Sean

Rate $76
Response 3h
Students
Number of students Sean has accompanied since arriving at Superprof
4
Number of students Sean has accompanied since arriving at Superprof

$76/h

Change the world through your songs! Make a positive impact with coaching from an expert songwriter

Music Theory
Songwriting
Musicology

Lesson location

- online

About Sean

I look at music essentially as a subject of the heart. People are drawn to learning music by an irresistible pull, and what may start as a casual curiosity can grow into a lifelong passion. The mystery of the creative process is more of an art form than a science, with as many different approaches as there are personalities.

In my almost forty years of teaching music, one of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of putting myself in the shoes of a learner, listening and being responsive to my students’ interests, needs and strengths. I have a profound respect for each person’s individual musical tastes and styles, and I have an abiding faith in each person’s inner source of inspiration and wisdom. My main goal as a teacher is to help you tap your own creative wellspring and discover your unique talents.

I began teaching acoustic guitar and voice lessons in 1984, also offering harmonium and tabla lessons a few years later. Some of my students approach music mainly for personal enjoyment and deepening their self-identity, while others use the skills they learn in their careers.

I'm grateful for my exposure to the music of different cultures from around the world, from my roots in back-porch American folk music to the fascinating polyrhythms of traditional African drumming and the deeply moving melodies of Indian Classical music. I had the good fortune to study these disciplines intensively with Master Teachers during my time at Dartmouth College, at Wesleyan University, and through independent studies in India. My teacher training at Pacific Oaks College further deepened my appreciation of cultural diversity as well as my sensitivity to different learning styles.

This experience has enriched my own compositions, as well as my ability to connect with learners from diverse cultural backgrounds, and to help guide people in developing a personal style free from artificial boundaries of genre. I never cease to be in awe of the amazing potential that each student brings to the table, and I am grateful for the chance to help people open up their musical gifts.

Currently, I'm working on recording an album of original songs based on the poetry of Rumi, Hafiz and other mystics.

About the lesson

Do you have ideas for songs but wonder how to structure them into complete songs? Do you hear great tunes in your head but not know how to fit them to chords? Are you puzzled about how to weave a magical melody to match your lyrics? Stumped by limited rhyme possibilities or awkward phrasing?

Perhaps you could benefit by having a seasoned songwriter as a mentor to coach you in creating beautiful songs in your own unique style. That's where I can help.

I can show you how to develop an idea into a complete song, whether you start from a "hook" or melodic riff, a chord progression, or a snippet of lyrics - or even just a mood or feeling or a message you want to express.

We'll look at several common song forms from contemporary music genres - for example, common verse/chorus/bridge structures - as well as classic hits that can serve as models. And most importantly, I'll help you develop your own signature style, rather than just copying what other people have done.

For me, songwriting is one of the most satisfying and creative aspects of music, where all of our musical skills can come together. Yet it can also be an area where our inner stumbling blocks can seem daunting, and where some expert guidance can open up new possibilities.

I look forward to working with you to tap your inner wellspring of creativity!

Change the world through your songs! Make a positive impact with coaching from an expert songwriter

Lesson location

About Sean

About the lesson

Rates

Rate

Pack rates

online

Sean's Video

Other tutors in Music Theory

JAMES

Rosie

Kelsey

Richard

Kieran

Elias

Veronna

Ella

Peter

Jacqueline

Lindsay

Sohrab

Florie

Deva

Samsara

Marshal

Alex

Andrew

Emanuele

Brendan

Change the world through your songs! Make a positive impact with coaching from an expert songwriter

Lesson location

About Sean

About the lesson

Rates

Rate

Pack rates

online

Sean's Video

Other tutors in Music Theory

JAMES

Rosie

Kelsey

Richard

Kieran

Elias

Veronna

Ella

Peter

Jacqueline

Lindsay

Sohrab

Florie

Deva

Samsara

Marshal

Alex

Andrew

Emanuele

Brendan

Share

Verified degree

levels

All languages in which the lesson is available

Review

Reviews

Recommendations

free lessons

Report this ad