My Ethos
Having been a professional musician for the last 20 years, both live and in the studio, I know better than anyone the immense joy that can be found in learning to play and understand music. I have watched countless people of all ages and levels flourish as they develop the deep artistic connection within themselves. Using a wide variety of techniques and tools, both modern and traditional, I feel I have the ability to connect on many levels with my students by understanding what their specific goals are and finding an exciting way to teach them this invaluable artform. My goal is to provide a fun and engaging learning environment, always finding new ways of communicating the skills, relevant to the particular student. Because every student's needs are different, I constantly re-assess progress to understand clearly what works and what does not for the individual and create a flexible, personalized lesson plan.Structured Learning
Musicianship is about building a variety of skills and ultimately using them for the greatest goal of all - the enjoyment of playing music with others. To do this, you need to speak the language of music, learned through various disciplines and brought together to make a great all round musician. The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, an internationally operated and recognized organization, offers Grade examinations in all instruments, music theory, practical performance and jazz. This program is designed to ensure musicians of all ages and levels achieve an all round musical knowledge in the vital disciplines and helps give direction and goals. For students who express an interest, or for those whom I think I might benefit, I highly recommend exploring this option which I can coach them through one on one as well as guide them and their parents through the entry and preparation process.Instruments and Skills
Singing
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Singing
My formal education included being an operatic tenor at Trinity College of Music London, a student of the late Esther Salaman (one of the most influential modern proponents of the Bel Canto technique). Add to this years of playing in rock’n’roll bands, countless hours of recording time on major productions and motion pictures and my vocal experience is pretty broad. This enables me to come from a place of grounded technique and apply it to just about any style a student may want to learn or is already performing in.
I believe in using the whole body in a connected way to harness the most supported, full sound each person has to offer. Using my exercises, students progress fast and discover an entirely new dimension in their singing ability.
Piano/Keyboard Skills
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Piano / Keyboard Skills
I like to teach ‘keyboard skills‘ rather than purely classical piano, although I can. That means some focus on technique (posture and scales and study pieces) but also learning to play the instrument in a more informed way (using your ear and hand shapes) so that you will be able to break away from notes on a page and be able to improvise and work out songs on your own. Chords, harmony and improvisation are all involved in making a rounded musician who uses the keyboard as a powerful tool with which they can communicate and express themselves.
Guitar
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Guitar
Being on the session guitar scene in London for many years, I met up with Australian Grammy-nominated artist Sia when she was on her way up. I played and toured with her for a while before moving to the States. Since then, I have recorded countless hours of guitar in all styles from fingerpicked acoustic to the hardest of rock. With my ever expanding collection of guitars, no sound is out of reach. Whether you want to learn a few chords, play some famous riffs or just accompany yourself for your songwriting, I can help.
Music Theory
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Music Theory
Music theory provides the backbone that most musicians end up needing at some point or other. That’s why I believe that introducing some early on and keeping it as part of the regular learning experience is so valuable. Music is an international language that allows people from all different cultures to communicate. Building music theory into practical learning can be a fun and important part of musical growth and will mean that you have access to all music and musicians wherever they may be.
Digital Audio Production
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Digital Audio Production
Having mixed and mastered about 15 major motion picture scores as well as hours upon hours of contemporary music in most genre, I have a refined skill set in digital audio production. In my studio, I can take a piece of music from idea to finished product using the very best tools (Logic, Pro Tools and a vast array of other hardware and software) and can easily communicate these skills to anyone who wants to step up their game a bit. Multi-tracking, recording techniques are just some of the things I can show you how to improve on so you’re more self-sufficient in your own setup and more productive in your music.
Rates and Payment
1 hour
• $80
45 minutes
• $60
30 minutes (kids only)
• $40
trial lesson (20 minutes)
• $20
Package deals available on request
Travel time is charged at full rate
Cancellations: 24 hours is much appreciated when canceling or rescheduling
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Contact
Please don’t hesitate to contact me for more information or to set up a time to talk on the phone or in person
310-800-2764
