Occoquan, VA Songwriting Lessons

amps, recording equipment, drums and PA system.

*** Studio Equipment ***
guitars, amps, drums, 16 track recorder, soup to nuts

*** Specialties ***
Rock (all kinds), Blues, Pop, Country, ear training.

o meeting you and hearing all about your goals and dreams in music and how I can help you along your path.

and her career. Melding artist expression with technical ability, Nicole's talents and passion make her a performer and teacher with the ability to bridge honest and natural acting skills with a powerful and studied classical voice! Throughout her life, Nicole has found herself pursuing classical voice, rock music and theatrical performance with a drive and passion that surprises even those who know her well. Her students have included parents and children alike as she has opened the door for many to pursue their life-long passions, she also is experienced in and loves teaching and working with special needs students.

*** Lesson Details ***
All of my lessons are tailored to the interest of the student! Although I come from a strict technical background, I believe that the love of music and performance comes from experimenting and being creative! In a lesson with me, I suggest repertoire but if something is not working it is never a problem to redirect and find the right path for the student! With the wealth of my experience having been in over 45 musicals, opera's and other productions I can teach and guide the student through any performance and musical interest they may have and bridge the gap between genre's that so many are unable to do.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Living Room, computer, keyboard, couch.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I expect the students to provide a piano and or instrument of choice, and purchase method books and other repertoire.

*** Specialties ***
I am expert in any type of vocal style, as I have an extensive background in musical theatre, pop as well as opera. I also have a great ability to teach Music Theory, something I love and something I do very well at. Like I said previously I have been in over 45 musical theatre/straight theatre and Opera productions, so I can teach acting as well as performance. I have also written over 50 songs for guitar and voice and performed with a local band in Santa Barbara, CA , so I have a lot of experience as a songwriter and guitar and can teach those as well too.

imultaneously pursuing my music ambition. I studied classical guitar at American University with a student of the great Andres Segovia, and also studied jazz guitar with a former student of a prominent jazz guitarist, Pat Martino. Additionally, I sang in choirs and studied composition privately with a prominent Washington area composer and performer from Catholic University, I also began to teach at an area performing arts academy.

My most long-term experiences in music have been serving in my local church for over 30 years, either playing guitar (acoustic, electric, bass), piano, or arranging vocals in a contemporary worship band. I also started a church choir, and led both choir and small orchestra in a number of special performances. Additionally, I led congregational worship in different scenarios. During this time I also taught students of all ages guitar, piano, and music theory, and have continued to today in helping students to find their musical potential and pursue their musical ambitions.

I have recently retired from my engineering career so I can use my musical gifts in my local church and teach music as a second career. I have completed my second degree at George Mason University, and continue to play with other musicians there. More importantly, I continue to learn how to better teach others of all ages how to grow in all aspects of music-making.

*** Lesson Details ***
Having taught for many years, my approach is flexible and I can adjust my teaching style and/or curriculum to maximize the student's potential for learning at any age. I encourage disciplined practice while working to make learning music an enjoyable experience. Although I specialize in guitar styles, I also teach piano, and can include music theory, sight reading, composition, and how to improvise on any instrument. I have taught improvisation on a number of different instruments such as violin, cello, flute, and clarinet.

Here are some testimonials from present or former students/parents:

"Mr. S. is very earnest; when he gives you a compliment, you can tell he really means it. He's very patient and experienced and skilled and he is willing to take what he's teaching down to my level to help me understand it." Gregory K., age 10
Geoff is a patient and encouraging instructor. He tailored my lessons towards the skills that I needed. He provides the necessary encouragement when the long hours of practice seem impossible to sustain. I could write a book about Geoff's credentials: highly qualified is an understatement. -- Neal B.
Mr. S. is awesome at playing and teaching guitar, and he is nice and helps you. -- Michael B., age 12
œI'm sure I could learn to ˜Play Guitar Today™ using books and videos, but I think I'm on the right track with private one-on-one instruction. “ Linda H.
The guitar lessons are fun, interactive, and instructive. A great way to make learning a delight!“ Gina R., parent

*** Studio Equipment ***
Office at home w/ keyboard and guitars, white board, seating for parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide self-produced instructional material.
Students provide their own instrument and a folder to store instructional material.

