Philosophies in practice
Sound and music creation can provide metaphors for living, inspiration for outlook and instil a deep presence of the moment. The opportunity to recognize and celebrate difference can be a major benefit in terms of individual growth and group meaning. Sound creation can provide refuge and a reminder of the simple pleasures and workings of the human mind and senses. Whether playing with the recorded sound of yourself on a swing or using familiar material in new ways, it opens up individuals to the idea of not being limited to being a consumer but creating with the world that is around you. These workshops aim to provide a space where sound is allowed to exist as it is, with no external forces requiring it to be moulded into a marketable product or ego driven accomplishment of combinations resulting in a sentimental expression of the individual. All that and being fun at the same time!
Within that framework, I still offer structured practical lessons of how to learn to play guitar, bass, drums...music! I believe my teaching method and the space in which I offer lessons is very unique in the way that I aim to inspire, and encourage early performance and recording together with myself. A few early chords learned, and the process of teaching becomes one through writing songs and recording sounds. I have done a great deal of work with students here that I am very proud of. It is very rewarding to see students eyes light up when they are part of the recorded music cannon of history and won't have to wait 10 years until they are "professional" to record music. Things have indeed changed so much. Most times, I can send an MP3 file home so students can listen, share and practice along to what they are creating, rather than by following a book or learning someone else's song.
I am proud that the Sound has a solid reputation of a place that fosters creativity, and teaches people of all ages to be artists not just someone who can play someone else's song. Most songs have four chords, and I can show them to you and we can do something NEW!
Here's a video by a great musician who shares a similar approach when it comes to making music with young people:
Within that framework, I still offer structured practical lessons of how to learn to play guitar, bass, drums...music! I believe my teaching method and the space in which I offer lessons is very unique in the way that I aim to inspire, and encourage early performance and recording together with myself. A few early chords learned, and the process of teaching becomes one through writing songs and recording sounds. I have done a great deal of work with students here that I am very proud of. It is very rewarding to see students eyes light up when they are part of the recorded music cannon of history and won't have to wait 10 years until they are "professional" to record music. Things have indeed changed so much. Most times, I can send an MP3 file home so students can listen, share and practice along to what they are creating, rather than by following a book or learning someone else's song.
I am proud that the Sound has a solid reputation of a place that fosters creativity, and teaches people of all ages to be artists not just someone who can play someone else's song. Most songs have four chords, and I can show them to you and we can do something NEW!
Here's a video by a great musician who shares a similar approach when it comes to making music with young people: