Banjo Lessons & Classes in Arbor Heights

o Equipment ***
I have several guitars, a drum kit, djembe, mandolin, clarinet and full-size keyboard.

*** Specialties ***
Guitar: Classical, jazz, American or Irish folk, rock and pop; lead or rhythm.
Drums & Percussion: All genres
Piano: Classical (includes sight reading)

tarting from the beginning of what a student knows and moving forward step by step will only lead to perfection in their lessons. Having fun doing this, is the only way to keep a student focused and progressing. Enjoyment is the number one focus of Damien's lessons. If a student isn't enjoying and having fun with their lessons then they will not progress.
Damien teaches ages of 5-99. You are never too young or old to learn. Damien's main focus is guitar and music theory

*** Travel Equipment ***
I would expect the student to provide their own guitar (if necessary) and a notebook
I have private parking for my students, so they don't have to worry about parking, ever !
*** Specialties ***
I have been taught, on a college level, of classical, jazz, ethnic musics. I specialize in guitar, theory, composition.

tronic keyboard, in the lessons.
Bass Guitar: I teach rock, pop, funk, and country music on bass.
Banjo: I teach bluegrass, country, and some blues and rock music. I also play and teach old-timey frailing/clawhammer style.
Ukulele: I play and teach all styles of ukulele.
English and Reading: I am highly qualified to tutor/teach English (spoken, written, and reading comprehension) to both native English speakers and to those learning it as a second language.
*** I am particularly good at working with children who have a.d.h.d. and other learning disabilities!

vading the American music scene. I grew up in New Jersey, performing in rock bands until becoming interested in classical guitar. With New York City only a short bus ride away, I spent as much time as possible in the city, studying guitar with Russian born Classical Guitarist, Dr. Alexander Bellow, and Jazz Legend "Bucky" Pizzarelli. During this time, I attended recitals of such notables as Andre Segovia, Julian Bream and John Williams. Being immersed in this musical scene inspired me to make music my life.

Earned a degree in Classical Guitar Performance from the Hartt School of Music at the University of Hartford, where I studied under the direction of guitar pedagogue, Richard Provost. While at Hartt and shortly after, I performed in numerous Master Classes for internationally acclaimed artists such as Manuel Barrueco, Christopher Parkening, Oscar Ghiglia, Michael Lorimer, and Carlos Barbosa-Lima.

I have taught guitar at the college level for over twenty years teaching on the music faculties of University of Central Florida, Rollins College, Stetson University, Bethune Cookman College, Florida Southern College, and St. Leo College. I taught private guitar lessons, class guitar, and guitar ensemble

I have appeared hundreds times at Disney and Sea World as well as other venues around Central Florida. My experience includes performing solo and in small groups. I have also performed with rock groups, stage bands, folk groups, classical ensembles, jazz combos, Broadway shows, operas, as well as solo recitals, and concerto appearances.

Throughout the years I have had many unique experiences while performing. One of my favorites being the opportunity to play the MASH theme song for Alan Alda as well as other stars in attendance at a cast party for the TV show, Win, Lose or Draw at EPCOT Center.

Although I enjoy performing, I considers teaching music to be highly gratifying. The importance of giving students a good foundation with the proper technique and performance skills cannot be underestimated. When a student can play a song from beginning to end with style and confidence you know you've given them a gift that will offer them enjoyment for the rest of their lives.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Ipad apps, music stand, instrument stands, tuner, metronome, amp, chairs,

*** Specialties ***

Fingerstyle- Classical, Fingerstyle Jazz, Folk, Celtic.

Pickstyle- Rock, Blues, Jazz.

r, mandolin, bouzouki, keyboards, or bass in folk, classical,

line with Dr. Ralph Stanley, Bill Monroe, J.D. Crowe, Del McCourey, Jim and Jesse McReynolds, Bill Harrell and The Virginians, Jimmy Martin, Michael Cleveland, Doyle Lawson, and many others.

Skills
Skilled (musical instrument) instructor
Private lessons
Art and music education
Music theory
Private lesson planning
Music composition
Music principles and history
Musical performance coaching
Private instruction
Local arts and culture
Guitar (acoustic and electric)
Banjo
Mandolin
Violin/fiddle
Bass (electric and upright)
Instrument repair

Experience
Private Music Educator (1978 – present)
Music Lessons with Terry Strange, a full time instructional studio
Private music instruction in a variety of styles on Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin, Violin, and Bass

Board of Directors (2014 – present)
Kentucky Old Time Fiddle Contest and Championship

Competition Judge (2013 – present)
Kentucky Old Time Fiddle Contest and Championship

Education
University of Kentucky – Lexington, Kentucky
Associate of Science, Agriculture

beginner? You are my speciality! The word "Practice" is the number one killer of budding musicians. Because it is usually, particularly so with classical music and instruments, practicing things they do not want, or at least think they do not want, to learn in the first place. The trick is to get student hungry to learn and want to practice, and they woll come to the teacher, or workbook, in order to do so. When we first pick up and instrument and aren't met with the instant gratification of being Hendrix, (or in this particular example I guess Stradivarius?) We ditch the whole thing entirely. Theory and tedius repetative practice of chords and scales isn't appealing to anyone until they get to a point where they see it's value. I always ask a student's favorite song or band, if they say something that is an intermediate level of playability, I teach them that song under the condition they practice and learn X. Once they see they can play the songs they enjoy, they get hungrier. All the while they get better and see the value of practicing to get there. If they say a aong or band out of their current skill level, I will learn the song, show them in person and get them excited, and then explain to them what boring chords or scales i had to learn to be able to play it, and build value in it for them.

Shoot me a message, and let's talk and see what is a good fit for you!