Stephenson, VA Ukulele Lessons

** Travel Equipment ***
Whatever I need to bring I will

*** Specialties ***
Funk, Jazz, Rock, R&B, Pop, ect

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 2017/2018
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 it's 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:

Foot stools
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.

earn from prolific, passionate and talented musicians from all over the globe. With my students, I love to share my experience, appreciation for eclecticism, nuance and groove while also emphasizing the importance of a theoretical foundation in music and comprehension of aural skills (hearing music in a theoretical context) as a means to fluent apprehension in any genre. Ultimately, this makes me a very flexible and expeditious teacher. What would you like to learn?

If you have any questions, or would like to chat, please feel free to call me at three O three 5032572 or message me via my Take Lessons profile. I look forward to it!

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide most necessary lesson materials, however it is necessary that students have their own instruments on which to play and practice. I may request that students buy some materials such as tuners (for stringed instruments), lesson books, or music applications, but these are optional purchases.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I can teach in my home studio in South Boulder if that is your preference. The studio has keyboard, bass, drums, guitar, ukulele and vocal microphones. Students should bring their own instruments to the studio lessons (drums and piano provided in the studio) Parents may attend the lessons if they choose.

*** Specialties ***
Pop, Rock, Jazz, Blues, Reggae, West-African Highlife, Funk, and Soul

***Some additional background to my experience***
I grew up "noodling". I avoided the difficult task of learning to read proficiently until I was almost 18. Looking back I realize that for me, music was a way to relax and pause internal dialogue. I would create music, especially on the piano that was entirely my own, and based solely on intuition. I got by in piano lessons and choir for so many years as kid by relying on an intuitive ability to aurally recall music and "play by ear". Eventually, I was turned on to the necessity of being able to read when I was accepted into a nationally competitive choral program at Fairview High School under the direction of Ron Revier. Shortly after that, I picked up a guitar and discovered music theory.
Realizing that reading, and theory were inherently different things allowed by to accelerate quickly at music theory which opened so many doors for me creatively. Suddenly, my ability to improvise in context and write my own songs was born.
I realized that every note I sang or played was part of an essential structure, whether or not I was paying attention to it. This is why I particularly enjoy teaching aural skills, sight reading, and music theory in conjunction with whatever repertoire or skillset a student wants to learn. These things facilitate becoming one's own teacher which is the most important thing I can pass on to a student. If you can contextualize everything you hear, you can more easily pursue whatever type of music inspires you.
Understanding theoretical things like musical modes creates a structure around the seemingly elusive nature of musical improvisation. It comes naturally to some, but is stubbornly avoided by others. I assure you, anyone can do it with some guidance. Through the years, I have developed a handful of shortcuts and tools that allow elementary musicians to start creating their own music that is not necessarily oriented in genre or style, but can be applied to all of them. I look forward to sharing my passion with new students!

r $10 off any lesson!
Use the ask question feature and mention the discount :)

My mission is to provide a positive musical experience for all students. For some this includes rigorous preparation for an audition of some kind, for others it may be an introduction to music fundamentals to foster better listening skills and greater artistic appreciation. All students will be challenged to improve their listening, timing, and technique. All students will learn to play songs that they love.

Recommendations for best results: make a three-month commitment to weekly lessons, and work up to 30 minutes of daily practice. This formula guarantees results. Bring your instrument, music books, and a binder with sheet protectors ☺

*Scheduling policy: to avoid being charged for a lesson - One week notice is required to cancel, skip, or "roll over" a lesson. 24 hours notice to reschedule (based on availability).

Good Luck!

Jordan was born and raised in the El Centro, California where he began playing the alto sax in the elementary band program. At the age of 12, he began his study of guitar and drums, performing in several rock and ska bands around his home town and San Diego. At age 14, is where he found his love for brass instruments when he took up the trombone. While in high school he became a featured soloist with the Imperial Valley College Jazz Orchestra, under the direction of the legendary trumpeter Jimmy Cannon. It was this that lead Jordan to accept the Constance Weldon Music Scholarship to attend the University of Miami in Coral Gables, FL.

