Grapevine, TX Songwriting Lessons

middle school through 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 in Family and Child Development (two concentrations: Social Services and Early Child Education). 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 am teaching music to others.

I especially enjoy teaching families (multiple siblings, parents, grandparents, cousins, etc.) that want to learn to play a variety of instruments and music together; I can get any combination of two or more people playing music together.

I host annual recitals at independent senior centers however do not force anyone to play, most everyone enjoys the experience however.

*** Specialties ***
Piano: Beginning/intermediate classical piano; then onto pop, blues, jazz (solos, duets, and/or piano/voice) or composition.

Guitar: Beginning/Intermediate Classical Guitar (for nylon stringed guitars) - notes first, chords, broken chords, classical guitar duets.

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. I only teach voice to very serious students and you will need to send an initial "Ask A Question" before I accept you.

*** 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 they/you love most?

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/early years of learning.

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, also: arranging, music production, notation, and the legal aspects of copyrights and international distribution (former paralegal with ten+ years of experience).

992 to major in music at Hunter College. Living in NYC I began performing live and became a studio session musician in the process I developed songwriting and arranging skills as well as my own composing style. As I advanced musically I began teaching piano, guitar and music theory at the Academy of Music. Teaching the basics of piano really helped me develop a love for exploring and learning music with students . Gradually my taste in music evolved into different styles of music such as Jazz, Blues, Electronic and World Music. Without a doubt, my love for great music as well as my musical background shapes the music I compose, perform and teach.
With my real world experience and unique style of teaching I believe I am an ideal musician to study with.

*** Lesson Details ***
First and foremost: my lessons are fun!
Music is fun, it is expression, it is passion..., It so important to learn the joy of music first just as it is
essential to learn proper technique, theory, sight reading and playing by ear.
I have met so many people that said " I took lessons when I was young and hated it, but now I wish I could play now..." I try to create in you the desire to learn, and the desire for music knowledge. Once that is established it becomes both easier and more rewarding to dive into the "harder" stuff.
I will also develop a knowledge of music history with you and as well explore current popular music.
I hope to enable in all of my students a basic understanding of music, the ability to learn songs and the skill to improvise and craft songs themselves.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Digital Piano , Acoustic Guitar

*** Travel Equipment ***
I will advise books to learn and work out of.
Students will pay for their own music books.

*** Specialties ***
Reading, ear training and music philosophy. A traditional fundamental approach, with contemporary music to keep students interested.

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 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.

tal oversight.

I have produced 10 personal instrumental projects, and I have produced and recorded over 40 projects for other local, regional, and international artists. I currently travel with national, jazz, recording saxophonist, Joseph Vincelli, and my personal band Zamar. We have performed with a number of acts from Kirk Franklin, Darren Rahn, Kirk Whalum, Boney James, Fred Hammond, and many more.

As an instructor, I have been blessed with an ability to be relatable, relevant, musical, creative, fun, and engaging. I understand the language of music as a performer, and instructor, but most importantly, I value the ability to help the student find their own path of learning the joy of making music vocally and instrumentally. With over 18 years of private teaching experience and 30 years of group experience, I have gained a wealth of knowledge on how to be instructive and personal with the young or older beginner, intermediate and even advanced players. Let's grow together musically.

*** Lesson Details ***
My teaching style is very laid back, although goal-oriented. We have fun while seeing progress. For piano, I typically use the Alfred Series "Alfred Basics 1 - 6" or the Adult All-in-One for the Older Beginner. In the first 3 - 6 months, one will become familiar with basis technics and concepts behind creating music. These concepts will be the foundation behind learning how to read music, play by ear, and create your own songs in any style.

We would move a little faster for the older beginner and work through the Alfred's All in One in conjunction with introducing my 5 steps to performance for any popular style. These steps have been very valuable for those that are wanting to play piano, guitar, bass, or even sing.

For vocalist, I work through Estelle Liebling, Vocal Course, Alfred Piano (as an instrumental reference) and a number of practical performance techniques that I have gained over the years to sing in more of a pop, jazz, gospel setting. We will work on performance techniques and develop the ear to gain confidence to perform in various popular settings. I will also introduce creative ways to make up original music using basic theory and ear training.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Acoustic Piano, Yamaha MOXF8, Roland Fantom, Protools 9, Logic ProX, Midi Keyboards, Bass Mod 5 String Bass, Acoustic and Electric Guitar, and Tama Drum Kit.

*** Specialties ***

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marked as a Student Favorite have taught a minimum of 25 lessons and
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I specialize in gospel, R&B, Neo Soul, Blues, jazz improvisation, arranging, lead sheets, rhythm charts, and music arrangement theory

become a consummate professional.

I teach 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, DADGAD and other alternate tunings, and the works of Sor, Giuliani, and Carcassi, Brouwer, Aguado, Villa-Lobos, Sabicas, Paco de Lucia, Pat Martino, and Davey Graham.

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 ***
At my Archie's location, we have guitars of all kinds, cables and amps available

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide a limited number of learning materials such as exercises, listening or practicing CD on occasion. However, I feel that it is the student's responsibility to provide their own guitars, and the bulk 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 Vo-96, 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 language of music.

ty of North Texas’s One O’clock lab band in Spring of 2010.

As a Performer:

Andy is accomplished in jazz, classical, rock, r&b as well as well other styles of music. He has performed regularly with several jazz and original groups around the DFW area. He also has performed with and co-produced for recording artists from the Nashville, Miami and Washington D.C. areas. He also currently holds a position at First United Methodist Grapevine as guitarist, singer and part time arranger.

Service:
Andy also strongly believes that service to humanity is of the utmost importance. He has performed for and been a part of many worth while causes such as the Dallas Life Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes, Food For Hunger Organizations, Medi Send, as well as Habitat for Humanity.

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

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. After getting to know you, we can move to hour long lessons if warranted.

*** 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.