*** Specialties ***
I teach any style of guitar, including classical and jazz. I also teach improvisation or "playing by ear" on any instrument; my experience includes piano, violin, cello, clarinet, and flute.
I'm very familiar with 60's music (e.g., Beatles)
I've performed a lot of folk music, rock music, and classical music
I've played classical guitar and in classical and jazz ensembles at weddings and other special events.

: theory fundamentals, exercises, and performance practice. Within each lesson, I incorporate visuals, games, and other media. Live performances are also highly encouraged.

My student's would say that my lessons are motivational and packed with energy. I always follow up with parents to discuss progress, and the student's mandatory log book helps to keep everyone informed of what is expected each week.

*** Instruments/Equipment ***
I provide only equipment that I will personally use for the lesson (books, audio, and instrument). I do not provide instruments, electronic equipment (i.e. amps, cords, keyboards, speakers, computer, etc), books, or sheet music. I expect my students to have or purchase all the materials they will need.

*** Specialties ***
I also offer ear training, songwriting, vocal arranging and music production workshops for artists interested in pursuing a career in the music industry.

wed by my teaching methods:

My teaching methods fall into these four categories: (D.A.D.E.)
• Discovery- Gathering relevant and resourceful information of voice functionality.
• Application- Putting technical skills to use and knowledge of when to use them.
• Development- Process learning- Changes cause/effects and as a result, progress, production, and promise. “Trust the process.”
• Execute- To bring forth, carry out, and perform!

Process teaching and learning is a specific teaching style that not only empowers the students to feel confident about their craft, it also gives the students useful skills that can be applied to REAL "time-life" scenarios. This reinforcement confirms that the students have indeed learned what they've hired me for and more.

By signing up for voice lessons with Jackson, you will become a V.I.P. member. What is a VIP member? V.I.P. members have the inside opportunities to learn “singer secrets!” (Vowels, Interpretations and Pept-talk).
• Vowels- Two different approaches: Spoken and Sung
• Interpretation- A stylistic approach that best explains or makes sense of. Your explanation for your creativeness.
• P.E.P.T.-Talk (Details in your lesson)

Note:
1. The most important thing for singers/musicians/language students is that they train their ears. Why? Because 90% of what you'll learn is by what you recall from hearing/listening.
2. ENVIRONMENT- is key to your learning. It's important for you to surround yourself around the very things that you're learning.

Once you sign up, you’ll receive a questionnaire. The information you provide is vital because it shapes and designs your learning curriculum.

Bio: From Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (Born October 15th, 1974) is an American singer, songwriter, arranger, and producer. Notable instruments are the piano and percussion. Jackson is one of Washington, DC’s prominent male vocalists. His voice is recognized as; beautiful light lyrical-pure tone, fine diction, long phrasing and an extended high range. He is also known for his work within the concert/recital repertoires around the Washington, DC Metropolitan areas and performances with the Symphonic Orchestra of Northern Virginia, Jeff Dokken, conductor.

Jackson credits himself as a Pop Inspirational singer. “Music to touch, move, and inspire.”- Jackson C.
Jackson has experience working with youth and adults in churches, and privately. He has taught music and accompanied the production "KIDS" at the Kelsie Collie Children's Musical Experience.
His music education studies hail from; University of the District of Columbia,- Washington, DC, Oberlin Conservatory under Richard Miller,- Oberlin, OH, and Shenandoah University Conservatory under Dr. Kathryn Green,- Winchester, VA with an emphasis in Voice Pedagogy (CCM) Contemporary Commercial Music. His professional music career began (Spring 2009) in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area. Jackson is fortunate to have had a career built on “word of mouth” via his fans and supporters. Often, he is called upon to sing for; weddings, funerals, private parties, churches, recitals etc. Words and phrases that best describe Jackson's vocal performances are: (G.R.I.P.) Graceful, Refreshing, Inspiring, and Powerful.

