Songwriting:Lessons From A Pro With Over 150 Cuts.

From 115 C$ /h

Hi, my name is David. I'm originally from Glasgow, Scotland, but now live just outside of Atlanta, Georgia.

I got my first song cut in 2007, and since then have had over 150 of my songs recorded by numerous artists in Europe. I pretty much write across the board and have had songs cut by Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, Blues, Electronic & R&B artists. I've even had one song recorded by an Opera quartet! Those songs have been on many hit albums and have spent a total of 21 weeks at #1 on the official charts of Switzerland & Austria.

I’ve done all this WITHOUT being signed to a publisher, which means instead of giving away 50% of my royalties, I keep all 100% for myself!

Whether you want to write songs to record yourself or for others (and those can be two very different things), I can help you. I'll tailor the lessons to fit you. We'll work together, perfecting your strengths and building up your weaknesses. I'll show you how to write memorable melodies, heartfelt lyrics and innovative chord progressions. I'll also teach you how today's music business operates.

One thing I learned early in life is that if you want to learn something, learn from someone who has done it already. If you want to be successful in the music business, then learn from someone who has had some success themselves. If they haven't how can they show you how to do it? Just because someone has written hundreds of songs doesn't necessarily mean they know about songwriting. In my lifetime I’ve made thousands of meals for myself, but I’m still a lousy cook! It’s not how many songs you write that’s important - it’s how many good ones you write. With me, you'll learn how to write songs that stand out from the rest.

There's a craft to writing great songs. We all love that initial burst of inspiration when ideas come quicker than we can write them down, but once that burst is over, that's when the craft comes in. It's the craft that adds the polish and can turn a decent song into a great one. The trick is not to polish it too much, and not lose the thing that made you excited about the song in the first place. That's one of the things I'll teach you. Also, if you know how to craft a song, then Writer's Block really becomes a thing of the past.

Success won't happen overnight, but if you’re willing to put in the work, I can show you how to get closer to making a very good living from your music.

I’m not saying that I’m the best songwriter in the world. I’m just saying that I know how to write songs that get cut and I can teach you how to do it too.

I'm always looking for good co-writers, so if there's anyone here who I think is talented maybe that will be something we can look at further down the line.

I look forward to working with you.

Location

Online from United States

About Me

I was born and raised in Glasgow, Scotland and now reside just outside Atlanta, Georgia with my wonderful wife, Julia, two-year old son, Andrew, pit bull/boxer dog, Rennie, and Siamese cat, Oban.

I've been a music business professional for over 25 years. I started as a drummer/percussionist, and played with acts as diverse as Rod Stewart, Belle & Sebastian, The Scottish National Orchestra and Stomp.

I've been a professional songwriter since 2007, with over 150 songs recorded by various artists in numerous genres.

My teaching style is to give the student an overall understanding of all aspects of songwriting, but also to tailor the lessons to each individual and move them forward in the shortest possible time.

There is a 'craft' to songwriting - it's not all about inspiration - and that's what I try to teach. It is possible to write a good song without knowing quite how it was done. The problem with that is, if you don't know how you did it it's almost impossible to do it again. That's why there have been so many 'One Hit Wonders'. If you learn the craft of songwriting and understand songwriting techniques then it becomes much easier to repeat the process. Not all of your songs will be great, but they should at least be to a professional standard.

I will take the time to take you where you want to go.

Education

2002-2003 Ico Ico Music Business Management Course
Learned the internal workings of the Music business from Primal Scream
guitarist Jim Beattie. Produced and developed a detailed Business Plan and
formed.a music management company.

1990-1991 Lecturer in Percussive Studies
Lectured at Clydebank College. Taught students from first percussion lessons
through to first recordings and SVQ Qualifications.

1989-1990 Clydebank College Electronic Music and MIDI Course
One Year Course. Awarded over 20 SVQ’s in music related subjects including:
Music Production, Composition, Recording Techniques, and Music Technology.

1982-1987 Privately Taught Drum Lessons
Studied drums and percussion under drumming teacher Charlie Stuart.

Experience / Qualifications

Over 150 songs released by various artists on both major and independent labels

Songs featured on gold and number One albums that have spent a total of 21 weeks at #1 on the official charts of Switzerland and Austria

Seven #1’s on the iTunes charts

Songs released in the US, UK, Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway & Finland

Tracks used in advertisements and TV shows

Winner of 2013 American Songwriter Magazine Lyric Contest

My songs have appeared on compilation albums alongside: Adele, Amy Winehouse, Britney Spears, Chris Brown, Dolly Parton, Janet Jackson, Lil Wayne, Maroon 5, One Republic, Rihanna, Shania Twain, Sheryl Crow, Usher and many other leading artists..

