David M
Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Saxophone, Bass Guitar, Music
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Rock, Blues, R&B, Funk, Latin Jazz, Swing, Avant-garde
David M
Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Saxophone, Bass Guitar, Music
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Rock, Blues, R&B, Funk, Latin Jazz, Swing, Avant-garde
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 10-80
Bachelor Degree: hartwick college, Master Degree: longy school of music
I'm a saxophonist and composer. I received my masters in 2010 from Longy School of Music in modern American music. I had the opportunity to study with Charlie Banacos, Ayn Inserto, George Garzone, John Lockwood, and Bob Gullotti. My desire to teach was heavily inspired by these amazing teachers and musicians. I was raised in an artistic family. I was supported as a young child to always follow my dreams. I've learned it's not always easy, dreams can seem impossible. I like to set my goals high. I find failure to be an important learning opportunity to better myself.
My love of music gos back to when I was a child. I was lucky enough to have support and encouragement through my parents and friends. I was fortunate being exposed to all kinds of music as a high school student in the early 90's. I went to Berklee College of music in Boston, MA from 1996-1997. I transferred to Hartwick College in Oneonta, NY fall 1997. This is where I got to study with Al Gallodoro and developed a love for contemporary classical music. I received a BA in music with a minor in philosophy in 2002. After College wound up working different dead end jobs, until I became a stone fabricator of granite countertops. In 2006 I went back to Berklee college of music for one year and wound up transferring to Longy School of Music in 2007. This is where I got to study with Charlie Banacos, George Garzone, John Lockwood, Bob Gullotti, and was introduced to concepts such as George Russel's Lydian chromatic concept. I graduated with a master in modern music in 2010. Since receiving my masters, I've recorded 3 jazz albums of original music I wrote. I've given lectures and performances at the deedee shattuck gallery in Westport, MA and at UMass Dartmouth. I currently play in my own band and as a side man.
I am a strong believer in listening before you play. When it comes to younger students this can be challenging, yet also rewarding. Younger students require a lot of demonstration as far as how to hold and position your fingers. It is a lot of muscle memory, and most new students need proper technique to get them to enjoy their instrument. I find this takes patients. For more advanced students I would get into music theory, improvising/experimentation, ear training, and composition. I have old lesson plans from my own lessons, and have been working on a method book on quartal harmony in regards to major and melodic minor scales.
Music is meant to be a form of expression. Sometimes you'll find a student may have a hard time expressing themselves. So as part of my teaching style I try to make them feel comfortable. Everyone is different, which make some students more challenging than others. However, there is something consistent about every student. Every student has that look of bewilderment when they completely understand something. I call it the light bulb. When someone really gets it. I live for that. It makes my day.
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