Songwriting Lessons in Fort Belvoir. Amazing Teachers.

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

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!

Songwriting is the conveying of both lyrical and emotional ideas in the most effective way for the audience. No lyric should ever exist without purpose, repeating of words or phrases should drive home their meaning or create emphasis on an idea. Clumsy text setting can distort your meaning or leave your words unheard. The music and lyrics must play together in an effective manner in order to create the best possible song. This is a process often overlooked in the pop world leading to decades of misunderstood songs, vapid bubblegum pop, which of course snowballs into a perception of this is how songs should be instead of this is what songs could be.

I want to help you hone your craft so that you can stand among the greats. In a world of technical laziness, I hope to show you how to shine.

Explore your creative side by writing your own unique harmonies, melodies, and lyrics.

I have written and recorded with a number of successful bands, including as the primary songwriter, and in collaborative arrangements. I believe equally in the importance of a strong theoretical background, and in the importance of subverting conventions.