Todd D
Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Voice, Drums, Bass Guitar, Synthesizer, Keyboard, Electric Guitar, Classical Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel, Electronic
Todd D
Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Voice, Drums, Bass Guitar, Synthesizer, Keyboard, Electric Guitar, Classical Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel, Electronic
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 12-80
Attended Lewis Clark State College, Lewiston, ID 2yrs.. Piano Performance and Participated in multiple performance groups including: Madrigal Singers, Concert Choir, Show-Choir and Community Orchestra. Attended the University of Idaho and studied Music Education and performance for 2 years
I have Performed with a number of local bands in the Northwest including an original rock group. I have Performed in several Cover bands...playing Classic Rock, Country, Country Rock, Blues and Top 40. I have Played Piano in local Restaurants. I Participate actively in local Jam nites in the Tri-Cities, WA I currently Co-write original music with local country music recording artist Craig Anderson. Write my own original compositions for guitar and Keyboard. I have my own recording studio at home where lessons are taught.
Hello, My name is Todd, I am a multi-instrumentalist. I enjoy playing Piano, Synthesizer, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Specializing in Percussion instruments.. including the Drum set. I starting at a young age on piano. I remember playing songs like "music box dancer" at 13 yrs old. also other popular songs like the entertainer and maple leaf rag. I studied Piano performance at the University of Idaho, in Moscow Idaho, under the Direction of Richard Neher for 2 years; learning music from the Classical Romantic Baroque and 20th Century periods. Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Scriabin, Haydn, Mendelssohn .. etc. I also have continued to play guitar throughout my life and apply the Concepts and ideas that I learned at University to playing Lead Rock and Rhythm Guitar. Concepts like Rhythm, Timing, Tempo, Dynamics, Phrasing, articulation, Voicing, Soloing, Improvising leads, modes, scales and performance practices. There are many universal musical concepts that apply to ALL aspect of making and creating Music... "common denominators" as I call them. Once you get an idea of how these concepts work together, you will be able to master more than just one instrument, if you wish. The goal of my lessons is to give you a broad outlook on the creative process as it relates to making music. So if you are just starting out, and are unsure about which instrument might be best for you.. I can show you some options and examples of different instruments that I am proficient in.
I have taught private lessons at the local Music store "Music Machine" in Kennewick, WA. also In-home lessons, on-line lessons and lessons in my Studio in Richland, WA. Some students like the structure of an "official studio" or "lesson room"; others are more comfortable in their own living room, or simply sitting at a computer. "What ever works for you" .. is my motto. As long as we are free from distractions, we are able to make progress during the lesson, so you as a student are getting a quality lesson.
My Teaching consists primarily of allowing the "Student" to play and perform during the lesson time. It is about the student.. after all. I am there simply to guide and direct the student. If they come upon an area in the music that has intricacies that they are unable to overcome, I am there to assist. Another Method I find that works well is simply "Presenting the Information". It is my job as your teacher to make sure you have the information from text books, course books, videos, charts, so on and so forth, to succeed. My professor at the University of Idaho, was well known for his ability to play complex and difficult pieces of music. Professor Neher taught me how to approach complex musical intricacies...find the solutions that satisfy the requirements of the piece and also served me as an artist. I have been successful in demonstrating this method to my students in the past, and look forward to sharing my knowledge of problem solving as it relates to performing music You may ask.. " Music can't be all about problems, can it?". Well of course not.. It's all about the Solutions... there are NO problems!! that's just it! I've been playing guitar and keyboards professionally over 30yrs In addition to my experience playing music, below are some areas of study that I cover in my coursework for guitar and/or Piano: Counting, Reading sheet music, Reading guitar TAB, listening "aural skills", and developing relaxed playing technique. LEAD GUITAR Modal Studies, Major / Minor Pentatonic, Blues Scale, Diatonic scale, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aolean. and whole tone & diminished Scales Open position Chords, Movable Barre Chords Genres include, but not limited to: Classical, Jazz, Reggae, 12 bar Blues, Texas Blues, Country, Country Rock, Classic Rock, Rock, Metal. Analyzing Song Structure-- (progressions, harmonic cadences, and the melodic tendencies of major / minor scale tones. Emphasize the importance of rhythm and articulation in both Right and Left hands in strumming and Solo playing. Also like to have fun while learning Musical Ideas and Concepts, as they relate to guitar and keyboards. Analyze chord structure and variants on types and quality of Chords eg Major, Minor, Minor 7th, Major 7th, dominant 7th, dominant 9th, Minor 9th.. etc.. how to create the best voicing for these particular harmonic functions in music. Exploring the emotional aspect of different styles...making sure that there is a healthy balance of Technique and Artistry. I take time during the workshop to ensure there is no confusion on complex subjects. My goal is to explain things-- simply-- and make you have an " ah ha " moment... where you feel as if you are actually "Learning ". My personal goal as mentor / teacher is to explain things in a way that all can understand.
As stated earlier.. My Method and "teaching style" is very centered on problem solving. I have found great success with my students when I teach them how to think and solve problems for themselves. Ultimately, my job is done as a teacher, when my students no longer need me. So from the start, we focus on solutions to problems; whether an area of technique, Rhythm, Phrasing.. or understand the content of the music on an emotional or psychological level. Seek first to understand, then to be understood! Knowledge is Power! As the student gains experience in problem solving, he /she gains more confidence in his/ her own abilities as a performer and artist.
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