Redondo, WA Songwriting Lessons

king Suzuki piano lessons when I was 5 and quickly fell in love with the piano. Since the Suzuki method incorporates such thorough ear-training and the ability to play without sheet music, I quickly began to explore my creative side and was improvising on the piano by age 7. Naturally, this led to composition! Music was flowing through me, and I was able to both improvise and compose my inspirations on the piano. I entered and placed in the Reflections state composition contest each year. Throughout my youth, I was also very involved with the band (played trumpet), dance, drama and attended many symphonies, ballets, plays and operas - giving me a well-rounded artistic upbringing.

I pursued my passion and earned a Bachelor's degree in music composition from Mills College, followed by a Master's degree in music composition from the renowned California Institute of the Arts. My thorough education has taught me to compose for any instrument or ensemble as well as compose for film, dance, and theater. It has also taught me to understand the piano in-depth, along with theory and ear-training. Since graduating in 2006, I have scored several films, received commissions to compose for ensembles and musicians, and taught both composition and piano lessons. I also created an ensemble named SIRËoNa that I composed for, managed, and performed piano, percussion, and indigenous flutes in, and I was interviewed and featured on NPR along with local radio stations and newspapers. I have produced two CD's. Most recently, I composed a score for a silent film, premiering live with the Seattle Jazz Ensemble as part of the moisture festival in Seattle.

Do you want to learn to sit at any piano and simply play what you feel? Or turn that tune running through your head into a song that you or others can perform? Or to master every detail of a piece of music so that you can express it exactly as the composer intended? I can teach you! I encourage all ages and backgrounds to explore their creative musical passions and discover the endless possibilities of piano performance and music composition!

*** Lesson Details ***
When teaching piano, I take a similar approach to the Suzuki method. But instead of teaching from the Suzuki books, I teach my own composed exercises and pieces that I believe are more fun and accessible to today's student of any age! I create MP3 recordings of each exercise and have students listen to and memorize the exercises in their own time.This is a very important aspect of my lessons that thoroughly develops the ear - giving the student the ability to play the exercise from memory and to deeply understand the connection between their actions and the resulting sound.

I develop my exercises to progress each student through an increasing degree of technique difficulty and musical parameters - such as rhythm, melody, chords, harmony, key and range. Beginning exercises will isolate a specific musical parameter to bring thorough understanding of its possibilities, while advanced exercises and pieces will work on coordinating multiple parameters and techniques at the same time. Within 6 months, a beginner piano student will have tackled and perfected simple yet fun exercises that incorporate each major musical parameter, as well as develop correct posture and finger technique, and have developed some ear training and basic music theory skills. I also have my students do creative exercises, which develop more thorough ear training and the ability to eventually improvise and compose on the piano. More advanced piano students will perfect their ability to interpret and express each piece of music that they play and will receive thorough ear training, music theory lessons, and develop their creative abilities through piano improvisation and composition. Once they have tackled the fundamentals, intermediate and advanced piano students will learn the classics as well.

Along with piano lessons, I'm also highly qualified to teach music composition - including beginning to advanced composition, music theory, composing for any instrument or ensemble, Sibelius computer notation program, film scoring, and orchestration.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Private room, desk, professional digital piano - 88 keys fully weighted, piano bench. 2 professional cameras and iMac computer for online lessons. Percussion instruments for young students. Sibelius for composition students... Parents can sit in.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I expect students to have their own piano or keyboard when having a lesson in their home.

*** Specialties ***
Piano, Composition, Suzuki method, Classical, Contemporary, Ear Training, Memory Training, Piano Improvisation, Music Theory, Piano Ergonomics, In-depth Holistic Approach, Music History, Rhythm and Percussion. Success in teaching ages 3 and up, all backgrounds and ages.

to get you READY to play music, but perhaps was not music in and of itself.

I find that when I get right down to the nitty gritty of playing, and show my students a song they love and know, and get them playing guitar by the end of the session that they are usually thrilled and excited.

In the end it makes them work harder and practice long because THEY ARE PLAYING MUSIC ON THE GUITAR!!!

Certainly exercises are of paramount importance, but when you can make that connection with a student and help them to relate to the guitar the exercises are ultimately easier to them, and the experience of playing guitar an enjoyable and less alienating task.