Age

Children (7-12 years old)

Teenagers (13-17 years old)

Adults (18-64 years old)

Seniors (65+ years old)

Student level

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Duration

60 minutes

The class is taught in

English

Skills

Music composition

Availability of a typical week

(GMT -04:00)

New York

Online via webcam

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

00-04

04-08

08-12

12-16

16-20

20-24

Lou-Indigo

4.88

(88)

The course that I propose is BILINGUAL FRENCH / ENGLISH, as well as 2 BOOKS.

Age and musical taste are not restrictive when in the program, you can with qualitative daily work (not quantitative) quickly observe your progress.

Here the pleasure of playing music is put forward.

The kind of music you love most will be the focus of the course, their codes and secrets will be the focus of our study, that's what I want to share with you.

We can do technical lessons and simply learn together how to play one or more songs of your choice or mine, enrich your game with this approach and your repertoire!

(For example, We can re-arrange the pieces and make them more original by approaching the system (CAGED), and enriching their chords, resulting in new positions, new techniques and new sounds, using arpeggio techniques rather than strumming for 4-chord pieces, voicing and fingerstyle techniques, in short, expanding the instrument's playing fields and playing skills to keep progressing in your game and improve your rehearsals ...)

If you make a request, this program is obviously accompanied by the pleasure of learning more in theory and being able to directly apply new knowledge on its instrument and identify its common or rare use in the pieces discussed in class.

In this case, the theory is translated to be accessible to anyone, both for those who are connoisseurs and for those who discover everything from absolute zero.
The exercises, songs, and theoretical explanations offered throughout the program are organized in an order of progressive difficulty.

I wrote and produced 2 books of my method to learn the guitar and the music, that I sell to accompany my course and your apprenticeship in the best conditions and so that you can continue the course even at home and to review etc ... .
There is ONE BOOK OF COURSES containing all the theoretical and practical program of the year, as well as a BOOK OF EXERCISE on the ranges and the modes that you can obtain directly.

You can find here an indicative list of objectives that I propose in my theoretical program, which can of course adapt to your request.

The general theoretical objectives of the course:

--- Tuning / tuning and knowing his guitar:
* Standard Tuning
* Drop Tuning
* Open Tuning
* Adjust the optimal tension of the strings
* Adjust the shaft axis
* Adjust the action of the strings
* Choose the strings adapted to the style of play / tuning
* Change his strings

-Know his chords:
* Triads: Fundamental State & Inversions
* Tetrads: Fundamental State & Inversions
* The chord progressions of the Range
* Arpeggio techniques (tapping, sweep, 1/2/4 fing.shape, etc ...)

--- Know his scales and his modes

* The Mode of the Major scale
* 3 Modes of the Minor scale: Natural / Melodic / Harmonic
* Modes of the Pentatonic range: 5 positions
* Modes of the Blues range: 5 positions
Etc ...

--- Technique to the Pick / Plectrum / Tab / Pick (Electric Guitar):
* Alternate Picking
* Fast Picking / Tremolo Picking
* Hybrid Picking
* Palm Mute
* Natural Harmonics
* Pinch Harmonics
* Artificial Harmonics
* Shredding
* Tapping
* Sweep Picking
* Legato Picking

--- Strumming / Hand Picking (Acoustic Guitar)
* "SnareDrum" percussion on the guitar
* Arpeggios pinched with 4 fingers + thumb
* Rasgueado (Flamenco Technique)
* Generic Strumming
* Fingerstyle Picking
* Two-finger picking + Legato for fast melodies (eg a solo)

-Play the metronome
* exercises on click
* practice on song riffs

-Learn his favorite songs
* without thinking about the difficulty, nothing is impossible with the right methodology

-Improvise
* choose ranges and positions
* to place oneself rhythmically, to finish on the judicious notes

-Theory of Harmony
* Understand harmonization and its practice

-Theory on the Melody

-Theory of Rhythm

Ryo

4.88

(88)

Hello,

Electric & Acoustic Guitar tuition from complete beginners to advanced.🎸✨
(Ukulele lesson is also available)

Are you looking to pick up the guitar for the first time, or ready to take your playing to the next level? Whether you want to master your favourite songs, learn complex theory, or prepare for official exams, I am here to help you reach your musical goals.

🎵 What You Can Learn
⚪︎Any Songs: From Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift to Oasis and classic rock anthems.

⚪︎Any Styles: Rock 🎸, Blues 🎷, Jazz 🎶, Funk/Groove, and Classical Guitar.

