Can I just do one hour?
I offer sets of lessons and not just a single hour for a number of reasons.
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Having time over the course of several sessions is helpful because it enables me to learn what you understand and could benefit from learning. Also, students benefit from having time to digest material and return with any questions or other topics of interest.
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If you are concerned about working online, we can connect for a short "free tour" to see if the lessons are the right fit for you.
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Do the lessons expire?
To encourage people to keep momentum (and make sure we're not starting cold after months of inactivity), each Lesson Package has a set amount of time that the sessions are valid, after which they will expire.
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2 Session Introductory Set - good for 1 month.
5 Session Lesson Package - good for 3 months
10 Session Lesson Package - good for 5 months
20 Session Lesson Package - good for 10 months.
Can't I just learn it on youtube?
Yeah, possibly! …some of it, depending on what you are after.
A lot of what I teach (although certainly not all) IS online in some form or another. But that’s the problem. There are absolutely TONS of amazing resources online - too many!! Where do you start? How do you connect the info together? What else are you missing? …how long will it take you to hunt down all the answers? How will you KNOW when you have all the answers? Do you NEED all the answers?
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I’ve had a number of youtube junkies who have spent MONTHS and MONTHS (if not longer) digesting TONS of very specific tricks and techniques - including things I’ve never been exposed to. That’s very impressive! But it stems from a larger issue of not feeling ready or not establishing a workflow that leads to confidence (and completed songs).
Youtube veterans still get in touch with me, because (despite burying themselves under TONS of information) they continue to struggle to string everything together in a way that gets them results. Being exposed to information is not the same as understanding, applying, or taking ownership of it.
If you’re here (and not busy working on your songs) chances are that the approaches and resources you’ve turned to before have not given you what you need to move forward. While the answers may be out there, it’s usually a very slow road to hunt them down (I know, I’ve done it!! …before youtube existed). A lot of times, people will get discouraged and / or have life get in the way, before they trawl around long enough to get all the info they think they need. The lessons are designed to help you save (TONS of) time and get right to the point, moving directly towards results.
Do I need to play an instrument? What if I am new to making music?
No, there is no requirement to have any prior musical experience or training. I work with people who have been doing this for years as well as brand new beginners.
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In fact, I have had several students who did not even own recording software before we met (just an interest in making songs). And they downloaded a free trial versions of music recording programs (which many of the manufacturers offer) that we used for our lessons.
All you need is Skype, Google Hangouts (for gmail users), or Zoom (which are all free to download and easy to use), some kind of microphone (a lot of computers have microphones built in) so that I can hear you speak and also the sounds coming from your computer, and an interest in creating music and desire to learn! We can build from there.
How can you know all DAWs (digital audio workstations) / recording software?
I don’t! With the differences in platforms and operating systems, different versions of software, and all the different DAW manufacturers out there, there’s NO WAY I could know ALL of them! But that’s not what I’m claiming or offering. I help people to use whatever software they have to improve their productions.
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I employ a 3-pronged approach in my teaching, covering: conceptual, technical, and applied aspects of the process. A conceptual understanding explains what something is and why you would use it (in general). Technical explanations show you how to execute something (specifically in your DAW). And the applied process actually puts it to use, showing you when and where to perform something (in your song). …learn about it, understand how to do it, and make it happen.
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Understanding how to operate a DAW is important, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. And when I work in unfamiliar programs or customized set-ups, there are times when I have to take a minute to get my bearings. But students continue to book more sessions. …not because they like stumping me or enjoy watching me scramble to figure out a different layout (at least I hope not, the sadists, aha)… But because they realize that once we get past any technical hiccups, we can then focus on a certain aspect, understand it, and work to fit it into the bigger picture.
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The DAW is the tool that you use to get you the results. And I often tell people, it’s like driving a car. I don’t know everything about every car. …I’m not an owner’s manual (or an instruction manual). But I understand how to drive and get places. So even if it takes me a minute to find the lights and figure out the navigation system, once I get my bearings, we’re off!
Can you teach me EVERYTHING?