Grab your guitar and start today!! Let's get you playing TODAY!!!!

TESTIMONIALS:

“I've been working with David for a couple of months, and it has been a great experience. I'm new to bass, with a little guitar experience--he quickly sized up what I knew and had me working on exercises and a great bass line that got me playing right away. He has been very flexible and accommodating of my schedule needs, and he gives plenty of positive and constructive feedback. I've been working in education for nearly 30 years, and I know a great teacher when I see one. David fits the bill, and I'm lucky to be working with him.”

Rudy Ford, Principal
Charles Wright Middle School

“My son had been taking lessons for seven years and was losing interest. David's passion for music, knowledge of music theory, ability to read the student and know the best way to approach the lessons is exactly what my son needed. Along with his background in a wide variety of genres….classical, rock, jazz, etc. has made learning more exciting, resulting in a renewed interest.”

Tammy Sartain, University Place

“David is an outstanding instructor! My son is 5 years old and loves him. My son is occasionally a difficult child with his own special quirks, but David is so patient and observant and tailors the lessons as we go along week to week to keep my son engaged, encouraged and learning. I also have two younger children who must tag along to the lesson and even they are excited during the lessons and are already asking when they start their lessons! We will be starting at least one more child's lessons with him during this coming school year! He is great!”

Cherise Hartman, Parkland

“Loving the relaxed atmosphere with David. Bargain prices for the one on one experience with such an awesome, educated and talented musician.”

Raven Rose, Tacoma

“David is an amazing talent and provides me with much needed inspiration. In little over a year, I have learned a tremendous amount about nearly all styles of guitar, classical and lead guitar in particular. It's very helpful to have an awesome instructor who is extremely knowledgeable and very patient. His lesson plans are geared towards what I want to learn and the lessons that we work on cover all the techniques that are necessary to take my skills to the next level. He makes every lesson fun and he works with me until I am comfortable to move on.”

Larry Larrivee, Gig Harbor

“David tailors each lesson dynamically to my own progression which has been great. Gauges progression and gives you things to work on before the next lesson. Highly recommend him!”

Kory Jamison, Tacoma

"David has been our son's guitar instructor for the better part of a year. During that time we've appreciated his patient encouragement, especially during the early weeks of instruction. His ability to individually tailor his teaching to his students , incorporating their musical interests has helped our son progress quickly and helped keep him motivated. he really is a wonderful teacher."

Amy Lawty, Tacoma

"Where do I begin? I started with a guitar and a couple of chords...(A lot of desire but basically an empty canvas)." 'This was my life for a number of years until I met David.

Now I must first admit, I am ADD so teaching me and captivating my attention is no easy task...David not only broke through that barrier but opened the door to world of music I had aways felt and now suddenly I could touch.

If you posses the desire to learn and the drive to work...the sky is the limit."

Wes Hough
City of Destiny
Tacoma, WA

"I am very happy with my decision to take lessons with David. In just 2 months I've gone from strumming some chords to understanding picking patterns, learning how to put together an entire song, and expanding my techniques. I am very surprised at how much technical skill I have been able to pick up in such a short period of time"

Marianne Burch, Tacoma

"I'm 46 years old and my only known talent is for overcomplicating things. I've always admired a good guitar player and wanted to learn to play myself--who doesn't?--but felt I didn't have the talent or just "couldn't do it." Then I found David and he said, 'Oh yes you can. Commit to 4 lessons up front and you'll see that you can.' I took the leap and sure enough, he had me playing blues riffs in less than one month. All I had to do was listen and do as he instructed me to and it all comes very naturally. There's no stress, just a whole lot of fun! If you're like me and you thought you couldn't play guitar, start with David and just have some fun with it. It's simple. You won't want to put the guitar down again!"

Dan DuBeau, Tacoma

I had been playing guitar for about 5 years and had only been self taught. I found myself completely stuck playing the same chords and not able to play riffs or solos at all. In my first lesson I was playing the blues with slides and hammer ons and pull offs. In a couple of lessons he had me soloing in different keys and playing riffs from guitar gods! He was able to teach me in a couple lessons what took me years trying to teach myself! He makes lessons so much fun because not only are you learning the music theory but he relates it to popular songs that you can practice along with. He also has so much knowledge in other aspects as well. He can teach you about music gear and amps or help you compose your own music. He caters to your style and taste in music and can teach you ANYTHING!

