Houston, TX Percussion Lessons

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Teaching Philosophy -

My teaching philosophy is built on well rounded communication, explanation and examples. So, that a student can truly understand and learn a topic, surrounded in a very humorous, light and supportive environment.
Along with being provided good information, a student learns better and feels more motivated to learn when there is a balance of positive support and confidence building accompanied by constructive criticism and examples/information that can help a student assess what ever walls they may be meeting in their musical growth.

I understand that all students/artists have different goals they wish to achieve. So it is very important to me to accommodate each individuals needs and wants to help them grow in the fields they wish too; However, In that I have played music for a long time, I understand there are certain things that a student may not have been exposed to yet; It is important that while focusing on a students artistic goals they respect and are open to the suggestion and guidance of their teacher.

I truly believe music has an amazing influence on the world and has the ability to change peoples way of thinking. Therefore, I try and keep an open awareness to all music, so that I can understand all different musical languages utilized to communicate to people, and I don't believe I will ever know them all. I hold it to attention to influence my students somewhat similarly so that they can shape the landscape of how we communicate musically in the future.

I also try and be very patient with my students. Knowing that when I feel rushed, it makes information more difficult to comprehend, remember and allocate. I love watching the gears run in my students head, so I try and provide information that pushes a student but is within their abilities.

HUMOR is very important. I like to break people out of their shell by telling a joke and hopefully getting one back, so they feel more comfortable and free. One of a Artists worst enemies are nerves. Keeping things light-hearted and maybe even a little small talk can be very helpful to a students development and growth on a topic. After all, Art is meant to be fun and we should enjoy every moment of it, in fact we should enjoy every moment in life period.

I understand music requires focus and discipline and I have certain expectation of a student to understand that and practice. You can't buy chops, you can't buy music theory etc. you can get help but eventually your the one who must understand it and play it.

I am here to help you. Based on what I know and what I have extensively studied, I will do all that I can to help you achieve your musical goals. I am here to answer your questions and help you grow. I love teaching because I love sharing knowledge; As long as your seek it, it is here for you. Otherwise, I'd still love to hear some jokes.

Education -

MUSIC
_Bachelors in Music - 2016 - Guitar Performance (Musicians Institute, CA)
_Associates in Music - 2011 - Guitar Performance (Musicians Institute, CA)
_Major in Music - (Academy for Visual and Performing Arts) - 2008
_Garden of Angels - 2003 - Performance Academy

DANCE
_Krump, Pop-n-Lock - 2012 - (Xtreme)
_Break Dancing - 2011 - (Fun.Krew)
_Traditional Brazilian Dance & Samba - 2014

MARTIAL ARTS
_Capoeira - Current - (Capoeira Batuque with Mestre Amen)
_Wing Tsun - 2013 - (Johnny from the Emin Boztepe School)

ART
_Graffiti - 2011 - (Fun.Krew)
_General Art - 2008 - (AVPA)
_Painting - 2003 - (Garden of Angels)

Much Love,
Azuri Zen M.

*** Lesson Details ***
I'm very disciplined but am also very light hearted. It's important for me to assess things seriously, so that one can understand a topic or piece of information.

I generate my lessons based on the individuals needs and therefore draw from various curriculums, sources and examples, such as : MI curriculum for ear training, Theory, Single string Technique, Reading, Rhythm guitar, Ted Greenes Chord Chemistry, Berklee Guitar Method, as well as The Real Book, other artist books(Eric Clapton, etc.) The Guitar Players Hand Book, Bach pieces and self developed curriculums, relative to the topic at hand and students personal goals, amongst many others.

-Beginning students within three months of consistent lessons should have the ability to solo and playing chords to songs that they are interested in and songs provided in the lesson along with a basic understanding of the major scale and its relationship to all of the diatonic music.

-intermediate students should have an elevated understanding of scale and chord patters along with the theory that explains modal relationships and use of these concepts.

-Advanced students should learn all of diatonic scale shapes and modes assuming they don't already know them in which case their specifically situation will be assessed

-Professional students I expect to have specific questions therefore where they grow should be largely subjective.

Overall, in a short amount of time on a scale of 1 - 10 I expect to in three months at-least elevate a students musical abilities one full point if not more.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Studio in home in private room with guitars, amps, piano, and seating.
Em's studio is family owned cafe with studio in finished basement with an office, recording equipment, and teaching space for acting and guitar.

*** Specialties ***
As a Musician I try and play as many styles and be proficient in as many as possible and therefore can play most. However, in the fields of blues, jazz, funk, flamenco and Latin I excel.

tice, students will have a thorough understanding of the musical instrument they are studying and how to sight read.

cover a wide range of artists such as: The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran. Regardless of your favorite band or style, I can help you accomplish your goals!

Piano is one of the most important instruments to learn, especially for children. The benefits are endless. For piano, I teach beginner through intermediate students. Piano is a popular choice because it has a very friendly layout with the keyboard. I use a proven 6 level method to take you from Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star to Ode to Joy! I cover how to read sheet music and cover a wide variety of musical styles!

