Masterclass & Artist Residency 

For the last 10 years I have been visiting colleges, music universities  and some high schools teaching a masterclass. It developed while on tour when I realized I could be being of use to students by sharing my knowledge and experience. Typically I fly in on Sunday evening, meet with the staff and on Monday morning begin a week of interaction within the existing curriculum. I love the process because it changes per university. Topics covered are as diverse as songwriting, microphone placement in the recording studio, performance confidence techniques, Lennon & McCartney vs Rogers & Hammerstein, understanding metaphors, turning demos into complete masters, collaborating, preparing for the market place, trusting the muse, creating without ego, achieving mastery, etc. It goes on and on.

• Most importantly it meets the national music standards for composition, improvisation and performance.

1. In line with the decline of creativity in American students.
2. Aids in development of students’ self-confidence and communication.
3. Deepens students’ understanding of the use of melodic and harmonic structures, and their use in communicating lyrical content.
4. Writing lyrics helps to support proper use of language and understanding of poetic devices.
5. Facilitates connection among educational disciplines – English/Language Arts and music.

• Discuss modern popular music and its historic and cultural roots.

1. Facilitates connection among educational disciplines – history and music.
2. Deepens understanding of how one musician influences another, and how art can reflect or influence society and culture.

• Perform original compositions.

1. Students and I will have the opportunity to share our original compositions with one another.
2. Facilitate discussion of performance techniques.

• Lecture on current trends in music, performance, and the industry.
  
  1. Debunk myths about recording industry,
  2. Share stories from experience with a diverse array of artists.