Ashley Allen

I love guitar period, but it's overtly frustrating when you have no idea where to start, or how to play at all. I went through multiple guitar instructors trying to learn how to play and each of them weren't very specific, or didn't hone in on any one thing at a time so you could really start to get it down and process it. Then we happened to find David, and he was really what we were looking for. I started picking up chords like no other, It helped, and is helping tremendously. He goes into depth about the song,letting you comprehend it a little more, and ultimately learning it quicker and better.

Skye Reed, Tacoma WA

I have had 4 different Blues guitar Teacher in the last 6 months, getting nowhere as far as really playing some Blues until I ran across David. The other teachers just wanted me to learn the pentatonic scales, Major and Minor. That took a lot of boring weeks and I am sure I will need to know those scales but I just wanted someone to show / teach me Blues chords, related to Blues songs and the timing to the chord changes so I could start playing some kind of Blues. I have had 6 one hour lessons so far with David and I am playing the Blues. The first 4 hours Dave showed me a E, A, B7 blues chord progression with some step up and step down notes. The 2nd 2 hours Dave showed me a A, D9, A7,E9 Blues chords and Blues timing with slides.

I take one hour Lessons every Thursday and in 6 hours I am playing the Blues. I picked up the guitar about 6 months ago, started teaching myself and not really getting anywhere. I am not a fast learner, about average in learning something new. Now I set a home Learning my guitar and polishing the Blues songs that David has taught me, starting to get FUN.

Les Fairley Tacoma, Wa.

Working with David has made me focus on areas of my chops that needed fine tuning. He provides the basic exercises and tools that, when practiced enough in a zen-like manner, clarifies your understanding of movement on the fret board, and makes you sound a bit more professional. Questions regarding speed, theory, notation, composition, and even string size, are ready for answer with David, which is what keeps me working with him. From begining, to intermediate, to professional levels, if you're looking to improve your chops, Dave's your guy.

Frank Lorenzo, Seattle WA

I had tried many different instructors and had become very frustrated with trying to learn guitar. Within one lesson David had me playing ACDC and RUSH! David just has a way of explaining things so that they make sense and doesn't waste any time getting right down to the nuts and bolts of guitar. A lot of other instructors spend alot of time getting you 'ready' to play guitar, but with David we got down to playing guitar right away!

Stevie Johannsen, Olympia WA

“I started receiving lessons from David a few years ago, to improve my guitar abilities. I always used to tell people, "I've been playing guitar since the Eighties, though you would never know it." At the time I started, I knew some Metal riffs, three-chord Punk Rock progressions, and simple 12-bar blues. Though I took two guitar classes and first-year Music Theory in college in the early Nineties, the only scale I could say I knew was "blues pentatonic," emphasis on the quotation marks.

My goal was to relearn Modes/Scales, and brush up on theory, so that I could write more complex material. David taught me that, and so much more. Over these few years, I've learned Progressive Rock, Fusion/Jazz, and even some Country styles, as well as a great deal more about Metal and, yes, even Punk from David. I can play leads and solos with much more proficiency, in timing with the rhythm, and more tonally correct, than I ever could before. He has also helped me read music better, construct more professional-sounding compositions, and has started me on my own path to produce my own recordings, from recommending and using recording software, to capturing dynamics with mic placement, to mixing the rough takes to get the most out of the sound.

For a musician of any level or caliber, having an instructor like David is a true asset--for he has the knowledge and skills to take an entry-level musician every step of the way to becoming a professional performer, recorder, mixer, engineer, and producer. The only limit to the lesson's potential is your own level of determination, which David quite expertly helps you to improve with every session. Even if your goal is to simply learn to play one song on one instrument--and David teaches MANY instruments--he will have you playing that song like the musician who wrote it before you realize it--as long as you stick with your practice between lessons. That part's up to you!”

Marc Q Digby, Apple Valley CA

*** Studio Equipment ***
Mac
Logic
Presonus
invariable guitars, amps, keyboards, and other stuff.
Tama drumset, Full Mic's.
University trained mind and honed skills. Who cares about the software.

