Genoa City, WI Songwriting Lessons

usic and Dance in 1999, and I studied jazz guitar with international guitarist/violinist Art Johnson and theory with David Ward-Steinman. From the time I graduated, I have been playing professionally and recorded five releases of my own as well as made appearances on others and have toured the country several times playing my own original music. My bands have opened and/or toured with the likes of Dee Dee Ramone, Blink 182, Green Day, Voodoo Glow Skulls, Jimmy Eat World, Ten Foot Pole, Big Drill Car, and Leeland. I also play for Day 7 and Revival Christian Fellowship where I shared a stage with Greg Laurie, Franklin Graham, Raul Reis, and Jon Courson.

*** Lesson Details ***
I have been teaching music for over 10 years. I love my lessons to be laid back, light, yet focused. The lessons are tailored for the students needs/levels. For the beginning student we start from the basics. for example, tuning, vocabulary on the parts of the guitar, to basic chord shapes and strum patterns. Almost from the beginning, I introduce music theory to the student. I believe it is important to the musician, because music is a language that is spoken through the instrument and also read by the musician. Not just piano or band instruments, but guitar too! Guitarist always seem to get left behind in this. I teach it hand in hand with the guitar and it comes naturally while learning. Some students want to learn songs and/or to write songs. This is what I have been doing for many years and enjoy it! As the student progresses, I love to pull the creativity out of the students. Music is also art and a passage for the individual to express him/herself. It is a joy to see and help a musician to mature on the instrument!

*** Studio Equipment ***
amps, cables, tuner.

*** Specialties ***
Songwriting, Music Theory, Performance, Technique, Learning Songs

rriculum. A couple of years later in 1998, Frixos found his true calling … music composition, Jazz and the Saxophone. Frixos’ purple tenor sax goes everywhere he goes!

“Part of my love for the Saxophone is rooted in this instrument’s versatility for improvisation.” Moving into music composition seemed a natural course for Frixos to follow, culminating in his graduation in 2013 with a University of Florida Music Composition BA from The New World School of the Arts in Miami.

“I was fortunate to be selected to play in various collegiate and other Jazz bands and be mentored by great jazz performers and educators.” Among them was Ed Calle, twice nominated for the Latin Grammy Award; Joe Donato, one of the most active and innovative musicians working in the field of jazz who has performed with many of the greats including Dizzy Gillespie, Art Blakey, Carmen McRae, Nina Simone, Jack Jones, and Arturo Sandoval; Rafael Valencia where “I was honored to play for his Latin Jazz Big Band” says Frixos; the wonderful pianist Jim Gasior who has played with Ed Calle, Wendy Pedersen, Fernando Ulibarri and Aaron Lebos; the published and well decorated guitarist Dr. Mike Di Liddo, to name a few.

Of course there were lesser known people that had a profound influence on Frixos for which he makes it a point to say that he is “eternally grateful”. He adds, “My passion for composing was further affirmed thanks to Dr. Susan Epstein Garcia who showed me that there’s no limit to musical expression.” Dr. Ferdinando De Sena brought Frixos another dimension through his teachings of electronic music.

Frixos seeks to create variety in his compositions, by using worldly rhythms and sounds expressed through a multitude of instrumental expressions to create his own unique contemporary sound. “I look for connections between different music genres, from classical, rock, pop, funk, reggae, fusion, jazz etc. These connections are what I bring to my music” continues Frixos.

In October 2007 Frixos released his first CD titled “Cause Frixion” which was dedicated to fund-raising for The Epilepsy Foundation of Florida. This album included a tune he wrote earlier that year called “Freedom”. Other works have been published more recently on the internet, namely cdbaby, iTunes etc. and are played on internet radio stations.

Frixos continues to perform gigs with different musicians and bands in venues around the Miami and Ft. Lauderdale area, including recording sessions for Fourth Dimension and others. He plays multiple instruments including alto, soprano and tenor sax, flute and keyboards. His performances comprise events at the renowned Van Dyke Café on Lincoln Road; Avenue D; Crescendo Jazz and Blues Lounge; Churchill’s Pub, a bastion for local musicians; Tobacco Road, the oldest music bar in Miami; Blue Jean Blues in Ft. Lauderdale where Al Kanovsky for The South Florida Jazz Scene wrote on October 15 2012, “They continued, raucously on, with everybody, musicians and audience having fun. A young man walked in, sax case in hand. Joe (Donato) invited him up to jam. What can I say. His name is Frixos, (yes it's right) and this kid can blow.”

de myself on being very open minded in terms of musical taste. Never apologize for liking what you like! I bet there is something in that music which is great. I can't wait to learn something from the music you introduce to me.

I be glad to provide a full resume to anyone who requests it.

*** Lesson Details ***

My most important goal for each student is that they get to where they want to be musically.