While performing in South Florida Jordan appeared with major acts including 10,000 Maniacs, and appeared on the Spanish television show "Calle Ocho." He also gained invaluable experience teaching in Miami public schools. His first teaching assignment was at Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High School where he directed 3 beginning bands, Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, and their highly decorated Jazz Band. Later Jordan moved into the elementary setting, teaching vocal and instrumental music for grades K-5 at Cypress Elementary.

In 2007, Jordan returned to California to pursue a music career in San Diego. He can be seen performing all over San Diego, Orange, and LA Counties in styles ranging from rock, jazz, funk, blues, hip-hop, Latin, and more. He performs primarily on trombone, piano, and guitar, but is known to pick up percussion, harmonica, and other wind instruments as well. Jordan, along with the rest of the aggressively funky cover band SuperMagnetic, were the grand prize winner of the 2010 Viejas Ultimate Music Challenge 4. In 2011, Tori Roze & The Hot Mess were nominated for a San Diego Music Award in the category of "Best Blues Artist" after the release of their first album "From The Hip." They released their second album "Turbulence" last December, and are heard regularly on local San Diego radio. This album has also been nominated for Best Pop album for the 2013 San Diego Music Awards. In 2013, Jordan completed his Master of Music degree in Jazz Studies from San Diego State University.

On stage, Jordan is a talented and versatile performer. He is known for his trombone sound and improvisational ability, as well as his positive relationship with his fellow musicians. In lessons, Jordan is energetic and creative.

*** Lesson Details ***
I enjoy teaching kids and adults of all ages. When you arrive for our first lesson, we'll start by getting to know your musical tastes and aspirations. Then we make a plan. Then we play!

Everybody's path is different, but we must start with a strong foundation in the fundamentals. After we start to establish some technique on your instrument we will explore music that suits you from a practical stand point in your development, and very importantly, stylistically. Together we will plan a curriculum that keeps you motivated toward your goals and that fits your life style.

You can expect a laid back, yet focused environment. Most of all, you can look forward to progress! Hope to see you soon.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Living room with large wall mirror, good lighting, with full size keyboard, weighted

*** Travel Equipment ***
I expect students to provide an instrument for themselves. I also require a student to come prepared with sheet music, pencils, a binder with sheet protectors, and any books they are interested in.

*** Specialties ***
I have an extensive background in jazz bands, salsa bands, classical wind ensembles, and improvisation. I also currently perform in both original and cover bands on trombone, keyboard and guitar, in a range of styles including rock, reggae, Latin, and funk. I teach beginning and intermediate piano, guitar, and woodwind instruments, as well as advanced brass.

PLEASE READ:
***Scheduling Policy***
-To avoid being charged - One week notice for cancellations. 24 hours notice for reschedule.

"Best Music Instruction" by Cincy Magazine.

If you have never picked up an instrument before, I would love to introduce you to the basics of music as well as the guitar. If you have played some guitar, or another instrument, and are looking to hone your skills and maximize your potential, it would be my pleasure to help you along that track.

ory that I knew how much I not only loved the thrill of playing music but the discovery of how it worked. With this experience I can show you or your child why learning an instrument can be not only an exciting experience but an interesting and enthralling one as well.

I have been teaching music for over 7 years and have had the privilege of teaching children as young as 4 to adults in their late 80's. I am a very attentive teacher who can not only help get you moving in the right direction but keep you on that path until your are a self-sufficient musician. A level of musicianship that simply means you can learn whatever you want on your instrument on your own, whether it be for business, pleasure or for mere self-improvement.

Through my own student career in private lessons I had the chance to study with graduates of the Musician's Institute (MI), the California Institute of the Arts (CAL Arts) and Berklee College of Music. This has provided me with an inside look into how and what each institute teaches, as well as a first hand look at the techniques and ideas that the great players from these remarkable schools have come to produce.