Do you like the deep, powerful sound of the bass guitar? Well, I cover that too! The bass is a FUN instrument that is very friendly to learn. If you ever want to join a band, the bass is essential instrument, because it goes well with the drums. I cover a wide range of styles from blues, funk, rock and jazz! Go for it!

As a kid did you set up pots and pans or pillows and hit them with spoons like I did? Well, then the drums may be for you! You can learn drums with a pair of sticks! Drums are a total BLAST to play, and if you are not one who wishes to read sheet music,then the drums are perfect for you! I cover a TON of different styles, and if you have a favorite drummer, you can learn to play like him or her relatively quickly!

Need academic help? Well I can help with that too! I tutor in most subjects, including: Math, Science, Reading, Writing Skills and ACT and SAT prep

Here is a breakdown of specific areas of subjects I teach and tutor with:

Math: Pre-Algebra, Algebra I and II, Geometry
Science: Biology, Chemistry and Physics
Reading: Comprehension, Analysis, Annotation and general reading improvement methods
Writing Skills: Essay Writing, Editing, Analysis
Test Prep: I can help with the GED, ACT and SAT

I offer private in-home lessons, lessons at my studio and on-line lessons!

*** Lesson Details ***
Students can expect my lessons to focus on your goals. I cover a lot of fundamentals and basics to start, and then go through more advanced techniques as the student progress. In a short period of time, you will know chords, notes, techniques, rhythm and timings, just to name a few!

Guitar students will learn basic chords, barre chords and soloing techniques. Bass students will learn bass notes, bass lines and soloing.

Drum students will learn timing, fills, soloing and lead drumming.

Piano students will learn how to read music, fingering, chords and song performance.

For academic tutoring, I design my lessons around the specific need of the individual student. I thoroughly research each student needs and customize my tutoring around your child's strengths and weaknesses.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Equipment available:
Keyboard
6-string acoustic guitar
12-string acoustic guitar
Electric guitar
Bass Guitar
2 amplifiers
Full Drum Set

*** Travel Equipment ***
acoustic guitar, bass guitar

*** Specialties ***
I love and can play almost every style of music imaginable! Whatever style of music you like, I can help you improve and learn!

cording, and Live Sound for 16 years.

I can teach you note-reading, tabs, ear training, music theory, composition, improvisation in just about any style of music.

Working with people writing songs is something I enjoy thoroughly; I can help you write and record your own songs. A computer and internet access are preferred to take full advantage of the technology for learning and producing music.

Knowledgeable in Instrument repair, set-up, and maintenance, I can help you fix it, and how to spot a good instrument.

Patient and experienced, with a broad knowledge of music in most areas, I can give you hundreds of good references from previous students I've taught over the years

*** Studio Equipment ***

Guitars, basses, percussion and drum sets, a piano, saxophones, hand drums, a 20-track digital recording studio with monitors that are equalized to the room's acoustics for accurate listening and mixing, plus an assortment of microphones, amps, mic stands, cables, and connectors.

approach to further and benefit the student playing.

ns, and Pony Up.

When I have free time I volunteer with the Houston Chapter of Girls Rock Camp to help teach girls empowerment through songwriting and music.

*** Lesson Details ***
I began teaching as an afterschool job when I was 16. I was homeschooled, so I feel that the experience taught me that everyone learns differently and that there is not just one standardized method to playing music.

My teaching style varies with each student, but the one constant is my ability to make each and every client I encounter completely fall in LOVE with music. It's my super power.

Lesson plans are tailored for your specific needs and to help you achieve your musical goals and aspirations at your desired pace. I enjoy my students and making music with them.

Here is an overview of the lessons that I provide.

Guitar:
Finger Picking, Song Writing, Rhythm, Lead, Scales,Modes & Ear Training.

Songwriting and composition: Learn techniques, how to brain storm and plot your musical story line. This class pairs great with vocal lessons or guitar lessons.

Bass:
Scales, Rhythm, Beginner and Advanced song structure, Ear Training

Ukulele :
Technique, Intro to Chords, Ear Training, Strumming patterns - Ukulele is one of my favorite classes to teach. You simply can not help but smile when playing this instrument!

Vocals :
Breathing techniques, Scales, Harmonizing

with bands around the northeast U.S., & have performed with internationally acclaimed artists such as Nona Hendryx, Simon Shaheen, & Richard Devine. In the past 6 years, I've performed in 8 countries - USA, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia, Brazil, Turkey, & Ghana.

software (write out your parts, charts, lead sheets etc. so that others can play your original compositions)
- Classical percussion techniques

Students can expect to have a lot of fun learning with me! We can write soundtracks, band pieces, solo pieces - whatever the student finds most interesting. :)

BIO:
I’m a composer who currently lives in Bellvue, Washington. I started my music career when I was 9 years old playing the Zimbabwean marimba and mbira (a traditional Shona thumb piano). Not only are the instruments beautiful, but they express our connection to the world around us. I completely fell in love with the polyrhythms and melodies of Zimbabwean music!

I continued to pursue my passion for music by studying percussion and composition at The Boston Conservatory of Music… then completed my M.M. in Scoring for Film, Television, and Video Games at The Berklee College of Music in Valencia, Spain.

Now I write music for video games and help our stories unfold.

***Checkout my music at:
soundcloud.com/taylorambrosiowood