*** Specialties ***
Generally come from conservatory/ classical background so utilize classical methods of teaching with a contemporary application to suit modern day application

d to your goals and designed to give you the tools to navigate any genre and find your own unique voice.

I want all of my students to study what interests them and to have fun while doing it; they are welcome to bring in anything they want to work on.

Styles that I've taught in the past include: Classical, Pop, Singer-Songwriter, Country, Steel-String, Finger-style, Folk, Rock, Jazz, Spanish, Mariachi, Brazilian, and Hawaiian Slack Key .

*** Studio Equipment ***
Guitars, Basses, Amplification, Hand Drums, Piano, Microphones, Practice space, Recording equipment, Waiting room, Instrument maintenance-workshop & Music library.

*** Travel Equipment ***
All the student needs is his or her guitar- although I can occasionally loan one out. I provide the materials, extra picks, etc.

*** Specialties ***
Acoustic guitar- Folk, Pop, Rock, Singer-songwriter.

New Age Steel-String Guitar - In the style of Andy Mckee, Alex Degrassi, Michael Hedges, etc. (alternate tuning, extended technique, right hand tapping, composition)

Classical guitar (Baroque, Renaissance, Romantic, Brazilian, Spanish)

Electric Guitar (Blues, Rock, Pop, Jazz, Metal)

Hawaiian Slack Key and Ukelele

ter performing group and spends most of its time performing in and around the Pacific Northwest. When not leading his own group Kareem can be seen and heard performing as a sideman with many other top notch musical acts and projects, most notably The Paperboys from Vancouver BC.

As an educator Kareem divides his time teaching jazz improvisation as an artist in residence at The Tacoma School of the Arts, directing the award winning student jazz ensemble at Pierce College, conducting masterclasses and workshops at schools around the Puget Sound area, and maintaining a full load of private students. Along with his teaching duties Kareem is the director or The Tacoma Jazz Association, serves on the Tacoma Arts Commission, and is a D'Addario Woodwinds performing artist.

Kareem holds a Bachelors Degree of Music from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle Washington which he attended after receiving a full scholarship.

Throughout his years of teaching Kareem has worked with students of all ages and abilities, from beginners just getting started, to advanced players who simply want new ideas and direction.

*** Lesson Details ***
Lessons are relaxed and are focused on what you would like to learn.

I usually begin with assessing where students are in their abilities and then come up with a lesson plan based on what they already know and what they would like to accomplish.
They can be geared towards a 5 year old with no musical training whatsoever, or to an advanced musician who wants to further develop their skills.

Topics that I cover in lessons throughout a typical day of teaching include: Instrument technique, sight reading skills ( note and rhythm recognition ), memorization skills, music theory, ear training, improvising, and composing.

After 3 to 6 months of lessons and regular practice a beginning student should have a good command of their instrument and a strong foundation of sight reading. At this point we normally will also have started some music theory as well. For students wanting to focus on jazz we will have already begun improvising as well.

*** Studio Equipment ***
5x10 room w/ piano and seating for parents

*** Specialties ***
I focus on the basics of learning to read music and basic technique on the instruments that I teach. From there I proceed with theory, ear training, improvising, composition etc. It all depends on what the students want to learn. I am comfortable teaching classical music as well as jazz, rock, composition, and improvisation.

