David S
Instruments: Piano, Trombone, Drums, Synthesizer, Euphonium, Keyboard
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Hip Hop, Electronic, Punk
David S
Instruments: Piano, Trombone, Drums, Synthesizer, Euphonium, Keyboard
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Hip Hop, Electronic, Punk
Where I Teach:
In Your Home
My Studio
Online
Ages Taught: 5-80
ABOUT
Degrees / Training / Special Info:
BA, University of North Florida, Jazz Studies on piano
Awards:
2002-2007 - All-County Band on euphonium (2003 both band and chorus on tenor)
2002-2003 - All-State Band on euphonium
2004 - 1st place in Mozart Concerto Competition
2007 - 1st place in Sonata Competition
2008 - Performed at Carnegie Hall with UNF Wind Ensemble
Overview:
I'm a very eclectic and passionate lover of music who wants to share his love of music with others. I began playing at 7 years old and have been playing for 24 years now. I grew up in a music teaching environment with my father and I've aspired to teach all sorts of music, no matter what facet, to anyone willing to learn and love music. Throughout middle and high school I excelled in band and jazz band and went through multiple workshops on both piano and euphonium learning both classical and jazz music. While in grade school, I also took a liking to local music scenes and other musical endeavors outside of the academic environment and began to glean from those influences as well. Upon graduating high school, I was accepted into the University of North Florida to play euphonium. My freshman year I performed with UNF's top Wind Ensemble at Carnegie Hall. My focus shifted to playing piano primarily and I spent the remainder of my tenure there in UNF's reputable jazz program in their top combos and big bands, working with world-renowned clinicians and staff. I graduated with a BA in Jazz Studies in 2013.
EXPERIENCE
My first teaching experiences were with my father during solo and ensemble. Having hired me as an accompanist for his students, I found myself rehearsing these students moreso than accompanying them. From that point I felt encouraged to teach and help others perfect their craft. My biggest influences would have to be my past teachers, one of which taught me younger and the other as I matured. I believe that while learning to read and write sheet music, developing technique and feel, and understanding music theory are all important, the most integral part of learning an instrument - as fundamental as it sounds - is to use your ears! But most importantly, you should play what you want to play. I'll teach everything from classical and jazz to punk rock and hip-hop, but as long as you're having fun learning and expressing yourself through the power of music that's all that matters!
METHODS USED
For beginning students, I would suggest that a practice log be kept in terms of how long they practice each day along with an outline of which exercises or pieces should be done for that amount of time. I suggest students take breaks, even every 5-10 minutes as it relaxes the fingers and the mind and helps minimize frustration or boredom. With these younger students, a certain amount of practice could merit a prize (i.e. iTunes gift card). As students progress, I like to spend more time teaching music theory and how the harmonies and melodies of pieces actually work together. At this stage the music becomes more difficult and lengthy, so I like to group phrases of the piece in sections until they can be played together cohesively. I like to coincide these with more mature elements of expression that go hand in hand with technique development. While methods are tried and true for those learning classical or jazz methods, I'm more than willing to develop a similar method for those wanting to learn other types of music too.
LESSON STYLE
I've found the best way to teach is to cater to each student's interest. While early or beginning players may require some fundamental grunt work, there is always a way to assure that it's fun too. Earlier students would need to start learning the basics: rhythm, learning to read, developing technique through scales etc. of which there are many methods. As students mature, I feel the Suzuki method for aspiring classical students is the best route (there are multiple books in this series) along with some other extensive and more challenging works. As far as adults, I feel like assessing their interests - whether classical, jazz, pop, rock, hip-hop etc. - to assure they get the most out of their lesson experience.
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