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Darrell V In Home In Studio
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4.7
  4.7 (29)

Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Voice, Violin, Saxophone, Clarinet, Drums, Bass Guitar, Synthesizer, Keyboard, Electric Guitar, Classical Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Latin, Funk, Electronic, Showtunes, Spirituals, Swing, Soul, Marching Band, Punk, Avant-garde

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Darrell V  
4.7
  4.7 (29)
In Home In Studio
Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Voice, Violin, Saxophone, Clarinet, Drums, Bass Guitar, Synthesizer, Keyboard, Electric Guitar, Classical Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Latin, Funk, Electronic, Showtunes, Spirituals, Swing, Soul, Marching Band, Punk, Avant-garde

Where I Teach:
In Your Home My Studio
Ages Taught: 5-80
Levels Taught:

EMAIL US OR CALL 877-687-4524

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ABOUT
Degrees / Training / Special Info:

Fredonia School of Music, Composition and Conducting

Awards:

New York State School Music Association [NYSSMA]: 100, 6A+ [highest rating possible]

Special Guest with US Navy All-Star Band

Numerous awards for Best Drum Major, New York State Field Band Conference [NYSFBC], 1986-87

 

Overview:
Darrell worked at the primary, secondary/preparatory, and tertiary levels at some of the top-rated private schools in New York, conducting and directing since 1986.  He has been a professional producer, director, performer and private instructor/mentor in Austin, Texas since 2009. Performing since 1980, Darrell has worked with all levels of musicians, from beginners to professionals in a wide variety of genres in many facets of music production, from center stage to backstage and in the recording studio.
EXPERIENCE
30+ years performing experience: baroque, classical, jazz, orchestral, march, gospel, blues, folk, bluegrass, big band, country, rock, metal, theater, pop, punk, Americana, avant-garde, grunge; Solo, small combo, large band, and orchestral experience. 30+ years teaching experience: guitar [Spanish, acoustic, electric], electric bass, voice, piano, keyboard, woodwinds [specializing in saxophones], percussion, violin, composing, arranging, songwriting, recording, management; A long roster of satisfied clients. Excellent professional and personal references available.
METHODS USED
My process is based on (but does not adhere strictly to) the Classical approach to Western tonal harmony and asks that the students develop certain fundamentals of technique and theory.  In my experience, this structure creates the strongest foundation for pupils to build the rest of their musical lives on, whether professionally or solely for personal enjoyment.  All of my students are on the fast track to studying music theory.  Whatever level they are at when I start with them, I guide their efforts into bringing the students up to a certain level of comprehension regarding the mathematical aspects of music and how it relates to their instruments.  This understanding of theoretical principles of sound allows the students to play any style of music they wish, no matter how their tastes may change throughout their lives.
LESSON STYLE
Curriculum:   Elements of rhythm>>> Elements of pitch>>> Elements of dynamics>>> Elements of articulation>>> Reading notation>>> Writing notation>>> Counterpoint>>> Harmony>>> Live performance>>> Duets>>> Ensemble performance>>> Studio performance>>> Advancing to the next level>>> Finding your range>>> Expanding your range>>> Tone development>>> Accuracy>>> Dexterity>>> Speed>>> Projecting>>> Improvisational techniques>>> Playing by ear>>> Finding your signature style>>> Expression>>> Lyricism>>> Composing>>> Arranging>>> Project management>>> Recording
PHOTOS & VIDEOS
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RATING & REVIEWS
4.7
  4.7  (29)
5 star
(21)
4 star
(4)
3 star
(4)
2 star
(0)
1 star
(0)

David Lastrapes

5

Darrell is a very good teacher with a great sense of humor. I enjoy my time with him and his knowledge of music and music theory is excellent.

Jessica Paddock

3

Darrel is very through and passionate about music.

Rita Ewing

5

Great motivator. He was the exact match I needed to start playing an instrument I had set down for many years and learning to understand music like I never did.

Pat Caballero

5

Darrell is a real professional. He knows music theory and much more. I enjoyed his lessons and appreciate his patience with me. Has a way to make you enjoy the process of learning a wonderful experience, playing the piano.

Dan

5

Darrell taught me that there is a BIG difference between playing an instrument and playing music. As both a student and parent of a student I can tell you that no matter how little or how much you think you know - Dr. D. will take you to the next level and way beyond. You want to be in honor band? Or if you have the drive and desire to be first chair then you need an instructor that will provide the technique AND the theory in a practical manner - and accept NO slop along the way.

Britney Knowlton

5

I agree with previous reviews. He definitely knows his stuff. He's not going to let you slack. I was really impressed particularly that music theory, which I'd previously loathed as boring/pointless, is now absolutely applicable and makes SENSE. If you're serious about learning, understanding, getting things right, and improving, he's your guy.

Kyu Tae Kim

4

Good teacher.

Sarah Knopf

5

Darell is the right man for my kids ! He is tough (even sometimes scary for my little sensitive ones ;-) ) and demands results which is what I am expecting from my kids too !

John

5

When I started with Darrell, I didn't know anything bout music. Nothing. We started with basic music theory & moved into scales and reading. It hasn't been very long at all, but my confidence is growing quickly. He does ask a lot from you and he expects you to keep up. But I can honestly say that if you are willing to work hard and spend the time at home doing what he asks, you will see the results. He wants you to succeed and takes pride in watching you grow. If you want it as bad as he does, you will see the result very quickly.

Nancy

5

Darrell is A-Maz-Ing! He demands results from his students and therefore results come quickly. The time he spends teaching is intense and packed with great instruction. He is a tough teacher but offers lots of valuable instruction that is applicable for music as well as life in general. I highly recommend Darrell if you are ready for results!

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