Rob P.

As a composer and songwriter, I can help you understand what makes a good song, such as writing a good bridge and a catchy chorus. It's all about understanding how to write a compelling melody and nice harmonies or counter-melodies. It is also important to understand the musical form you're working in, for example, where are the sections, and how does one section lead to another? I can also help you learn how to write your ideas down in notation, lead sheets, tab, or just help you get a decent recording of your ideas. I specialize in writing songs for voice and guitar, or for 3-4 piece bands guitar, bass, drums, voice. I also compose classical and jazz music for various instruments.

From my keyboard and piano lessons, you can expect laid back and patient teaching with an emphasis on correct technique and note reading. I can also teach improvisation, which is an important skill to have in most genres.

For bass guitarists, feeling and understanding rhythm and the ability to keep a groove is the most important thing. I will help you to expand your technique, understanding of the fret board and how to read and improvise bass-lines. I can also teach you to play the bass parts in songs by ear and tab if that's your preference. I am also a guitar player, so you can have the added experience of playing bass with a guitarist, which is generally a real life application for those interested in playing bass in bands.

I am flexible with my teaching style, mostly because of how I learned. I was initially self-taught, and my first teacher mainly taught my by ear and through reading tab. Later on, I studied classical guitar and jazz where I became educated on the academic aspects of playing, including reading music and understanding music theory. I think all of these skill sets are of value, however, some students benefit more initially from mainly learning by ear, and others tend to excel starting with reading and technique. My students get better from any or all of the above approaches. Some have passed auditions into music conservatories with my guidance, others play in pop and rock bands. I want to help my students achieve in the ways they want to achieve.