⚪︎Techniques & Skills: Strumming patterns, hammer-ons, pull-offs, reading sheet music/tabs, and even voice training for singing guitarists!

⚪︎ Exam Preparation(optional): Fully certified and ready to help you successfully prepare for internationally recognised guitar exams and becoming a qualified guitarist, I can back you up.

📈 Beginner Roadmap (First Steps)
⚪︎Lesson 1: Tuning, proper posture, holding the plectrum, finger placement, and single-note melodies.

⚪︎Lesson 2: Open chords, strumming patterns, reading chord diagrams, and tabs.

⚪︎Lesson 3: Recording your playing, using capos/transposing, power chords, and more!

📍 Location & Flexibility
⚪︎🏠 At my place (Berlin) or via Skype/Online
⚪︎🚗 At your place (I can travel to you)

Guitar isn't brain surgery—it’s pure fun! Lessons are always student-centred and Enjoy personalised lessons designed to level up your playing.

Any further questions, please feel free to ask.
Thanks for reading and look forward to working with you.
You can't afford to miss it!!

Cheers,
Ryo

App

4.88

(88)

< Learning Piano is not merely about playing the piano >

Before starting to learn the piano, it’s essential to recognize that :

'' What we are actually learning is "Music", but not only "Piano". ''

The goal of learning any instrument is to acquire the language of music, enabling us to express ourselves and enjoy music with others. Playing the piano is for creating beautiful sounds, not really for developing finger speed or strength. That’s the function of gym.

< Music is like cooking >

When we cook, to make roast beef tender, of course, it’s nice to have a tender heart, but without knowing how to control the temperature, the roast beef won’t become tender merely by our tender heart.

By only adding salt, the dish won’t be sweet. Similarly, simply playing or writing a C major triad chord won’t convey a sorrowful feeling.

To create the feeling we want, no matter how much sentiment we have in our hearts, to convey it via music, it needs to be translated into the language which the piano can understand, which means, how we press and lift the keys and pedals. Similarly, when we compose, it needs to be transferred into chords, and notes we write.

< Difference between an audience and a musician >

There is a common belief that a musician can make music with sentiment or feeling. While it’s partially true, the most essential thing is knowing ‘’How’’ to create the sound that conveys the feeling we want, rather than merely knowing ‘’What’' feeling we want to convey.

The understanding of the mechanism behind music is essential, as cooking, and that is the difference between an audience and a musician. As an audience, one can simply feel the music. Like a chief who knows how to create a specific flavor to convey, a musician knows how to create the sound which can convey the feeling we want. While knowing which feeling we want is great, it’s merely the first step. Your emotions are not too different from Chopin, Beethoven, Adele or Taylor Swift, otherwise, they can’t resonate with you. But they know how to create the sound that conveys the feeling they want to their audience.

< Course Content >

I consider my course to be a form of "Music Consultation" because it contains a wide range of subjects that are essential to a professional musician. While we focus on piano playing, there are also music theory, music history, instrument construction, ergonomics for performers, analysis of composer styles, composition, arrangement, recording, MIDI, computer music, the physics of sound, and more.
In avoid of confusion, let’s still call my course as "Piano Course”.

< Duration >

For each course, I will reserve at least 70 minutes in my schedule for you, including 60 minutes of class time and an additional 10 minutes for discussion and any questions you may have. This will ensure that your courses are not rushed by the next student. This ensures that there is enough time for you to solve your piano and music problems.

< Recording >

I highly encourage my students to record their progress. This can provide an objective standard for comparison and help you analyze your playing precisely. In my nine years of experience teaching music, I've found many students, including those advanced, already play certain sections very well, while other sections may not be not well enough. But they still try to improving those fine sections, while not aware of those weak sections.
Without an objective reference, it’s hard to distribute our effort precisely. This can lead to not only unstable performance, but also practicing without a precise goal can easily reduce enthusiasm. Recording your results and comparing them with those recordings you like on YouTube or Spotify can be an effective way to analyze your playing and set precise goals.

If you have a digital piano, I can help you produce a video of your performance for each session. This can be a tangible record of your efforts and you can share it with your friends and family via YouTube or other platforms.

Evelyn

4.88

(88)

Graduated Argentine musician (National University of the Arts, Buenos Aires) offers personalized music composition courses for all levels and ages. Method adapted to the student's interests. More than 10 years of experience in teaching music. Course: Spanish, English, French

Gema

4.88

(88)

The most important matter that I could write here about is my passion to teach. I've been teaching already for more than 10 years, from kids to adults. I'm a classical pianist, but I am opened to other musical styles. What I want you to get from your lessons with me, is not only a huge knowledge of theorical stuff or a great technique, I would like to show you my musical world, the imagination and inner exploration that is required to understand and to love music in a whole new level. Once you have found them, it will be very hard to quit playing!

