Middletown, VA Acoustic Guitar Lessons

but will may assign a book after the first few lessons. Students should have an empty three-ring binder handy or iPad in addition to owning their own guitar or piano/keyboard. I recommend supporting local music stores before going to the big chains. I can help with choosing an instrument if needed.

Within 6 months*, the student should know and be able to play major and minor chords (instruments only), understand basic music notation, time signatures, and be able to follow basic sheet music. Students are encouraged to name songs that they wish to learn to keep them excited and interested in learning.

Emphasis will be on accuracy, performance techniques and having fun!

* results will vary with each student.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Each student needs a guitar or piano/keyboard and a 3 ring binder.

*** Specialties ***
Guitar, Piano, Songwriting: Folk, Rock, Blues & Country.

m the Florida Department of Education. I have taught in Florida as a preferred substitute for general music classes, K-12. In college, I have given study sessions for music theory levels ranging from 4-part writing to post-serialism.

Degrees:
Doctorate of Musical Arts: Guitar Performance; Shenandoah University, expected May 2019
Master of Music: Guitar Performance; University of Akron, May 2014
Bachelor of Music: Guitar Performance; Stetson University, 2011

While giving lessons:
I ensure that every student receives fundamental foundation pertaining to the subject. While learning the basics, I advise that the student organizes their lessons and materials in a way that displays progress over time. With the proper knowledge, we can treat the heart of a subject with refinement in order to grasp its purpose and reason---whether its music or math.

Why?
My students have grown with confidence through a sense of accomplishment. Success does not only affect a person's well-being but can also impact other dimensions of their lives.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Equipment available if needed:

Footstools
Music stands
Pencils
Complete home recording studio
Computer/tablet/smartphone w/ internet
Speakers and playback devices
Reference books

*** Travel Equipment ***
Each student is expected to bring with them (if applicable):

Notebook or log
Reference/score materials
Instrument(s) and case
Accessories
Portable sound recorder (optional)

*** Specialties ***
Classical, Jazz and Rock Styles.

Performance, Music Theory, Arranging, Composition.

Elementary Math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry, Statistics, Trigonometry, Pre-Calc.

network television variety program, "The Gene Carroll Show", that was a television institution for over 30 years in the Midwest. I was a featured performer on that program for over 7 years, all the while perfecting the art of "playing to a camera." This experience was invaluable, and the knowledge I gathered is now included in my curriculum. I also began performing a solo act in the nightclub circuit at the age of 15, performing up and down the "north coast" from Cleveland, OH, (my home), to Erie. PA. At a very young age, I learned the difficult art of choosing musical material and pacing a show; also adapting to performing under a myriad of conditions with a vast array of musical accompaniment. After graduating college with a degree in Business Administration and Marketing, I assembled my own band, and took to the road. That experience eventually brought the act to Las Vegas in 1982. Over the years my show has been a staple in major casino cabarets in Las Vegas, and all over Nevada. Since my first engagement at The Landmark Hotel in the early 1980's, I have literally been up and down the famed Las Vegas Strip many times over. The Desert Inn, The Dunes, The Stardust, The Maxim, The Tropicana, New York New York, Mandalay Bay, MGM, Bally's, The Flamingo, The Imperial Palace, The Four Queens, The Golden Nugget, The Fremont, The Venetian, The Palazzo, and a three year engagement at The Riviera. My show is truly comprised of musical variety; classics, show tunes, jazz, rock, blues, r&b, country. Even a presentation of "Music of the Night" from Phantom of the Opera, that I perform in full costume. It is this ability to successfully deliver an extensive repertoire that I am enthusiastic about passing along to the next generation of entertainers.

I have been truly blessed in my career to have experienced so many highlights; too many to document. From winning an understudy roll in the Broadway Musical "Platinum" starring Hollywood actress Alexis Smith, to performing our National Anthem at events ranging from Major League Baseball to ESPN Boxing to receptions for major dignitaries, to recording 7 albums and a full-length video, to being asked to perform for Mr. Frank Sinatra at the Frank Sinatra Celebrity Golf Tournament, I have lived a full life on stage, learning and absorbing every bit of knowledge gathered along the way.
Now it is my desire to escalate my status as an educator to a more "one on one" experience; availing myself the opportunity to pass along that wealth of knowledge to individual students who aspire to enjoy the entertainment profession as I have, providing them with the skills needed to successfully compete. Or, should it be their choice not to pursue entertainment as a vocation, to gain a working understanding of all facets of their instrument so as to gain a better appreciation of music. Whatever the goal of the student, I feel that I am equipped to provide them with the tools needed to achieve that goal.