*** Specialties ***
Pop, Inspirational, Gospel, Rhythm & Blues (R&B), Classical, Contemporary Jazz, some musical theater.

"Trust the process! Everything in life began and ends with a process."- B. Jackson Caesar

Languages: (English & Spanish)
My interest in the Hispanic language, its apparatus, style/approach, and culture as it pertains to the ever growing population and bilingualism around the Americas. My desire is to engage the students in the discovery and appreciation of the lingual- romantic tongues.

Spanish:
Countries visited; Mexico and Peru.
I can guarantee that within a few months you'll feel confident and sure that you're conversation- ready to Speak Spanish. Therefore, if you're preparing a trip to a Spanish speaking country, you’ll find Peruvian Castellano pronunciation straightforward and as good as any other, with few of the dropped letters or peculiarities found in some other countries.

English (As a second language)
I enjoy helping others learn the complexities of the English language. English is indeed a hard tongue to grasp however; it’s not difficult once you understand its secrets. (Phonetic learning)

Acting Coach: I advocate a dynamic variety of approaches to your learning styles and trends. My interest is in the study of voice production; functionality, style/approach, health, and stage presence and thus, my students are empowered with useful tools to reach their goals, confront and overcome common oppositions.

Public Speaking: Like that of the other subjects, my primary focus is to give you fundamental skills of interpretation. There are seven interpretation techniques that are used to empower and influence not only the speaker, but even your audience. The seven interpretative techniques can be applied to these six types of speeches: Narrative, Descriptive, Expository, Persuasive, Informative, and Social groups. You will also learn stage presence, and effective leadership skills. By the end of this course, you’ll not only have the confidence, you’ll have the command and compassion to lead.

fret across the fretboard. First, you need to learn how to speak guitar. This is like learning the basic language so we can communicate with each other.
You: "Why do I have to identify all the parts of the guitar?"
Me: "So when I tell you to strum over the sound hole, you won't mistake it for your ear."

-How to tune and care for your guitar such as changing strings
You: "Why do I need to learn how to tune my guitar and properly change my strings?"
Me: "So when you learn how to play the thing, it sounds good and stays in tune, and your neighbor's dog won't start howling when you pick up your instrument."

-Chords and Strumming: Open chords, Power chords, Barre chords, 7th chords, 9th chords, 1st and 2nd inversion chords. More chords than you can shake a stick at.
You: "Why do I need to learn chords?"
Me: "So you string chords together, and play a song, Silly."

-Scales (Major scales, Natural minor scales, Harmonic minor scales, Melodic minor scales, In every key and in six different positions)
You: "Why do I need to learn scales?"
Me: "Just to torture you. Just kidding! Scales build strength and speed and get your two hands working together. And scales are fundamental for learning licks and writing melodies later on down the road."

-Other fundamentals include chord chart reading, tablature reading, and specific technical skills such as hammer-ons and pull-offs, palm muting, using a pick, and finger picking styles.

MUSIC THEORY:
Strictly for impressing your friends and/or classmates. Ok, not really. Music theory is important, especially if you want to play other instruments down the road, and to give you a the "Big Picture" of music.

Fundamental theory you will learn includes
-Basic music notation (The music alphabet, rhythm, the staff, ledger lines, time signatures, etc)
-Major and Minor Scales and Key Signatures (You've heard about the Circle of Fifths. Now you'll be able to decipher it!)
-How to identify and play intervals (Major, Minor, Perfect)
-Chord theory (What makes a Major chord, well, Major; Minor chord, Minor. Diminished, Augmented, etc)
-Harmonic Analysis
You: "I've heard about this I IV V I progression stuff. What does that mean?"
Me: "In due time, Grasshopper"
-Transposition (Good for changing the keys of your favorite songs so you or your lead singer can sing them in his/her vocal range)

First we learn this stuff through take-home worksheets. Then, we apply what we know to the guitar and make it useful and practical.

