Steve J.

If a student is learning an orchestral instrument, I would take them through the steps listed above, as well an exploration of the history and structure of their particular instrument. If I'm leading an orchestra, I'll focus on how the instruments interact, blend, and balance, to create a tapestry of musical colors. If I'm teaching students how to orchestrate...ah, now the real fun begins! I'll make sure they have a foundation of what the instruments can do and in what keys!...anticipate and address the pitfalls of beginning orchestration such as over-writing...and then encourage them to seek their own individual "voices."

My goal is to take the students' original musical fragments and show them various options for assembling those into coherent musical works--then encouraging them to be creative! I would also try to help them understand what commercially-viable writing sounds like, and challenge them to write with specific markets in mind.

They can expect to learn all the basic techniques--posture, correct breathing, tone formation, vibrato, etc.--plus how to vary their sound to match a particular idiom such as Broadway tunes or modern pop tunes or worship songs or classical pieces. I hope to also teach them to how to "enact" various roles through their singing. And if they are drawn to being worship leaders, I'll help them learn to sing and play simultaneously, and how to be authentic.

They can expect to learn how to play note-for-note as well as by chord symbols. They can expect to learn various scales and finger-patterns. I'll show them a handful of fingering techniques. And I'll teach them the common progressions, fills, and improv patterns.

They can expect to experience a unique "comprehensive" approach that includes not only traditional sightreading but also theory, playing by ear, improvising, and composing their own music. They will learn to play piano 1) with a sense of style, phrasing, touch, timing, passion, accentuation, and 2) for fun! I want them to be able to sit and play for their own enjoyment and that of others, whether they've memorized a classical piece or they're improvising from a jazz lead sheet.

They can expect to learn not only chords, but also how to read and play individual notes, as well as licks. They can expect to learn a wide variety of strumming patterns, techniques, and rhythms. If they enjoying singing, I'll help them learn how to sing and play at the same time. If they have a heart for leading worship, I'll gladly and joyfully take them through the steps to becoming a successful worship-leading musician.