*** Lesson Details ***
Content of Sessions

Generally, the first 10-15 minutes of each lesson will be focused on vocal warm up and exercise. (For guitar students, we will review the previous
week's assignment). For Vocal Students, it is understood that the voice mechanism is made up of muscles, and as an athlete prepares for a sporting event, a singer must prepare to vocalize. It is at this time in our lesson when the student will develop good habits of voice maintenance, which will serve them well throughout their careers. The proper care and preservation of the vocal unit cannot be stressed enough, especially for pubescent and pre-pubescent students. Vocal chords in a developmental stage are most susceptible to damage, and because they are particularly sensitive, they must be handled with care. Our warm up regimen is designed to strengthen as well as preserve the singing voice.

I am not an advocate of getting too involved and "bogged down" in the technical aspects of singing, especially with the young students, and
especially early in our program. This is not to say that breath control, tonality, pitch, etc. are not vital to good singing, because these workings are ESSENTIAL, and their application will certainly be incorporated into our studies. Some instructors, on occasion, have a tendency to lose sight of the fact that much to do with singing happens "naturally", and too much focus on the "technical" can actually be inhibiting. This can alter a beautiful, natural tone into one that is unnatural and contrived.

I adhere to the philosophy that above all else, SINGERS WANT TO SING SONGS, and musicians-in-training want to play music. That is our focus, and all of our training is conceived with that objective in mind. All the technical knowledge and coaching serves no purpose without practical application. It is my belief that the most significant progress occurs when a vocalist is singing a song.

Nearly every element of instruction can be utilized in the performance of one song. This is why the majority of our session time will be spent "in song". For the very young student, we will concentrate our efforts with the students choices of favorite and familiar songs. The older students will undoubtedly have favorite songs, styles and artists. Special attention will be paid to the genre most enjoyed by the student, but diversity will be emphasized as well, and a variety of genres will be unpacked and explored. I believe that whatever a student's musical goals and aspirations, it is in their best interest to gain knowledge and insight in all facets of music, singing, and performance.

The most vital pre-requisite for any student is their enthusiasm. My ambition will be to harness that enthusiasm and channel it productively through stimulating instruction. Our sessions will be informative and educational, but always predicated upon "having fun with music".

I am proud to feature a curriculum that emphasizes the entertainment aspect of singing as well as the technical; created to benefit all ages and experience levels, from beginner to seasoned professional. After just weeks of my "Triple Threat Training" a student will begin to see astounding results: vocally, musically, and in the art of performance. I am excited to share my knowledge with you. Let's get started!

*** Studio Equipment ***
My studio is equipped with a full vocal sound system with microphones that I utilize to teach the valuable art of mic technique. Young students enjoy using the mics and hearing themselves sing and perform. Since our lessons are predicated on enjoying the art of singing, this opportunity has proven invaluable. For the advanced performer, studying all aspects of amplification and what a singer should know about their stage sound is a part of our educational curriculum. My studio is furnished with the equipment that is essential to mastering that knowledge.
Since the practical aspect of my course is based on singing songs, I provide all the latest technology required to allow my students the opportunity to sing the songs of their choosing, with and without the lead vocal tracks. I feel that when students are singing their favorite songs, it offers me the greatest teaching opportunities. I make certain the every musical genre can be represented, and feel I have the knowledge and ability to guide the student is whatever their musical tastes. My studio is also equipped with piano (for vocal exercises), and guitars, which gives me opportunity to accompany my students when the musical moment is appropriate. Be assured that all the technology I need to fulfill the educational needs of my students is but a step away!!

, with the Desert Cities Jazz Band) Gregory Whitmore, Band Director at Cathedral City High School, has also been a mentor to Jacob.

In 2009, he performed Ron Nelsons Danza Capriccio with the Cathedral City High School Symphonic Band and world renowned saxophonist Kenneth Tse at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. That event was followed by a performance tour of the United Kingdom with the Cathedral City High School Symphonic Band.