My formal music education consists of 2 years at Pasadena City College where I obtained my general Associates Degree (much of the studies included music) and a semester at California State University Long Beach as a Jazz Guitar Performance Major. Additionally, I completed a great deal of California State University Long Beach's teaching credential program (focusing on the teaching of history/social studies), where I learned strategies and theories of how and what to teach my students - making me that much more knowledgable of my craft. At Pasadena City College I studied with jazz/classical guitarist, Ron Berman, who has played with such jazz greats as Herb Ellis and Jimmy Wyble. At Cal State Long Beach I studied with jazz guitarist Ron Eschete, a former teacher at MI who has toured with the likes of Ray Brown, John Dizzy Gillespie and Jim Hall.

Most importantly I hope to show you or your child a new way to love and appreciate music. And to provide you with the ability and know-how to have the most fun on your instrument as possible.

*** Lesson Details ***
Throughout my lessons, I always encourage basic skills including scales, sight-reading and technical exercises. But what I hope to give all my students is a basic understanding of music and their instrument, providing them with a practical ability to navigate the vast world of music for a lifetime.

Beyond these skills, I always have songs, styles and theory for you to work on but I am often more interested in what you as an individual want to learn on your instrument. Getting to learn concepts that you have chosen yourself will help encourage practice and will make the finished product all the more the rewarding.

I can custom tailor a teaching curriculum and/or style for any of my students: we can focus on learning songs, learning to read, how to write music, how music works, and even how to play specific styles of music (including funk, rock, jazz, Latin, flamenco, classical, country and blues). I also self tailor my own worksheets and set weekly goals with my students to help encourage practice, understanding and progress. For students interested in more advanced concepts, I can also teach ear training, music theory, advanced jazz improvisation as well as advanced playing techniques.

All this in a friendly and easy-going teaching environment.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Located in my home garage, it is equipped with a small stage, an upright piano, an electric keyboard, a PA system, amplifiers, a drum set, a lap steel guitar, a pedal steel guitar, 2 cellos, multiple guitars, 3 mandolins, a dobro, a 5-string banjo, a 4-string tenor banjo, 2 ukuleles, 2 accordions and 2 electric basses.

*** Specialties ***
Styles: Jazz, Rock, Reggae, Metal, Funk, Progressive Rock, Classical, Folk, Bluegrass, Country, Various forms of Latin Music, Blues, and a few others.

Instruments: Beginning to Intermediate - Drums, Accordion and Piano.

Beginning to Advanced - Guitar, Mandolin, Cello, Banjo (5 String), Irish Tenor Banjo (4 String GDAE), Tenor Banjo (4 String CGDA), Electric Bass, Ukulele, Dobro, Lap Steel Guitar (6 String C6 Tuning), Slide Guitar, Pedal Steel Guitar (10 String E9 Tuning).

I also teach the beginning and advanced concepts of:
Music Theory, Ear Training, Sight Reading, and Song Writing.

g music. They learn to create music, to play with other musicians, and to play by ear.

Although Fox is serious about music he is able to keep lessons entertaining for students, and offers instruction in many musical genres. Many of Fox’s students have gone on to study music in college and have started successful careers in the field.

ons on whatever the 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...

so developing a knowledge base and skills to be an effective partner in education. Achieving a meaningful balance between these two professions, whereby one feeds the other, is an ongoing process that requires a deepening awareness for the teaching artist of what their teaching brings to their art and what their art teaches them about learning.”

I pride myself in creating a fun and safe learning environment in which I establish a firm musical foundation for my students. Lessons include: vocal scales and etudes, lyric interpretation, stagecraft skills, repertoire development and a foundation of the technical elements of the voice or instrument, and exploration and development of timbre, genres and music history. I teach a large variety of musical genres including jazz, pop, rock, rn'b, theater, reggae and classical music.

Simultaneously, my students cultivate many other skills while learning voice. Students enhance their understanding of music genres, their overall self-confidence and become self-sufficient and creative problem solvers. I am passionate about educating and empowering my students and I enjoy connecting with a wide array of musicians of all ages, playing levels and backgrounds.

Feel free to contact me to inquire about lessons, I hope to hear from you soon!

Natalie