Maverick Studios:
Offering musical mentorship and lessons for children and adults in Songwriting, Voice, Guitar, Piano, Ukulele and Production
Songwriting Lessons
My absolute favorite subject to teach - my major at Berklee College of Music and my true passion! I believe that everyone has the capacity to create beautiful things, and I love helping my students mold their thoughts and feelings into music that they can treasure and share with others. Songwriting is a source of coping with the difficulties of growing up and living in our complicated world, and is the most helpful musical therapy there is, even if you never choose to share your songs with others, they will always be there for you. It can be a vulnerable process, but I know it like the back of my hand, and I’d love to help you develop your songs, no matter what stage you’re at. Depending on your needs, songwriting lessons can easily lead to production services as we bring your music to life, record you, produce tracks or record live musicians, and get your music on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, etc. No matter how far into the limelight you want your heartsongs to go, I’ll be here every step of the way. Contact me for a free trial lesson!
Voice Lessons
Singing is a wonderful way to experience the joy of making music with nothing but your breath and your passion, but proper instruction is necessary to insure that the student is using their instrument without causing strain, tension, or other vocal health problems. As a voice student at the University of California Santa Cruz where I studied Opera, and Berklee College of Music where I studied musical theatre, rock, R&B and other contemporary styles, I am an expert in working with each student’s unique voice and bringing out the best in their strengths while gently challenging them on their weaknesses, creating a healthy, joyful singing experience. I specialize in teaching high mix range skills through a combination of learning to embrace the full-body athleticism of belting and building awareness of vocal tension patterns, so that you can increase your vocal range and power without risking injury or reducing vocal flexibility. No matter what genre you love to sing, I will encourage you to embrace your true voice, express the emotion of your favorite songs, and perform for yourself or for audiences. Contact me for a free trial lesson!
Guitar Lessons
A wonderful first instrument for students of any age, acoustic or electric guitar is fun to learn, and only takes a short time before you can play some of your favorite songs, be they classic rock, folk or modern pop. Of course, there is much to learn about the most popular instrument in the US. Barre chords, epic riffs, beautiful fingerstyle techniques, electrifying solos, and self-accompaniment as a singer. And it’s never too late to start learning! Contact me for a free trial lesson!
PIano Lessons
No instrument is better for developing minds, fine motor skills and understanding of music theory than piano. Studying piano improves cognitive development, teaches the student to read sheet music and develop their ear. If you or your child love music but aren’t sure what instrument to pick, you can’t go wrong with the piano. The skills you learn from piano are so diverse that they will help you with any other instrument you ever choose to play in your life. Plus, it’s a favorite for singers who want to learn to accompany themselves, and it’s the best instrument to learn songwriting and composition on. Due to the way most music production software works, it’s also a stepping stone to music engineering and production! Contact me for a free trial lesson!
Ukulele Lessons
The Ukulele is a fun, easy, and popular choice for those with small hands or those who want to start with a simpler stringed instrument and possibly move on to the guitar. That’s not to say that there isn’t a ton to learn by studying the Hawaiian instrument. It’s one of my favorite to teach because in just a lesson or two, most students can learn enough to begin to play some of their favorite songs. It’s also a great way to learn about rhythm, reading music and lead sheets without as much complexity as the piano, so it’s ideal for the youngest students - but don’t let that stop you if you’re an adult who wants to learn! Ukulele is capable of being just as versatile as the guitar and is a bit easier to handle. Contact me for a free trial lesson!
Production Lessons
Looking to produce your own music? Learn to use programs like Garageband, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Studio One etc. to make your musical vision come to life! Learn the basics of sequencing with MIDI, recording live audio, editing and mixing with effects like Reverb, Delay, Chorus, EQ and Compression, Melodyne, making use of sample libraries and mastering! Contact me for a free trial lesson!