Teaching
I have been a professional musician and musical educator since the late 1990s, when I set out to teach children of all ages throughout the Chicago public school system sponsored by the International Music Foundation and Rothschild Foundation. I did this for years with plenty of positive feedback.
In 2004 I joined Blue Man Group as a musician, where I played thousands of shows over the span of 10 years in addition to participating in other projects. As a result, I was invited to become the assistant music director at the Paul Green School of Rock in Chicago. That was an awesome and experimental of teaching ensemble and individual lessons. In that role, I directed shows with dozens of kids playing songs by Black Sabbath, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, U2, and many other popular rock bands. I also organized survey shows such as Southern Roots, Freedom Rock, and History of Metal. I am very proud to say that many of my students since became professional musicians!
I came to Canada in 2015 on an invitation from School of Rock in Markham. There, I taught private students and also stewarded the adult program until being called to work for Regent Park School of Music. This position included participation in such pilot programs as Pianomators, as well as teaching sessions at the First Nations School of Toronto.
During this time, I was also frequently hired as a professional musician to perform concerts all over Ontario.
When the pandemic began I was working for Cosmo Music and I used the extra at-home time to focus on recording original creative projects. Frustrated with the gap between readily available instructional materials and the real world need-to-know details of working musicians, I set out to construct and compose The Musical Alphabet, an innovative methodology for teaching music to children and adults. The program features sequential songs in alphabetical order and includes a few musical techniques or teaching moments that are essential for the understanding of music performance and endurance! While teaching privately at Arden's Music in Belleville, I used this methodology to organize 26 studies in music theory for bass guitar, drums, guitar, piano, ukulele, and voice.
“Your example of endless enthusiasm, paired with intense focus and direction as you guided our diverse population of elementary grade students wasn't always easy. When challenges arose, your contagious smile would lead the way to an amicable solution, lending to the learning of character development and long term life skills. I know you enlightened and offered exposure to so many of our young people that if not for class time with you they may not have had these experiences.”
- Dianne Debald, Edgewood School Site Coordinator - Safe Harbor and Hours for Ours
Musical Alphabet
Musical Alphabet is a revolutionary approach to learning music that combines education with entertainment. This innovative methodology is not just another program; it's a dynamic tool designed to empower students of all ages to master the art of music effortlessly.
What is Musical Alphabet?
Musical Alphabet is a collection of twenty-six captivating pop songs carefully crafted to gradually reveal music theory while fostering creativity. Each song corresponds to a letter of the English alphabet, creating a seamless progression of learning from basic to advanced concepts.
Who is Musical Alphabet for?
This groundbreaking methodology is tailored for students of any level who aspire to learn and play music. From children to adults, Musical Alphabet caters to diverse learning styles, ensuring an enriching experience for everyone.
Benefits
Embark on a musical journey filled with numerous benefits:
Structured Learning: Seamlessly progress from foundational to advanced concepts.
Versatile Instrumentation: Explore guitar, bass guitar, voice, piano, drums, ukulele, and more.
Enhanced Creativity: Encourages students to experiment and create their own music.
Collaborative Opportunities: Perfect for group settings, fostering teamwork and musical camaraderie.
Tailored Learning: Adaptable to individual learning pace and preferences.
Fun and Engaging: Breaks the monotony of traditional music lessons with vibrant pop songs.
Tested and Proven
Musical Alphabet has undergone rigorous testing at Arden's Music, yielding remarkable results. Students not only enjoy learning but also demonstrate tangible progress in their musical abilities. The methodology's focus on pop music theory translates into enhanced understanding and performance across various musical genres.
Program Features
Interactive Lessons: Engaging online recordings complemented by detailed leadsheets for easy understanding.
Comprehensive Discussions: Dive deep into tempo, rhythm, melody, harmony, and song structure.
Personalized Approach: Tailored assignments based on student preferences and skill levels.
Continuous Growth: Each song builds on previous concepts, ensuring continuous learning and improvement.
Innovative Approach to Music Learning
Fun-Centric Learning: Puts the fun back into learning music, keeping students motivated and inspired.
Relevance and Connection: Bridges the gap between traditional lessons and modern musical interests.
Empowering Standards: Encourages students to set their own standards and excel at their own pace.
Holistic Development: Fosters motor skills, cognitive abilities, and a deep appreciation for music.
Experience the transformational power of music with Musical Alphabet - where learning meets creativity, and every note becomes a masterpiece! Join us in revolutionizing the way music is taught and learned.
