About
My name is Dr. Richard Smoot and I am a professional teacher, guitarist and composer who has been working professionally since the late 1970s. I was also an Associate Professor of Music, but left academia to open a private music studio in the Upper Arlington, OH area in 1992.
GUITAR: I teach classical guitar technique, but I augment formal study with a wide range of stylistic pursuits including classical, jazz,blues, folk and such. I have taught students ranging widely in age, my oldest is 82 and youngest, to date, was 3 years old.
COMPOSITION/SONGWRITING, MUSIC THEORY, EAR TRAINING
Beginning to advanced study in music composition/songwriting, music theory and ear traing is offered at Sound Endeavors. This may be integrated with guitar study, but just as often, my theory/composition students are not guitarists.
MUSIC TECHNOLOGY
Sound Endeavors, LLC is a fully equipped recording and production studio dedicated to the creation of new music by Richard Jordan Smoot and his composition and technology students. Numerous projects are in the works at any given time. Students have the opportunity to avail themselves of the many resources available at this studio, subject to qualifications. Most students who are working with music technology are signed up for 1 and 1/2 hours of instructional time. This includes work with music theory and ear training as well as technology. Students gain experience with MOTU Digital Performer, MachFive and Finale among other software programs. Additionally, students gain extensive experience working with various pieces of musical hardware including high end keyboards.
ONLINE STUDY
My online teaching of guitar, music composition/songwriting, music theory, ear training or some combination of these areas, is well-developed and I have been teaching online for over 7 years. All students have the option of taking online lessons as an alternative, if for some reason they cannot attend in person, but an all online study program can be very effective. At the outset of study, I discuss the internet setup needs and other related things, including my payment protocol. Students are welcome to contact me, once we have connected via Lessons.com, to discuss online study before committing any money to the process.
Please visit my studio website: www.soundendeavors.com and my composer’s website: www.richardsmoot.com. You also may call or text me at 614/397-9164. My teaching policy is available at my studio website.
It is a great joy to be part of my students' music and artistic process. I have had the pleasure of working with tremendous students who love music and art as much as I do. These students have the opportunity to present their achievements at my studio recitals, and even build a resume that they can use for academic goals and more.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
After a preliminary discussion and the decision to work together, I will schedule a regular lesson time. The first lesson will involve evaluation of the students goals and how we can achieve them. I will evaluate the student's skill set, instrument, etc. We will discuss practice, study and much, much more. I am very receptive to my student's ideas and concerns, and I never let ego get in the way of successful learning.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have three music degrees: Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate from Ohio State University with specializations in composition, music theory, music technology and classical guitar.
Also, I was in academia for many years and served as an Associate Professor of Music in the above areas at Ohio Northern University and at Ohio State University.
I opened my independent studio, Sound Endeavors, LLC in 1992 and I ave been teaching students and producing music ever since.
I am a member of the Recording Academy.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge for my services using a tuition-style policy: students pay a monthly fee for lessons and the rate is based upon the number of hours scheduled each week. I am receptive to other arrangements, but I have found my tuition approach to be a good for one the student and the teacher. It saves us from having to discuss money very much. All of the details can be read about by going to my studio website or click below:
http://soundendeavors.com/music-study/268-2/