Amatones Music
About
Buzz is an independent producer, writer, arranger, & keyboardist with over 35 years in the music industry. He appears on more than 150 CDs as performer or producer.(2 received platinum certification)
During the 80's, Buzz toured the world with the legendary Curtis Mayfield as musical director and during that time became staff producer for Ichiban Records. In the 90's, Buzz focused on production & arranging, working with some of music's finest such as Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum, & Ben E King to name a few.
In 1998, Buzz created Amatones Music. He has composed music for CNN, Delta Airlines, The Discovery Channel, the Weather Channel as well as for film and TV. His orchestration skills provided him the opportunity to score 2 songs for jazz pianist Bob Thompson and the West VA Symphony Orchestra.
Sept of 06 Buzz released his debut CD Collection on Blue Canoe Records. Music from that release can be found in both film and TV .
Buzz continues writing and producing for various artists as well as composing music for independent film.
The future holds a 2018 release of new music entitled, Muse Cafe along with a book ("Repeat Offender") related to his career as a record producer and touring artist.
Lesson Details
My approach to teaching is simple. The primary goal is to have fun and enjoy the experience of making and creating music. Whether you are interested in pursuing a career in music or just wanting to add a bit of a creative outlet to your life, let me help.
My specialties include jazz, r&b, and pop piano styles. I do teach a little classical but primarily to beginners only. My curriculum is simple. I try to teach you what it is YOU want to know and that which fit your needs. There are some fundamentals that we all must learn, but typically I can have you playing a song your first lesson. As you progress, you will be able to learn to play songs on your own and interpret simple chord charts with melody.
For those students who already actively play, I can help hone your skills, offer performance, recording and studio tips and techniques.
90 and 120 min lessons are only offered to those students wishing to learn production and do NOT apply to piano lessons.
Studio Equipment
Your lessons are given in my pre-production studio in my home. Piano lessons take place on an upright piano. If you are taking production classes, then see the list of gear below. My space is tidy but not always immaculate. I am a working musician and often have several projects juggling at once. My living room is always available and wi-fi for those who wait on a student is also available. More than ample parking is available at any time.
Buzz uses Cubase 9.5 recording software
Sibelius 8 Notation Software
Chickering Upright Piano
Yamaha KX8
M-Audio Pro Keys 88
Casio Privia
full array of VST instrument & effect plug-ins for commercial recording (Waves, Spectrasonics, Kontakt 5, etc)
https://amatonesmusic.net
*** Specialties ***
adult, beginner, child, jazz, r&b, pop, EDM,modern, film scoring, sequencing, notation
I have loved music for as long as I can remember (and that's a long time!) Pasing on that pasion for music and watching others grow and enjoy doing so.
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
My approach to teaching is simple. The primary goal is to have fun and enjoy the experience of making and creating music. Whether you are interested in pursuing a career in music or just wanting to add a bit of a creative outlet to your life, let me help.
My specialties include jazz, r&b, and pop piano styles. I do teach a little classical but primarily to beginners only. My curriculum is simple. I try to teach you what it is YOU want to know and that which fit your needs. There are some fundamentals that we all must learn, but typically I can have you playing a song your first lesson. As you progress, you will be able to learn to play songs on your own and interpret simple chord charts with melody.
For those students who already actively play, I can help hone your skills, offer performance, recording and studio tips and techniques.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Amatones Music was created as an independent production company specializing in the production of not only records for Ichiban, Sony, Capitol, EMI and some indie labels, but TV and film production as well.
I am also on staff at a local school of arts as a teacher in both piano and production
In 1989, I was hired by Ichiban Records as staff producer/studio manager. During my tenure there I worked with literally hundreds of artists and received 2 platinum certified recordings as well as 2 Ampex Golden Reel Award for the studio under my management.
In the early 80's, I became musical director for Curtis Mayfield. I traveled the world playing music not only with Curtis but several other R&B artists. My duties included not only keyboardist for these artists, but as musical director, I was responsible for working up the arrangements, rehearsals and the over all band.
I studied music theory and composiion at Hampton University 1972-1976
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
(4) ONE HOUR LESSONS PER MONTH$170.00(2) ONE HOUR LESSONS PER MONTH$90.00*** INDIVIDUAL ONE HOUR PER LESSON (NO PLAN)$60.00 (4) 30 MIN LESSONS PER MONTH$140.00(2) 30 MIN LESSONS PER MONTH$80.00*** INDIVIDUAL 30 MIN LESSONS$50.00 ***CHILDREN UNDER AGE OF 10 (4) LESSONS PER MONTH$100.00***CHILDREN UNDER AGE OF 10 (2) LESSONS PER MONTH$60.00
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with ages 4-68. Beginners and professionals alike
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Be prepared to have fun and learn
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
It helps if goals are defined from the outset