The class duration: You can choose!
20 minutes (Great for the youngest : 3 years old)
30 minutes (Ideal for young beginners from 4 years old)
45 minutes (Intermediate+ adult beginners)
1 hour (Intermediate and combined with some Music Theory)

I use different methods depending on:
1) The goals of my student
2) The language that we will use on class
3) Age and musical preferences: I start to teach children from 3 years old, we make games and they learn to play through musical stories that I have created throughout my pedagogical career.

Jeremy

4.88

(88)

Hi, my name is Jeremy and I've played music for 19 years, having performed over 200 concerts and composed with a wide variety of groups and ensembles across England and Belgium in many genres (Funk, R&B, Soul, Jazz, Rock, Alternative, Punk and more). I have completed 3 years of intensive bass study at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels and am currently playing bass plus backing-vocals and song arrangement for Kids of the Elephant and Arrubio.

In these lessons, I will help you reach your goals while having fun in the process, keeping the lessons structured and tailored to your personal needs. I have 5 years of experience helping students improve as well as specialist knowledge in a multitude of styles. Some examples of what you might learn include:

- Correct hand positioning & posture for best performance and faster learning.
- Learning your favorite songs quickly and easily.
- Breaking down rhythms & dynamics
- Understanding the role of bass playing in a band.
- Understanding what makes a good bassline and composing your own.
- Essential music theory for bass & more advanced techniques (eg: melodic techniques, rhythmic, slap bass, etc)
- How to improvise, jam and play with other musicians.

Appropriate homework/exercises and recordings are provided during lessons. I also like to give advice and direction for people with musical aspirations. I'm also an empathetic person that loves teaching, so don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.

Jan

4.88

(88)

Do you want to learn how to write music but don't know where to start? Do you want to take your composing and songwriting skills to higher level? Do you want to feel free when improvising? Do you want to know what is the theoretical background behind the music you love so much? I can help you with all of that.

I offer theoretical and practical lessons about composition, producing and music theory in any genre. Do you wish to understand the music you love and get a new appreciation for it? I can help you with better understanding of it. I will do my best to find out what is the best and the most fun process for you to learn and start developing your own musical ideas.

Haotian

4.88

(88)

Internationally active composer and music theorist (M.Mus) currently accepting students for the following subjects (online sessions):
-Music theory (basic to college level), including harmony, counterpoint, analysis
-Western music history (medieval to contemporary), music appreciation
-Composition, music notation (software + score preparation), electronic music, university application portfolio feedback and general application advising
-English (for academic writing)

David

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I am a Spanish pianist and composer with master's degrees in Classical Piano and Jazz Composition from Codarts Rotterdam. I have many years of teaching experience and remain highly active as a performer in a variety of musical settings.

I offer online piano lessons in a range of styles, including classical, jazz, latin, and pop, as well as music theory, composition, and improvisation lessons. My teaching approach stands out for its dynamic nature, practical focus, and adaptability to each student's needs and interests.

Steve

4.88

(88)

Sometimes you can sit in a music lesson with your class mates and feel completely baffled as to why others are 'getting it' and you are not! If you are wanting some extra help in preparing for a music exam or even wanting to feel more comfortable with the rest of the class then this class is right up your street. Alternatively, if you would like some extra advice on performance techniques then I can help. Perhaps you are struggling with your composition tasks - that is my speciality. Then there is the analysis of a piece of music that can be so confusing that we could spend some valuable one-to-one time on. I am here to help and below are some reasons why I am well suited to give you the appropriate advice that you need.

I worked in a comprehensive school teaching music for over 35 years. In that time I engaged with many different exam boards at GCSE and A level delivering a range of different courses. This experience and my passion for all aspects of music, whether it be performing, composing or listening and analysis enables me to give you the right advice. Whatever you need help with, I am very keen to be able to offer my expertise in any or all of these areas. Each of the three disciplines is intrinsically connected with the other two and having a good grasp of all three will enable you to improve your ability overall.

Andrea

4.88

(88)

Hello! I've been teaching nonstop for over 10 years, and I'd love to tell you what a class with me offers:

100% personalized approach: The first step is to define your goals. Learning for pleasure? Preparing for entrance exams? Or taking the professional leap? I'll adapt the methodology, curriculum, and even the repertoire to your goals.

Dynamic environment (without losing rigor): Relaxed but demanding classes, where practical methods (and my irremediable sense of humor) prevail.

