Jason

5 (11 reviews)

Rate $71
Response 1h
Students
Number of students Jason has accompanied since arriving at Superprof
47
Number of students Jason has accompanied since arriving at Superprof

5 (11 reviews)

$71/h

Experienced tutor in Piano in Urbandale, Jason offers private lessons tailored to your needs.

Piano

Lesson location

- online

About Jason

Well, first of all, WELCOME! I've served as a singer, player, writer, and/or music director for three critically acclaimed and commercially successful bands, recorded a half dozen albums, and even racked up some fancy awards along the way. But the accomplishment I hold most dear lies in having had the pleasure of teaching harmony to musicians of all levels for over 35 years.

At the internationally renowned program The School for Music Vocations, I taught Jazz Piano, Jazz Voice, Vocal Arranging, Music Theory, Ear Training, Choral Conducting, Music Fundamentals, and also served as director of Vocal Jazz and Chamber Ensembles. Whatever it is you seek to learn about music, I feel confident I can assist you.

I love helping people realize their dreams.

It was 1983, and there was a need for someone to jump in and begin teaching a Music Fundamentals class at a local college. I was asked to do so and never looked back.

B.A. in Vocal Performance from Gonzaga University. But I didn't learn much about music there. The bulk of my learning came underground, learning from the iconic jazz pianist/arranger- Phil Mattson. I've been teaching music for over 35 years now.

About the lesson

I take students of any/all experience levels. Although I'm primarily considered a jazz instructor, I also teach classical and pop/commercial music. I teach via Skype and limit my student base to just 12 students in order to maintain a customized approach. My typical process for new students is to figure out which of the three learning "portals" offer optimal growth. The three learning "portals" that a student learns through are the eyes, the ears, and the hands (visual, aural, and tactile). EYES: Seeing the keyboard as though there are a million notes without seeing shapes and patterns can be problematic. I guide students through this quite swiftly. HANDS: Does the student have 5 thumbs on each hand and need some rudimentary work there? I've got exercises for that. EAR: Clunking around, playing solely by ear can be problematic. This must stop.

Zeroing in on these three learning portals is paramount when I'm working with a new student. And, of course, making sure they aren't feeling overwhelmed. Music lessons should be joyful; something that is looked forward to. My lessons are well structured and always coupled with humor and joy!

Many music educators and industry professionals. Mostly adults, but I do teach high school kids, too. I've recently begun teaching grade school children and am enjoying it immensely. My students are from all walks of life, really. You can get a good feel for this by visiting the "Testimonials" page on my website: (concealed information)

Is the teacher dispensing instruction to you in a "one-size-fits-all" manner? Your learning proclivities are as unique as your fingerprint and your lesson plans should be tailored accordingly. I pride myself on doing just that.

My daughter became a board certified music therapist after completing her Masters degree!

A few things worth thinking about before reaching out
Am I serious about creating art at a high level?

Am I willing to treat my practice time as sacred? (even if it's only one 20 minute "power session" per day)

Am I willing to pay my dues at the piano in order to become a well rounded musician?

Recommendations

Recommendations come from relatives, friends and acquaintances of the tutor.

David

Jason Smith is a master teacher. The nuts and bolts of harmony and jazz piano that were so elusive to me became clear as day. Work with Jason, put in your time, and you will get there!
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David
Jason Smith is a master teacher. The nuts and bolts of harmony and jazz piano that were so elusive to me became clear as day. Work with Jason, put in your time, and you will get there!
Keith

Jason is one of the finest educators, arrangers, and overall musicians in the game.
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K
Keith
Jason is one of the finest educators, arrangers, and overall musicians in the game.
Deke

Jason is one of the brightest lights in the vocal jazz harmony universe!
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D
Deke
Jason is one of the brightest lights in the vocal jazz harmony universe!
Roger