onderfully packed with performance for Seattle Opera. I just closed out a 78 performance run of CINDERELLA IN SPAIN where I sang the role of CINDERELLA and was even on the poster! I also performed the roles for the Seattle Opera preview performances of GRETEL in HANSEL UND GRETEL, VIOLETTA in LA TRAVIATA, KATYA in KATYA KABANOVA, and QUEEN OF THE NIGHT in MAGIC FLUTE. I made my Seattle Opera debut singing ALITSA and RACCOON in their touring production of "OUR EARTH", as well as performing on the mainstage in many productions. My upcoming performances include singing in the Seattle Opera kick off to the season SUMMERFEST in July; and OLYMPIA in LES CONTES D'HOFFMANN with Pacific Northwest Opera. My other roles include ALKANDRE in PENELOPE with Vespertine Opera in Seattle, WA; FRASQUITA in CARMEN with OperaBend in Bend, Oregon and Pacific Northwest Opera; and SUSANNA in LE NOZZE DI FIGARO with the Seattle Opera Guild. I also made my international debut in December 2014 singing GRETEL in HANSEL UND GRETEL with Opera Mariposa in Vancouver, BC. I have also been the featured soloist as "Christine" in Ten Grand's Phantom of the Opera at Benaroya Hall in Seattle, WA, and many lead roles in both opera and musical theatre: such as Semele (Semele), Marie (La Fille du Regiment), Gretel (Hansel und Gretel), Countess Ceprano and Gilda (Rigoletto), Blondchen (Die Entfuehrung aus dem Serail), Maria (West Side Story), La Fee (Cendrillon), Sarah Brown (Guys and Dolls), Cathy (The Last 5 Years), Rosina (Barber of Seville), and more! I have also been part of jazz ensembles, and won the Battle of the Bands at Indiana University with a rock group! I am proud to have won the Seattle Opera Guild/Opera Plus Young Artist Scholarship Award for the 2015/2016 season, the Encouragement Award in the Metropolitan Opera National Council District Auditions, First Place in the National Classical Singers Competition, the C.M. Gerber Scholarship, Music Dean's Scholarship, Music Faculty Award, First Place at Washington State Solo and Ensemble Competitions, First Place in the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) National Competitions, and many more!

Teaching brings me such joy! To share the love of music and to educate the musicians of tomorrow is both gratifying and inspiring. I have been teaching since 2005 and provide a fun and focused learning experience where there are no "wrong" questions, and everybody's unique voice is celebrated! Many of my students have gone on to study music in college, and have landed lead roles in musical theatre, choir solos, All State and All Northwest choirs, and won awards in Classical competitions.

In my spare time, I like to hike, eat good food, and spend time with family and friends!

*** Lesson Details ***
My studio provides musical knowledge through private lessons including healthy vocal technique, basic understanding of music theory, and basic piano skills. I encourage a fun and focused environment. Come ready to learn, and let's make music!

A typical lesson will include vocalises that detail proper technique, some ear training work, some music theory training, and will be followed by repertoire. During this time, students will learn how to produce clear and authentic diction (English and other languages), breath management, phrase shaping, smooth transitions between higher and lower pitches, stylistic ornamentation, as well as dramatic involvement of the piece.

Students will learn the importance of the foundations of breath support, and how to create a healthy sound for any genre while keeping the unique qualities of their own voice-- no cookie-cutter singers here! Students will also learn how to read music, practice effectively, perform authentically, and take care of their delicate instrument for a lifetime of singing!

While Skype is a marvelous tool that has revolutionized the world of teaching, nothing can replicate natural acoustics. In-studio lessons are suggested for a clearer and more personable lesson.
**Skype lessons are reserved for long distance students only**

STUDIO ABSENCE and CANCELLATION POLICIES:
Regularly scheduled and attended lessons are the best way to see positive changes in your voice! The smooth running of the Studio Schedule helps make that happen. Therefore, missing lessons is discouraged and make up lessons/cancellations are not given in the Studio unless:
- I have had a performance or rehearsal that conflicts with our lesson time and cannot have the lesson as scheduled. If this occurs, I will inform you of the event as soon as possible and give you the option of a make up lesson or cancelling the lesson.
- Notices of foreseen cancellations (family vacations, religious holidays, school functions, special occasions etc.) are eligible for rescheduling or cancellation if given before the first lesson of the month.
- Of course, life can throw us for a loop! Illness, emergencies, and unforeseen events may possibly be given make ups or cancellations and will be determined at the Studio's discretion. (In the matter of illness: standard procedure is that if the student can attend work/school, they should come to their lesson. A cold can easily be worked around. If the voice is affected (for singing students), Studio time can still be used to work on ear training, music theory, music history, etc.)

All other absences will result in the lesson being marked as "missed". A hard copy of the Studio Policies and further details will be given to the student at the first lesson. Please feel free to ask any questions or clarifications.

*** Studio Equipment ***
The studio lessons take place in a designated area of my home. The room includes seating for parents to observe lessons as well as a weighted keyboard (88 keys), music stand, desk, and materials. No pets. Lots of street parking is available. Shopping and coffee/food located within walking distance.

