students and help them discover the music in them.

*** Lesson Details ***
Like me, students can expect to enjoy the process. Students will discover that I am very encouraging during lessons. I keep everything upbeat and positive. I will help you come up with goals musically. I am very patient, all while coaching you so that you get positive results.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Upright Baldwin piano, electronic keyboard 88 keys, music stands, sitting area for parent, CD/iPod stereo.

*** Specialties ***
Jazz, Gospel, Pop, Classical, Various styles

d music-production extensively. I graduated Magna Cume Laude with a Bachelor of Music-Media from UTA. After school, I spent 9 months interning/assistant engineering with acclaimed musician/composer/producer Brad Nyght at The Bakery Studio in Dallas- whose credits include being the drummer for The Michael Gungor Band and Desperation Band. Then, got hired as an on-staff session musician and music producer at Drive35 Productions. I have also played guitar, mandolin, and bass for multiple pit orchestras and guitar for the North Lake Jazz Ensemble with director Jim Eger.

My teaching style varies from student to student. Music is a wonderfully diverse subject and every student has his own aspirations. I will do my best to cater each lesson to the student's goals and interests. Whether that is classical guitar method, rock, jazz, folk, country, pop or anything in between.

I have an excellent internet connection and microphone set up for online lessons. I also utilize screen-sharing to make the lessons as close to real life as possible.

A few of my favorite artists include: Michael Gungor, Joe Pass, Andrew Bird, Chopin, Led Zeppelin, Glen Hansard, and Radiohead.

*** Lesson Details ***
Lessons will vary significantly from student to student. Not only does every student have different goals in mind, they all learn differently as well. I do my best to customize my lessons for each student's goals and needs. A typical guitar, bass, ukulele, or piano lesson may involve music-reading, chord studies, technical work, scale practice, theory, and of course learning awesome songs!

I consider myself a healthy balance between professional and light-hearted. As much as I want to make efficient use of the lesson-time, my primary goal is for the student to truly understand and enjoy music.

I have worked hard to be a flexible musician and teacher. I am competent in jazz, rock, classical, contemporary, blues, worship, country, and beyond and will be happy to teach any (or all) of these styles to any student.

*** Studio Equipment ***

Drive35 Productions:

-Large live tracking space
- Medium sized dead tracking space
- Pro Tools HD
- External Pres/Compressors/EQ (WARM, Manley, Vintech, etc.)
- DDA mixing console
- Several acoustic/electric/bass guitars (Epiphone, Fender, Taylor, Cort, Ibanez, Gibson, etc.)
- Lanakai Ukulele
- Gibson Mandolin
- Percussion
- Full drum kit
- 4 control/mixing rooms/practice spaces
- Breakroom
- Music stands/chairs
- Princeton Reverb, Vox AC15, Marshall, Ampeg amplifiers
- Several keyboards/controllers
- Rhodes
- Vintage organs
- Neumann U87, Senheissers, several SM57's, Lautin Audio Oceanus, Oktavas, AKG C414's

My at home studio:

- Chairs
- An 88-key Casio Privia keyboard
- Professional grade recording equipment (003r interface, behringer ada8000 with BLA mod, RNC by FMR, and more)
- High speed Internet access
- A printer
- A library of music resources
- Novation Launchkey MIDI controller
- Rode K2 condensor microphone
- Sm57
- Several Naiant stereo pair microphones
- 2 acoustic guitars (Cort and Zaeger), 2 electric guitars (Epiphone CS Custom, Fender Nashville Tele)
- An electric bass guitar (Epiphone Thunderbird with Bartolini Pickups)
- Lanakai Ukulele
- A Savannah Mandolin
- Double input amplifier (vox AC15C1)
- Music stand
- Metronomes/tuners
- Recording studio quality monitors (Yamaha HS8s)
- Large pedal board and pedal chain

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in contemporary, rock, blues, and worship guitar, but have extensive experience in classical and jazz guitar as well. I am also an on-staff session guitar player for Drive35 Productions and can help anyone interested in the skills necessary to play for a studio.

For piano, I teach beginner to intermediate level students in a variety of genres. I use piano on a daily basis for composing, arranging, and performing.

For bass, I can also teach a variety of genres. I specialize in blues/rock/contemporary but have experience in classical and jazz bass as well.

For ukulele, I specialize in pop music adaptation and classical.

For mandolin, I teach basic beginner music skills- reading and strumming techniques.

g, and more. Even piano lessons start with learning chords. Chords are what the musicians play behind the vocals.

Give me thirty minutes of your time and I will show you why students keep coming back to me, even after stopping for a while.

*** Lesson Details ***
Note Reading provided on request only.

Beginner Guitar - We start with simple chords and eight easy one-verse songs. These teach chords, timing, hand technique, ear training, song construction, and the start of music theory.

Intermediate to Advanced Guitar - all of the above plus tablature, different styles, advanced chord theory, performance, lead guitar, and more.

Beginning Piano - We start with simple chords and go straight into the songs the students like. These teach chords, timing, hand technique, ear training, song construction, and the start of music theory. I can teach you every major chord on piano in one sentence.

Bass Guitar - We start with learning the location of notes on the neck and move immediately into major chords so you can start playing with songs. The chords are divided into their single notes, but viewed as chords because that is what the other musicians are playing during the vocals.

Banjo - I teach from the book "I Can Teach Myself Banjo" but you really need a teacher/mentor to show you all the things that seeing and being able to ask questions covers that just can't be covered in a book.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Piano, amplifiers, cords, computer, free WiFi, all in a spacious room with a window for parents to view the teacher and student. Parents have a large, comfortable waiting area. Restrooms and water fountain provided.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in mentoring, being a friend as well as a teacher. I have never gotten mad at a student and never will.

I have written three books on chord theory, "Chordmaster Chord Theory for Keyboard," "Chordmaster for Beginner Piano Students," and "Chordmaster Chord Theory for Guitar." You can learn more about these online.

You can read my article for Takelessons.com at http://takelessons.com/blog/lead-guitar-tips. Just paste the address in your browser.