Songwriting Lessons in Arlington. Amazing Teachers.

I am in 6 local bands, and have played in a dozen more in my time. Spread through those bands, I have written approximately 200 songs since I was 18. I have recorded numerous times and have a few releases on independent labels in the Washington, DC area. If you have a vision for a song, but aren't quite sure how to manifest it, I can help you.

David enjoys teaching students from all different backgrounds and levels of proficiency. Whether you are just starting out or a virtuoso shredder in the making, he is happy to teach you! Over all, he is fairly laid back, as long as you practice. He usually combines work with reading off of the treble clef (what he likens to "eating your vegetables." You may not want to do it, but it will make you a healthier musician!) with learning more popular songs (or songs the student says they would like to learn) through tablature and chord charts, depending on the style of the song.

David is also very pro music theory. He usually incorporates music theory into the curriculum in conjunction with the material already being discussed. He is also very knowledgeable about composition/songwriting, and if the student is interested in learning more about this area, he is happy to share what he knows!

Having written many songs, both for demos and my album, I can teach lyric choice, vocal and guitar phrasing and common pitfalls for songwriters.

After four semesters of music theory in college, composing was a big part of it. I enjoy showing people how to express their creativity through theory and improvisation. As a multi-instrumentalist, I have a keen insight as to how instruments relate to each other in a musical and rhythmical sense. I learned each instrument on its own merit, in other words I don't approach the bass as a guitarist that plays bass, I learned to play the blues and jazz scales and drop in the groove with the drummer, and compliment the guitar and other instruments, and hold the beat down. I have taken so many songs apart in the last 35 years and written others that I know the ins and outs of great songwriting.

I have written at least 20 songs in my entire music career. I have written, instrumental music, R&B music, Soul music and children music for my children.