Melissa Music Lessons

on. And, introduce a well rounded set of incentives for each of their accomplishments.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide sheet music and books, I expect the student to provide the instrument they would like to take lessons on.

*** Specialties ***
Classical, Contemporary, Popular Song

I am a very easy going person and I like to have fun! I strive to be kind and understanding to people, especially students.

Here is what you can expect from a lesson with me:
Kindness
Support
Encouragement
Understanding
FUN

Each lesson is tailored to the student's unique needs. I use music that will suit the student's voice and experience level, and will help the student to improve in certain areas. Also, I allow students to bring in their own music that they would like to work on. I have had students bring in music for upcoming auditions, church solos, and even pieces solely for entertainment.

My lessons are all about doing things right. I focus on correct breathing, posture, etc, and help the student to learn what to listen for and feel in their own voice.

I encourage my students to spend time on their pieces outside of our lesson and emphasize the difference that practice can make. Trust me, I can tell when my students haven't practiced!

Most importantly, I strive to make my lessons enjoyable!

*** THE STUDIO ***

My studio is located at my house in a separate room. I have a keyboard, seating, music library, and a computer with speakers.

We have pets, but they are kept in a different part of the house during lessons.

*** SPECIALTIES ***

I strive to break bad habits, teach correct singing, and establish good technique. I have taught opera and pop styles, though I'm open to anything! My main focus is to get the student to sing correctly and efficiently. After that, style choice can come into play. With the correct technique, you can sing anything!

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.

nterest the student.

Guitar: I've found that guitar method books are nearly as diverse as the guitarists that play them! That being said, I typically start with the Essential Elements for guitar for a solid introduction to music reading and a touch of theory.

Depending on the style of play the guitarist is interested in I move on from there. Mel Bays Classical method is always a solid choice as is the Christopher Parkening Guitar method. I also have a few tab oriented books and some rock/blues oriented books.

For clarinet and oboe students I like to compliment what their band/orchestra director is using when possible. I also love the Klose method for clarinet. The Rubank is also a tried and true book I use. I've had a lot of success with these books.

Of course the best method books are for naught without adequate practice time! When theory and technique work get too dry it's always fun to throw in some fun selections to compliment the "work."

Voice students are a bit different in that I don't use a specific method to instruct. I have many books that I draw from when teaching voice due to the unique nature of the individual. Depending on the style of music, from classical to jazz/pop, I have music that will teach proper breath support, vowel placement and tone.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Home studio: converted dining room with 3 guitars, young percussion instruments, upright piano and f/w keyboard. Seating available for parents.
Music ministry at First Christian Church in Terrell. Access to choir room with upright piano. Seating available for parents.

*** Specialties ***
Degree in all-level music education with specialty in voice.

, but can assist you in making the right choices to navigate your own way in the business. I offer private coaching to actors in theater and film, and singers in the US and abroad. I would love to share my knowledge and experience with you.

*** Lesson Details ***
I offer private coaching to children, teens, adults who have an interest in acting or singing performance, and for those who simply have an interest in performing or speaking in front of others. In addition to coaching those who wish to better their skills in acting, voice and speech, and singing, I also offer coaching for non-actors; i.e., attorneys, business professionals, teachers, politicians, pageant participants, and other creatives, who want to improve their public speaking and communication skills.

*** Studio Equipment ***
High definition, quality camera for video and stills
High quality lighting equipment and MAC monitor
Ideal for video auditions and on-camera classes

*** Travel Equipment ***
High definition, quality camera for video and stills
High quality lighting equipment and MAC monitor
Ideal for video auditions and on-camera classes

*** Specialties ***
Acting for film, TV, theater, and commercials
Audition Etiquette and Technique
Light Career Coaching
Agent Ready Coaching
Voice and Speech
Public Speaking
Neutral American Speech
Singing; including Musical Theater

. Guitar and bass guitar lessons are available on a limited basis.

Riley employs the latest in teaching curriculum and uses software like Garage Band, Transcribe, Guitar Pro, Logic , Sibelius and Pro Tools to ensure students learn quickly and enjoy the process!

Due to his gigging schedule, regular student lessons are occasionally rescheduled for in the field "research" in the form of live shows. Unlike college professors, this "research" is used to rigorously test information in the "line of fire." This means students learn the latest techniques that work under real world conditions.

Don't settle for mediocre! If you're been looking for the best in learning guitar or bass, contact TakeLessons now!

each students how to read and play by ear. I would love to help you reach your musical goals.

nging, maintain their skill level and keep their voice safe. Techniques are used to increase vocal power and control, improve tonal quality and diction, and correct pitch issues. Students are assisted with song interpretation, role preparation, repertoire selections, stage presence, use of stage space and pacing, and stamina. Students are provided on-site (performance) support and post performance reviews. Singing opportunities also may be identified and students are aided in preparing for auditions and recordings. By utilizing my strong teaching strategies and coaching techniques, one of my students, Dana Harper, participated on NBC's 2016 season of THE VOICE. She competed through the "battle" rounds of the competition.

ance and minored in conducting, continuing his education at LSU's school of music where he earned his Master's degree in orchestral conducting. In Austin, he conducted works by Stephen Sondheim (Into the Woods) and Dan Studney (Reefer Madness.)
​As a voice performer, he has sung the roles of Papageno (The Magic Flute), Ramon (La Curandera), King Balthazar (Amahl and the Night Visitors), Rigoletto (Rigoletto by Verdi), Belcore (Elixir of Love), Warrick (Plump Jack), The Phantom (Phantom of the Opera) among others. He has been heard regularly as a recitalist both in Mexico and throughout the US.
He earned his bachelors degree from the University of Texas at Austin where he majored in voice performance and minored in conducting, continuing his education at LSU's school of music where he earned his Master's degree in orchestral conducting. In Austin, he conducted works by Stephen Sondheim (Into the Woods) and Dan Studney (Reefer Madness.)
​Mr. Rodriguez currently serves as cover conductor for the Plano Symphony Orchestra, as well as administrator and librarian for the Irving Symphony.