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Bachelor of Science in Communications, Northern Arizona University
Advanced guitar music theory, Instructor Frank Monaco
Foundational vocal technique, Instructor Kathleen Ruhleder
2011 - performed ongoing show with MIM inductee Aaron White at Wild Horse
2017 - present, singer/songwriter of double album original music with The Rev
My educational background is in communications, but I'm a musician at heart. I graduated from Northern Arizona University. I'm a singer/songwriter who got hooked on music the first time I heard Glen Campbell's "Rhinestone Cowboy"— I was 4 years old at the time. I love all kinds of music as long as there's a lot of "music" in it—meaning real instruments and real singers. I live in Scottsdale and spend most of my time writing original for a new project called The Rev. Music is rewarding in countless ways, but one of the ways in which it is the most rewarding is in sharing, teaching, and helping students experience music in great depth. Nothing better than a musical "Ah ha!" moment.
I played guitar as a hobby for most of my life, but got very serious when I began to study music theory under Berklee graduate, Frank Monaco. That opened a whole new door into music and since then I've been playing, singing, and writing music constantly. I was fortunately enough to accompany MIM inductee Aaron White as part of an ongoing performance schedule at the Wild Horse in Phoenix. I'm currently writing and recording 2 album's worth of original material with a project/ band called The Rev. My first 2 singles are released and available and I continue to release new material every 5-6 weeks. I'd love to share my understanding of guitar, voice, and songwriting with people of all ages and skill levels. I have taught private, one on one lessons to adults and young adults.
Fundamentals and fun go together like melody and harmony. I teach practical techniques and things students can play right away. I support that with the theory to explain it. This is in great part an extension of the Berklee Colleege of Music system. Music should be fun and it's meant to played. The study of music can and should incorporate jumping in and playing. This applies to players of all levels. There's always more to learn. I create a custom lesson plan based on the student's level and interests, then we jump right in, play and learn, and there's always "rock and roll" homework to enjoy when the lesson is done.
My teaching style is very hands on. This is a combination of the Montessori method and Berklee method. Music is like a language. Everyone learns at their own pace and the best way to learn is to DO. A student's favorite song is an ideal learning tool. I use songs and riffs as examples to explain the connection to theory. The student guides the progression based on their skill level and interests. I use the songs, genres, styles, and artists that inspire the student most as material to explore fundamentals, while jumping right in and playing.
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