I want the student to be able to play the way he or she wants to play. If you want to learn to play one song, that is great! If you want to learn to play one classical etude that is just as great! If you want to learn how to play in a salsa band, bravo! I treat the desires of my students as my curriculum. Each student will receive special prep time from me each week. I pride myself in taking the time and energy to prepare for each meeting. Every time you complete a lesson, it is my hope that you are walking away as a better musician.

In the beginning I hope to find what will musically interests you the most. Usually, you might have a goal that requires you to play on a higher level than you do presently. If that is true, we might take some time to figure out a road map to get you to that place. Along the way, I'm sure you and I will learn many new concepts and techniques that aid you in becoming the bassist/musician you want to be.

And rest assured, the teacher always learns from the student...this is the best part of teaching: learning from the student.

*** Studio Equipment ***

Studio: 3 electric basses, plenty of amps and chords, one acoustic bass, piano, ukulele, guitar, computer playback and recording.

*** Travel Equipment ***
As requested

*** Specialties ***
I have been lucky to play tons of different types of music. I believe I can give musicians and aspiring musicians a deep understanding of what is most important in many different styles of music. Music I have been lucky enough to study and play professionally: Jazz, Rock, Funk, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, Blues, Classical, Pop.
I'm also a very good transcriber, so if there is a song you heard on the radio we can definitely play it! Ear training could be an area in which I could be of service to you as well.
I have many arranging and composing credits and I would be glad to help students in this area whenever requested.

ool Districts for over five years. Shortly after receiving her master€'s degree for Literacy Education, Nicole decided to attempt to share her passion for music. In 2007, Nicole opened a music studio in Holbrook, New York. Here, she refined her music teaching skills while establishing Nicolex Inc. Music Island as a leading source of quality music education. Her summer traveling music program allowed her students to experience live performances as well as create music groups with peers with the same passion for music.
Nicole now resides in Tampa, Florida with hopes to spread her business as well as the joy of music to children and adults. She currently is the drummer for a local original Soul/Rock band. Needless to say, she understands the importance that music has had in her life and wishes to ignite that passion in other music lovers.

*** Lesson Details ***
My teaching style is best labeled as kind but firm. I take my job very seriously and want wholeheartedly for my students to have music as a part of their life, not just a part of their day. I love to laugh and have fun but I will definitely expect my students to practice and complete any homework I assign and be prepared for the following lesson. Simply stated, music is fun and the love of my life, but if I still practice, you will as well. Otherwise, I always believe in teaching songs my students are interested in and will expand their musical skills. My experience as a public school teacher had enhanced my sense of finding individual needs of every student. Therefore, I always differentiate lessons to suit my students interest while teaching them the foundations every musician needs in order to be successful. My specialty is teaching a variety of instruments. I play drums, guitar, bass, piano, and sing as well. So, if one instrument is not for you, I can teach you something different without a problem. Long story short, friends, you are in good hands.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Full Service music room: Keyboard, Full drum kit, Electric Guitar with 30 watts Amp and Microphone/ vocal monitor.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can bring a 76 key Yahama YPG-235 Keyboard for your household to use for lessons for a small monthly rental fee. I have an Epiphone Electric Guitar with 30w amplifier. Will also bring microphone and monitor for vocal lessons.

*** Specialties ***
I have taught mostly Rock, Blues, and Classical genres for Piano, Guitar, Drums. Vocally, I specialize in R&B, Broadway, Pop, Top 100 and alternative/Hard Rock. I will adapt to your needs.

several times. Justin was also a part of the New York Youth Symphony Jazz Band, playing lead and the solo chair. He has performed nationwide and has had the opportunity to perform in clubs such as Jazz at Lincoln Center, Blue Note, Birdland, Smoke, FatCat, Cleopatras Needle, Starland Ballroom, Highline Ballroom and Symphony Space. Justin has also toured with the International Vans Warped Tour all over the country and in parts of Canada. He has worked with people such as John Pattitucci, James Moody, Jimmy Heath, Randy Brecker, Charles McPherson, Arturo O'Farril, John Pizzarelli, Joe Lovano, Maria Schneider, Eddie Palmieri, Peter Erskine, Brian Lynch, Luis Bonilla, Jason Rigby, Joe Lovano, Dave Douglas, Joe Magnarelli, Pete Mcguinness and Mike Holober.

ore difficult. I go at the pace you learn best at!

Bass guitar, ukulele, song-writing, counterpoint, orchestrating, arranging, music theory, and composing are subjects I'm well versed in and love to teach to other people.

I'm experienced with all kinds of music software, such as: Pro Tools, Logic, Garage Band, Cubase, FL Studio, Finale, Sibelius. If you want to learn how to write, record, mix, and master your own music, there's never been a better time to learn.

do any form of drugs.
I have taught music from grade school level to University level.
I had my background checked and I can supply that upon request.

University of Saint Thomas ………Music theory, classical guitar, classical piano, voice.

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)………….Music Composition, orchestration, and music production.

Musician Institute, Guitar Institute of Technology (GIT) in Hollywood………….Modern guitar techniques.