The decision to learn to play music marks the beginning an exciting journey that will be as unique and individual as you are. Because all our students have different goals and different levels of ability, our role in the student’s journey changes from CHEERLEADER to TEACHER to COACH. Contact us to get started!
Equipment
In Studio
- We can provide one electric guitar (or bass), one small amp, one acoustic guitar, and all teaching materials (which include our laptop with guitar teaching software, numerous printouts, books, etc).
- We would prefer the student have their own instrument, but that is not strictly required.
- Students should have a notebook and/or folder to take notes and keep track of printouts.
- Chairs, music stands, amp, stools, guitar, bass, piano, drums, ukelele, recording equipment, additional seating for parents.
In Home
- We can provide one electric guitar (or bass), one small amp, one acoustic guitar, and all teaching materials (which include our laptop with guitar teaching software, numerous printouts, books, etc).
- We would prefer the student have their own instrument, but that is not strictly required.
- Students should have a notebook and/or folder to take notes and keep track of printouts.
Beginner Bass Lessons
For beginning students we’re more of a cheerleader. This means our main goal is to create a safe and positive environment full of positive support. We focus on celebrating the student’s achievements every step of the way and together we enjoy their introduction to the basics. No pressure!
Beginning students are often afraid of making mistakes and are easily frustrated. We teach beginners that music is a process of discovery and so there really are no mistakes, just new and fun things to discover. We also focus on what kind of music the student is most passionate about and together we develop a plan to learn to play the student’s favorite songs.
Intermediate Bass Lessons
For intermediate students we serve as a teacher. Together we develop the student’s understanding of their instrument by exploring Music Theory and Musical Literacy (reading and writing music).
We use many colorful handouts, interactive software and a lot of musical examples to help students truly understand these fundamental concepts. In addition to developing proper playing techniques and learning more complicated songs, we show intermediate students how other musical skills (such as ear training) can help them get inside the music!
Advanced Bass Lessons
Finally, for advanced students, we get to be the coach.
With strong technique in the hands and a mind that can fully conceptualize how music works, advanced students can focus on developing their abilities to both write and perform music with expressive confidence. Similar to the beginning stage, the advanced students also need lots of positive support, only this time they also need a coach who will challenge them to push themselves to higher and higher levels of self expression and artistry.
At all levels this job is about keeping the student engaged and having fun while learning each new concept or technique. It is only when the student is engaged and having fun that the real magic of expression and discovery happens!
Special Topics
ALSO: Because of our extensive background in music technology & orchestration, we also teach some special topics geared toward electronic musicians, aspiring composers and other music professionals. These topics include:
- Digital Audio Recording Techniques (Tracking, Mixing, & Mastering using ProTools and Apple Logic)
- Microphone Techniques (Selection, Specification, Placement, etc.)
- Sound Design (FM Synthesis, Wave Table, Analog Emulation, and more using Native Instruments)Electronic Music Production (Performance and Sequencing using Ableton Live)
- Advanced Music Theory
- Ear Training
- Songwriting and Instrumental Composition
- Introduction to Orchestration (Writing for Symphony Orchestra using the Vienna Symphonic Library)