Jason is as serious as a heart attack about his art. I highly recommend working with him if you get the chance.
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R
Roger
Jason is as serious as a heart attack about his art. I highly recommend working with him if you get the chance.
Tim

The time I spent studying with Jason has become a major foundational piece in my career as a professional musician.
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T
Tim
The time I spent studying with Jason has become a major foundational piece in my career as a professional musician.
Rebekah

Whenever I think of Jason, I smile and remember how much he taught me and how much joy for music he instilled in me.
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R
Rebekah
Whenever I think of Jason, I smile and remember how much he taught me and how much joy for music he instilled in me.
Stella

Jason makes lerning music fun! He teaches me piano and anything i want to lern. We write songs together. I like rythm alot and we work on beat boxing and how to rap!
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S
Stella
Jason makes lerning music fun! He teaches me piano and anything i want to lern. We write songs together. I like rythm alot and we work on beat boxing and how to rap!
Lolita

Jason Smith, a truly talented artist and educator, has vast experience as a jazz vocalist, pianist and arranger. Jason, through his deep knowledge of harmony, phrasing and feel, as well as through his love of the American Songbook, has inspired vocalists at all levels of their musical journey. I highly recommend “Jason’s Jazz Studio” as an opportunity to learn from this consummate professional.
Read more

L
Lolita
Jason Smith, a truly talented artist and educator, has vast experience as a jazz vocalist, pianist and arranger. Jason, through his deep knowledge of harmony, phrasing and feel, as well as through his love of the American Songbook, has inspired vocalists at all levels of their musical journey. I highly recommend “Jason’s Jazz Studio” as an opportunity to learn from this consummate professional.
Dr

When it comes to Jazz Theory, Jason is a fount of knowledge.
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D
Dr
When it comes to Jazz Theory, Jason is a fount of knowledge.
Brian

I learned a ton studying with Jason back in the day. It's not just the information; it’s not just the chords, or the comps, or the songs. It’s his whole approach to learning. Breaking down each goal into manageable pieces, and making sure that you really ‘own’ the material before moving on. That approach stuck with me.
Read more

B
Brian
I learned a ton studying with Jason back in the day. It's not just the information; it’s not just the chords, or the comps, or the songs. It’s his whole approach to learning. Breaking down each goal into manageable pieces, and making sure that you really ‘own’ the material before moving on. That approach stuck with me.
Dr

Jason is a rare breed of music educator. In his 35 years of teaching, he has seen it all, and crafted his methods accordingly. In doing so, he is one of the best at knowing exactly the next step for each individual he teaches. He is the finest jazz piano/harmony teacher I have ever studied with.

Dr. Jeremy Fox
Grammy nominated arranger, Director of Jazz Studies - The School for Music Vocations, Creston, IA
Read more

D
Dr
Jason is a rare breed of music educator. In his 35 years of teaching, he has seen it all, and crafted his methods accordingly. In doing so, he is one of the best at knowing exactly the next step for each individual he teaches. He is the finest jazz piano/harmony teacher I have ever studied with.

Dr. Jeremy Fox
Grammy nominated arranger, Director of Jazz Studies - The School for Music Vocations, Creston, IA
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5 h: $355
10 h: $710

online

$71/h

Details

It depends on what the student decides to take and how long the lessons are. All of the details are listed on the page marked "ENROLL" on my website: (concealed information)

Experienced tutor in Piano in Urbandale, Jason offers private lessons tailored to your needs.

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About Jason

About the lesson

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Experienced tutor in Piano in Urbandale, Jason offers private lessons tailored to your needs.

Lesson location

Recommended

About Jason

About the lesson

Recommendations

Rates

Rate

Pack rates

online

Details

Other tutors in Piano

Mermi

Mariam

STEF

Mitra

Deborah

Lukas

Kimia

Rosie

Vivian

Carmen

Baland

Kass

Veronna

Stephanie

Siena

Natalia

Shenger

Maryam

Sina

Alina

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