Music history and appreciation. Ever wonder about the origins of the guitar and how it came about to be one of the most popular instruments played in modern time? Or who the great Blues guitarists were from the 30's and 40's and how they influenced later day Rockers such as Jimmy Page or Keith Richards? Or how about how modern Western music formed and is what it is today, starting with Ancient Greece, through the Middle Ages, to Beethoven, to Ragtime to popular music today? Yep, we got that covered. It's all about perspective.

Songwriting. So you're tired of playing other people's songs and it's time to get your thoughts on paper. Congratulations. You are officially an Artist as well as a Musician. I can teach you how to develop your lyrics and chord progressions into cohesive, tightly arranged songs sure to make your Mom or Girlfriend/Boyfriend proud. Songwriting expands the limits of learning, that simply copying another artist note-for-note cannot do. Tapping your "Creative Vein" is the ultimate path to learning music. Let's get started.

music performance. Alright, you got knowledge, you got skills, you got songs. You have the tools to get out there and show the world what you can do.

*** Studio Equipment ***
office/studio 5 guitars seating for parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
I have my own guitar and curriculum. Students are expected to have their own instruments.

*** Specialties ***
Specializing in Rock, Folk, Country beginning guitar lessons. Focus on rhythm guitar, songwriting and performing. Incorporate music history and theory as well.

VOICE CURRICULUM INCLUDES:

VOCAL TECHNIQUE/KNOWLEDGE/MAINTENANCE:
-Anatomy of the voice
-Voice maintenance
-Body awareness, relaxation and posture
-Breath control and support
-Tone creation and range building
-Resonation
-Tone placement
-Diction

MUSIC THEORY:
-Basic music notation (The music alphabet, rhythm, the staff, ledger lines, time signatures, etc)
-Major and minor scales and key signatures
-Intervals (major, minor, perfect)
-Chord theory and harmonic analysis
-Transposition
-Aural and rhythm skills

MUSIC HISTORY AND APPRECIATION:
Have you ever how modern Western music formed and how it became what it is today? We’ll start with Ancient Greece, travel through the Middle Ages, learn about Classical composers such as Beethoven, and study different styles of music from Ragtime to today’s popular music all with listening examples to immerse you into the world of music history.

SONGWRITING
If you've grown tired of playing other people's music, then it’s time for you to get your songs on paper or recorded. I’ll teach you how to develop your lyrics and chord progressions into cohesive, tightly arranged songs. Songwriting expands the limits of learning that merely playing another artist’s music cannot do. Tapping your "creative vein" is the ultimate path to learning music.

MUSIC PERFORMANCE
Alright, you've got knowledge, you've got skills and you've got songs. You have the tools to get out there and show the world what you can do. But before you hit the local area open mic or book a gig, let's talk about music performance. You’ll learn simple, effective techniques such as strong stage presence and audience rapport.

al fundamentals of guitar technique including chords, scales and rhythm guitar playing as well as the art of improvisation. A significant amount of time in the lessons is spent actually playing with the students so that the technical concepts are put to use in real music situations. To further the student's understanding of music I frequently teach elements of music theory to those who are interested.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have guitars and amps available for student use although I prefer that the student bring their own instrument. I also have all the needed accessories, cables, stands etc.

*** Specialties ***
Adult students (and older teenagers ) whether beginners or experienced are a particular specialty of mine. Adult learners want to be treated as adults and often times benefit greatly from a more mentor oriented approach to teaching. I like to describe myself as both a teacher and a coach so as to emphasize that the student and I are on the same team sharing the goal of improving their guitar playing and musicianship. We are both on the same path of musical discovery. I am probably just farther along on that path with insights and knowledge that will hopefully help them along their way.

udent's goals and interests. With younger students, Rachel communicates regularly with parents so they can work together to get the most out of lessons!