About
In addition to learning for pleasure, many of my clients have proceeded to high-level careers in the music industry:
Misty Loggins - Songwriter/Performer for Co.Motion Entertainment
Jamie Rogan - Drummer and tour manager for Billy Currington
Victor Brodin - Bassist for Dokken, Chely Wright, Leanne Rimes and more
Lauren Simmons - Singer for Toby Keith
Mitchell Curtis - Guitarist, Miranda Lambert, Joe Nicols and more
I teach private lessons in guitar, vocal techniques, songwriting and anything related to music or words
I also do consultation and coach ensembles and soloists in popular styles (pop, rock, soul, R&B, country, theater, etc.)
Areas of expertise
Guitar; Vocalization; Music Composition/Arranging; Lyric Writing/Poetry; Musicality/Coaching
Experience
Coached bands, soloists and accompanists showcasing for major contracts in Nashville, Tennessee
Developed and taught courses and lessons for deepening and strengthening musicianship at all levels:
Universtity of Tennessee, Knoxville;
Pellissippi Community College, Knoxville;
Nashville Songwriters' Association International (NSAI), Nashville;
Coker Music Camps (Jerry Coker, the father of jazz music education);
Mountain Music Festival - Black Mountain, North Carolina;
Renaissance Center - Dickson, Tennessee;
Independent contractor/private studio - Nashville, Austria, Pensacola, Talladega, etc
Results
Many of my clients are full-time musicians and some procured contracts with major artists (Toby Keith, Leanne Rimes, Billy Currington, Lyle Lovett), and music publishers (Big Tractor Publishing, Sure Fire Publishing and more) due in part to my coaching or instruction
Education
Bachelor of Music in Theory (University of Tennessee)
Graduate work in creative writing
Private ongoing study in music, history, science and philosphy
When the thing I am trying to communicate "clicks" with the student and I can hear a permanent difference in their delivery; that is a thrill for the teacher.
Highlights
Photos and videos
Reviews
Jamie R.
Christina C.
Brandywine
Lany B.
James L.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
For singers, I find the students vocal range through a series of exercises. Those exercises are then used to strengthen and stretch that range. Repetition creates consistency. The student will focus on one or two songs of their choosing, concentrating on deeper and deeper detail.
For guitar, I use a four point memory system:
Tactile, Aural, Mind and Muscle (TAMM)
With both guitar and voice, lesson times are used for drills so that the student learns to practice. Often a teacher shows a student what to practice but not how. The repetition you need to progress, we practice in lessons.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Bachelor in Music Theory
Many years as a band leader in clubs, theater and churches.
Taught many successful musicians and writers.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Hourly rate is $65.00 Clients and students pay for a month in advance. A month's services include one hour of consultation/instruction per week. Each month is either $260.
Financial assistance may be available and fee schedule can be negotiated.
How did you get started teaching?
Dragged kicking and screaming by one of my former music professors.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with beginners to advanced professionals. You're never too smart to learn more and never too good to get better.
I have worked with children as young as five years old and adults as old as eighty.
My perfect student is one that applies what I teach and works hard to make progress.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
The Frank Brown International Songwriters' Festival is my annual celebration of music. It happens in November in Perdido Key Florida.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
The best guitarist is often not the best teacher. Many teachers spend too much time showing off and not enough time showing how.