Lloyd Moss Music & Voice

When working with a new student, I begin by having a detailed conversation to understand their interests, musical background, and specific goals. I really like to find out what the student is passionate about, whether it's mastering a particular song, improving their technique, or exploring a new genre. Based on this information, I create a personalized plan of action tailored to their aspirations. We set clear, achievable objectives for where they would like to be six months from now, breaking down the learning process into manageable steps. Throughout this period, I continuously monitor and review their progress, providing constructive feedback and adjusting the plan as needed to ensure they stay on track. At the six-month mark, we review their accomplishments together and set future goals to further their improvement. This ongoing assessment helps maintain motivation and ensures that the student is consistently advancing toward their musical dreams. Additionally, I offer online lessons, providing flexibility and accessibility for students who prefer or require remote learning options. This allows me to connect with students from various locations and provide the same high-quality instruction as in-person lessons."

I have a degree in film scoring, and composition from UCLA and I have studied at Berkeley School of Music and have a degree in film, scoring, and composition from UCLA.

My journey into music teaching began with a deep love for music nurtured by my parents, who first took me to Tanglewood in The Berkshires to experience classical music outdoors. This early exposure to music ignited a lifelong passion in me. Later, a close friend introduced me to The Beatles, and I quickly became obsessed with their songwriting and musical innovation. Over the years, I honed my skills through dedicated practice and guidance from several guitar teachers. Recognizing my natural ability to connect with others and my enthusiasm for music, my teachers encouraged me to start teaching, believing I had the potential to inspire and educate future musicians.

I have worked with students of all ages, from young children just starting their musical journey to adults rediscovering their passion for music. Many of my students have been playing for years and have reached an impasse, seeking guidance to help them break through and progress further. I also teach those who are looking for a creative outlet, providing them with the skills and inspiration to express themselves through music. Additionally, I work with professional singer-songwriters and band members who are looking to enhance their musical abilities and refine their craft. My diverse teaching experience allows me to tailor my approach to each student's unique needs and goals.

A recent event I am particularly fond of is seeing Jon Batiste perform at Tanglewood. I was incredibly impressed by his versatility, effortlessly switching between percussion, guitar, piano, and even DJing throughout the performance. His energy and musicality were truly inspiring, and it was a joy to witness such a talented artist in action. I'm especially grateful to my wife for introducing me to his music, as it was an unforgettable experience. Watching Jon Batiste's performance reignited my passion for music and reminded me of the boundless possibilities within it. It was a memorable evening that I will cherish for a long time.

My advice for a student looking to hire a teacher in my area of expertise is to trust your intuition about who you feel would be the best fit for you. While it's important to have a phone conversation with the teacher to get a sense of their personality and teaching style, don't rely solely on that interaction. Focusing only on the phone call can be exhausting and may not give you the full picture. Instead, schedule a lesson with the teacher to truly gauge how well you connect and how effective their teaching methods are for you. A trial lesson will help you determine if there's good chemistry and if the teacher can meet your learning needs and goals.

Before talking to teachers about their needs, students should think through a few key questions. First, have a clear idea of what you want to accomplish with your lessons, whether it's improving technique, learning new songs, or mastering a specific style. Consider why you are taking lessons: is it for creative enjoyment, a creative outlet, preparing for a gig, or becoming more confident in the recording studio? Reflect on your long-term goals and what you hope to gain from the learning experience. Understanding your motivations and objectives will help you communicate your needs effectively and find a teacher who can best support your musical journey.