Hearing + Musicality + Analysis: We'll work on listening, understanding, and analyzing your musical references. The goal: for you to make artistic decisions with confidence and feel music as your own.

No stylistic biases: For me, all music is valid. We'll explore everything from classical to electronic, using each style to work on key aspects: melody, harmony, production... We'll even explore genres you're unfamiliar with together!

Important! I balance classes with concerts and projects. Although you're my priority, I appreciate the occasional flexibility to reschedule (only when strictly necessary).

If you like this approach, write to me! Learning music is an exciting journey, and I'd love to be your guide.

Stephen

4.88

(88)

Stuck? I can help! If you know what you want your music to do (where your artistic North Star is guiding you), I can help you get more mileage out of your musical ideas. If you don't, I can help you articulate your aesthetic so you don't get lost as often. Through the analysis of great music, the composition of miniatures, and feedback on your current projects, you’ll both increase your technical fluency and simultaneously learn to love and develop your unique voice.

Brent

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Do you have trouble reading music? Do you love listening to music, but don't understand time signatures, keys or chords? Music theory often sounds abstract, but with the right explanation and concrete examples it suddenly becomes a lot more logical, and even fun :)

For whom?
- Beginner or advanced musicians who want to better understand what they are doing.
- Students preparing for music theory exams (e.g. music school, entrance exams).
- Independent artists/producers who want to deepen their musical knowledge.
- Anyone who is curious about the language behind music.

What can you expect?
- Clear explanation, at your own pace.
- Theory made immediately applicable with examples on the piano.
- Extra attention to insight instead of learning dry rules by heart.
- Tutoring fully tailored to your level and goal (classical, pop, songwriting, production, ...).

About me
I obtained a Grade 8 diploma in Music Theory and also a Grade 8 Piano from the Royal Schools of Music. In addition, I hold a diploma in Audio Engineering from Hofa College. I am active as a music artist and producer myself. Thanks to this combination of classical training and practical experience, I know how important it is to make theory understandable, concrete, and musical. I use my own piano during lessons to clarify everything visually and audibly.

Possible topics:
- Learn to read music.
- Scales, chords & harmony.
- Form and analysis (classical, jazz or pop).
- Rhythm, time signatures & tempo.
- Music theory for producers/songwriters.
- Songwriting.
- Preparation for exams or entrance tests.

Practical
- 1-on-1 lessons, online or live (if you don't live too far away).
- I provide materials, or we work with what you need.
- No prior knowledge required. Lessons adapted to your level.

🎶 Feel free to send me a message with your questions or goals. We'll see how I can best help you.

André

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My name is Andre. I'm a professional musician with more than 10 years in the field. Despite Jazz being the main focus of my study and practice I've learned to love all genres and absorb each unique values and strengths. Having them integrated in the musical projects I've created or participated on. Projects which revolve around Jazz, Pop, Rock, Psychedelic, Electronic and Reggae.
Throughout my professional career I've worked with music schools and private students (+200). During this years I've encountered a plethora of different kinds of students, all levels ranging from kids to seniors and even a good quantity of autistic or down syndrome students, which always made me more and more interested in the art of teaching and helping people grow, by balancing challenge and empathy.

My lessons are characterized by a practical approach combined with a theoretical component, that always caters to the student's interests, stimulating their musical taste and creativity. For this, I like to go across the board with disciplines such as:
Musical Theory
Technique
Ear training
Performance
Composition
Improvisation
Band/project guidance
Study methodoly
Reportoire

My main objectives as a mentor are:

- To captivate students with music and their learning process

- To stimulate healthy learning methods based on their own goals

- To develop the spirit and discipline of self-learning.

Frequency, duration, and format depend on each student's goals.

Hugo

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Hugo, a professional drummer and composer, holds a higher degree in Modern Music and Jazz Performance from the Conservatori Superior del Liceu. My training has been complemented by working and learning alongside numerous leading figures in jazz and drumming, and I have professional experience in concerts, recordings, and projects with musicians from the national and international scene.

I offer drum lessons tailored to each student, from beginner to advanced levels. We'll work on what you really need: technique, sound, timing, coordination, reading music, improvisation, repertoire, or jazz.

I can also help you expand your musical training through modern harmony and composition, with the goal of better understanding music and applying it to your instrument. This will help you speak the same language as the other musicians you share the stage with.

My goal is to help you play better, understand the instrument, and develop your own sound and language.

The classes are designed around practice and music, aiming to ensure that what we work on has a real-world application when playing.

If you are interested in learning drums or continuing to develop as a musician, write to me and tell me what you would like to work on.