In 2011, he ventured off to France and Germany with the CCHS symphonic band for his second performance tour with the group. Playing at many venues including, Heidelberg Castle in Germany and Chateau Vaux-le-Vicomte, outside of Paris, France. He has been on national television performing at the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl in 2007 and in the Hollywood Christmas parade in 2010 with the CCHS Marching Band. He has performed with various groups within the community throughout the years.

In 2012, began studies at the Art Institute of California Inland Empire studying Audio Engineering and received his Bachelor's of Science in the subject in December of 2015. During the time of his undergraduate studies, Jacob was working with various local artists at local venues around the Inland Empire and Los Angeles. Eventually joining the band, "Eva and the Vagabonds" in 2015 and worked on the recently released EP as a recording and mastering engineer. With the band he has played at Dreamworks, SOKA university, American Parlor Songbook, and DVAC. Now, Jacob attends Cal State San Bernardino studying for a teaching credential in Career and Technical Education. As well, Jacob now works on American Parlor Songbook on NPR as an audio engineer, working with various actors, comedians, and artists from LA and all of over the United States.

*** Lesson Details ***
Beginner to intermediate for Guitar and Drum Lessons

Professional Style Studio Recording

*** Studio Equipment ***
Fender Stratocastor HSS
Ovation Acoustic Guitars
Epiphone EJ-200 CE
DanElectro NOS '59

Grestch Custom Set 10", 12", 14",20"
Grestch Energy 10' 12', 16', 22'
Tama Snare Artwood All Maple 14"
Sabin SR2 Crash 16"
Sabian Hi-Hats 14"
Sabian Dry Bell Ride 21"
Paiste Rock Crash 14"
Paiste Thin Crash 12" and 14"
Vator Drumsticks

SoundGear:
Alesis Multimix8/iO4
PreSonus FireStudio
ART TPS II
ART VLA II
MXL 604 Pencil Condenser
Blue Spark SSL Condenser
SM 57's
MXL A-55 Kicker Dynamic
Audio Technica ATH-M45 Headphones
M-Audio BX5 Monitars
Alto Professional PA Speakers
M-Audio 49 Venom Synth VA/Midi
Arturia MicroBrute

‹Software:
Logic Pro 9, X
Main Stage 3
Protools 10
Max MSP
Macbook Pro
IMac

*** Travel Equipment ***
Epiphone EJ-200 CE
MacBook Pro

*** Specialties ***
Recording Services!
All genres of music!

e interests and strengths are for the student. For example, if you enjoy jazz more than classical we'll focus more on what you are particularly passionate about. I have also been a part of School of Rock Programs in which we provided performances for the students a la Jack Black. Please contact Takelessons to let the musical journey begin...

ing style a student may have. I am capable of teaching all styles of guitar at any skill level with an emphasis on ear training and general knowledge of guitar techniques.

Slight disclaimer in regards to lesson length, price, and student interest:

Over the past year or so I have tried a new teaching structure that I find to be quite rewarding for myself and the students I have had. My lessons do not have a maximum time limit, meaning a lesson could go for 2 hours, if that is what the student wanted, for the same price as a 45 min lesson.

This may sound strange in that I would be losing out on a large amount of potential money but the simple answer is this: I love music and guitar as well as teaching music and guitar. If we are in the middle of a great topic that you, the student, is really interested in, there is no way that I am simply going to stop talking about it when the "timer" stops and there is no way I am going to charge you more for getting into a topic you want to learn.

I find that students who spend more time in the lessons tend to become more interested in guitar and thus, better at playing. I do have to instill a minimum time limit of 45 mins however, any less is honestly just not enough time to get anything worth while accomplished.

One last thing, music and guitar have made up the majority of my daily routine for the past 10 or so years and have literally paid for everything that I currently own as I have never had any other type of job. What this means is that I take the craft very seriously and I project that in the lessons. Basically, if you are genuinely interested in learning guitar and music at any skill level, I will show you everything I possibly can to let you meet your goals. However, if you do not take it seriously, as in you don't pick up or even think about the guitar except for lesson days, the lessons may quickly feel pointless.

For more information on what I teach, feel free to look into the category entitled "Guitar" as well as any of the other subcategories that you are interested in.

play in any style and ultimately create your own music.