*** Specialties ***
Specialties: Classical/Opera
Other styles and genres: Musical Theatre, Jazz, Pop, and Rock.

gh school Cameron began playing more jazz music as he attended Bellevue College studying theory and composition with Dr. Brian Cobb and guitar performance with Mark Hillard Wilson. After this he soon met renowned Jazz Guitarist Chris Spencer, with whom he studied with for years to follow.
Cameron eventually found himself at Cornish College of the Arts where he received a Bachelors degree in Music Composition. While at Cornish he had the opportunity to play guitar and compose for Jazz Orchestras, Latin Jazz ensembles, and Modern Jazz groups while playing under the direction of internationally know musicians such as Wayne Horvitz, Tom Varner, Jovino Santos Neto and Chuck Deardorf.
In the realm of composition Cameron studied privately with composers Jarrad Powell and Tom Baker, with a deep focus in contemporary classical music. He is now the composer for the quickly rising interdisciplinary arts group the Pendleton House.
Currently Cameron spends his time working as a guitar player in Seattle while also writing chamber music for various ensembles and art groups. He performs on a regular basis with a variety of groups in the Seattle area including the Seattle based jazz trio Honeysuckle Rye, folk and bluegrass group Modern Bygones, as well as the orchestral pop band Sebastian and the Deep Blue.

*** Lesson Details ***
In the world of music education it is important to recognize that everyone learns differently and there is no universally prescribed teaching method that works for all students. Everyone must find how he or she learns best. As a teacher I acknowledge this and incorporate it into my method of instruction. Anyone can find success as a proficient instrumentalist if they are able to learn on there own terms and find what they are doing enjoyable.
Lessons will start with an assessment of what the student wants to learn and what their goals are. From there, we will determine the proper approach to meet those goals while keeping things fun and interesting. Once a particular skill level and interest are established I will develop an individualized lesson plan for the student to fit their wants and needs. The goal with beginning students is to get them up and running right away with chords and melodies, learning the fundamentals while being able to play their favorite songs. For all students I like to extensively focus on knowledge of the fret board and the many possible approaches to mastering it, as well as looking at creative practice methods and daily routines. A musician’s method of practicing can greatly determine their rate of improvement. For more intermediate and advanced students the general focus will shift to topics such as ear training, rhythm, music theory and music notation (if desired) and, their application to the guitar.
For students interested in composition, we will focus more on analysis and the application of theory. We will look at songs or pieces that are of interest to the student and take them apart to figure out what makes them great. We will also look at many different kinds of music and their construction. A large part of music composition in the 21st century is the integration of electronic and computer music. For students looking for an introduction into pre-recorded and live electronic music with or without the use of guitar or other instruments, this is strength of mine that I love to teach.
Whether you are a serious musician or just looking for a fun hobby, I can get you where you want to be in your musical life. I’m fun, friendly and music is my passion and profession and I love to share it.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can bring extra guitars if needed, acoustic or electric.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in getting beginners up and running right away while helping each guitarist to find there own voice and have fun at the same time! When playing non-original music I specialize in blues, jazz and popular music.

Website:

http://www.cameronarmstrongmusic.com/

Music Links:

JAZZ TRIO: HONEYSUCKLE RYE:

https://soundcloud.com/honeysucklerye

ACOUSTIC FOLK DUO VIDEOS: MODERN BYGONES

https://vimeo.com/187979926

https://www.facebook.com/elbrindiscocktails/videos/1046510482133705/
https://modernbygones.bandcamp.com/releases

VIDEO'S OF ACOUSTIC BLUES AND FOLK PERFORMANCES:

Summertime Acoustic
https://vimeo.com/130905051

In the Pines
https://vimeo.com/130905033

ecessary skills that demonstrate learning.

I'm excited to help you incorporate new skills into your life!

instays including The Crocodile, The Sunset, Columbia City Theater, and many more. My band recently performed at The Upstream Music Festival in downtown Seattle in March 2017.

I consider myself a life long student of music and I pride myself on my dedication to a complete understanding of my instrument. I offer beginner - advanced lessons for guitar and songwriting, and beginner - intermediate lessons for ukulele. I also administer a variety of workshops throughout the year for guitar, songwriting, and music theory, as well as bi annual student recitals.