No, not everything. I have taught many people and helped them to take charge of their recordings. After our lessons, they are able to get ideas out and create songs as they have wanted to do! …or to refine / improve their process and ultimately their results. But each case is unique. Some people have very specific requests or particular set-ups – usually involving particular techniques or certain gear / plug-ins. Sometimes it is outside of my area of familiarity / involvement.
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Just like everyone else, I am on the path myself - not at the END of it. But I’ve been traveling it for a while. I offer the knowledge and experience that I have fought hard to acquire over 18 years of doing this.
Get in touch, and we can discuss your particular situation. I’ll be glad to give an honest assessment of your request. Depending on what it is, maybe I can help.
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ALSO, there are a handful of topics / services that I help people with as needed but which are NOT really what these music production lessons are intended for. Please read about WHAT THE LESSONS ARE NOT SOLELY INTENDED FOR.
Do you offer a curriculum?
I can, but I don’t in general. I keep my lessons very flexible to accommodate each student’s needs. I have mapped out lesson plans which cover chosen topics, in a set order - similar to a curriculum. But most people show up with some existing body of knowledge. They already know things and don’t want (or need) to start at square one. Many want to fill in the blanks or ask specific questions. So forcing them into a formalized learning construct isn’t beneficial (or desired).
Even for brand-new beginners (…and I’ve had a number of people who are opening their DAW for the very first time in our first lesson), it is useful to be able to move at a pace and in a direction that is best for that student. There are very expensive production and engineering schools out there which make you commit to anywhere from 6 months to a several years. And they do clearly produce results. But the purpose of my private lessons is to customize the learning experience. Rather than shuttle people through a set timeframe and workload, I want people to move directly toward their OWN goals and learn what THEY want to learn (as I introduce essential concepts and techniques to help them, along the way).
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I’ve found that most people like having guidance while ALSO having the freedom to take detours, ask questions, and explore things deeper. But if you are interested in following a structured, planned regimen, I can put that together (or we can work to arrange one). Again, just let me know if this is of interest.
Are you connected with a school or training program?
No. I am an independent producer who helps others, with no affiliation to any school, university, training program, record label, or promotion company.
Is there homework or set requirements?
No, unless you want it. :) These are your lessons! I want you to excel and to learn the things that you are interested in. Some people like (and thrive under) the expectation of having to get things completed; most want to be educated and then apply the material as they choose. Usually I will encourage, but not demand, working on various things. But I’m here to help with your goals. So we can take whatever approach works best for you.
What if I don't want to make songs?
Not everyone is interested in creating songs. I get requests for a variety of audio-related tasks. Sometimes it is understanding how to perform various things with digital audio or in a DAW: recording vocals for a podcast, editing songs for a live set list, reconstructing MIDI arrangements, practicing mixing techniques… Other times it is simply helping people to understand equipment, studio configuration, workflow approaches, or the production process (for studio owners or managers).
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If you have a specific request, please include that in the contact form, and we can discuss it.
Do you do work-for-hire?
No, I am an educator, not an engineer. I do not take requests for completing projects (such as ghostwriting songs for DJs, creating beats for rappers, doing mixdowns for bands, writing songs for vocalists, completing school assignments, collaborating on tracks, writing soundtracks or scores for film projects…). I understand there is a need for all these requests. But my aim is to help people be able to do these things themselves.
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I will occasionally work on various audio-related tasks (see the previous question). …and even if it is not something that I offer, there is a chance that I might know someone, in the network of people I work with, who could possibly help. Feel free to get in touch for consideration.
Can I hear your music?
Sure. I don’t mind showing people what I create. I don’t post it here, because it’s my own personal work - which is wild, energetic dance music. And I wouldn’t want people to think that is the ONLY thing I help with. A few of my students create things in similar genres, although (so far) no one has made exactly the same styles that I do. And a lot of people don’t ask because the lessons are about them and their music, so it doesn’t come up. But if you’re interested in hearing what I do, just ask, and I’ll be glad to send a link.
Are there opportunities to work or connect with others?
Potentially! In general, people show up with their own agenda and want to focus on their songs. But the lessons are designed to help individuals with their musical pursuits. And I have had students with similar musical goals and visions request to work with each other. Creative collaborations and work between songwriters and vocalists may be possible. Please mention if this is of interest to you.