Tuition
Michael offers private tuition, both one-to-one and for small groups and bands. These can be one-off lessons, a series of lessons or “book as you need” when you come across something you need help with.
Whether you want help with music theory, software or a crash course in modern music technology Michael can help you.
Reading Music, Theory and Score Writing
Learning how to read music, and how to apply the rules which underpin music composition, never seems quite as appealing as learning how to play an instrument; it is consequently overlooked by many musicians. However, being able to read music and understand how music works can enhance both your playing and your writing. Have you ever wondered why most chart songs follow the same four chords? How a G9 differs from a Gadd9? What distinguishes C7 from Cma7 or Cm7? What 7/4 means? Why we sometimes use E# and B# instead of F and C? An understanding of music theory will answer all these questions and more, and take your music-making to a whole new level, whether you’re a beginner or have been playing for some time.
Understanding Sibelius or Logic Pro
Logic Pro is one of the leading industry DAWs and is the most popular DAW when it comes to writing music. Sibelius is the industry standard for creating sheet music. Both try to be user friendly and provide online tutorials, yet can still be incredibly daunting to new users. Knowing what you want from the software can help, but finding the information you need, or learning the little tricks and hacks to make the software work for you, can be difficult. Lessons in the software can be tailored directly to whatever you need to learn, and you will soon be adept at generating professional-sounding mixes and professional-looking scores.
Technology, Mixing and Production Advice
These days, technology crops up in every genre of music, and its terminology and complexity can be hard to navigate. Michael can help with your tech requirements in a number of areas with one-off sessions. These can include:
- how to recreate a track live without using laptops and computers
- how to recreate FX and understand hardware FX chains (eg guitar pedals)
- how to use technology to your advantage as a performing musician without compromising the live and characteristics of the performance
- the basics of song writing and arranging; how to develop the song you’ve written and how to take it to the next level.
- the basics of studio mixing and production; where to start and what to look out for to create the best possible mix
Contact Michael to arrange your first lesson.
Please note: due to the current COVID-19 pandemic Michael is offering online tuition only (where this is practicable). Face-to-face lessons will be resumed as soon as it is safe to do so.