Teaching
I began offering private lessons in piano, guitar, and theory in 2008. In Chicago at the time, my studio eventually grew to 30 private students. I have since scaled back my student base and embraced a more holistic approach to music education, which includes lessons in any combination of the following subjects:
- Piano/keyboard performance (beginning-to-advanced; in classical, pop, jazz, etc.)
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Guitar (from beginning-to-intermediate)
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Songwriting, composition, & arranging (from adding chords to simple melodies, to writing for orchestra)
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Improvisation (I will do my best to demistify an often intimidating new venture!)
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Music Theory (from music reading, to chords, to counterpoint, to serialism and non-Western theories)
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Synthesis (from basic subtractive synths, to sampling, to designing from scratch your own soft synths)
- Recording, mixing, and production (computer and analog)
My teaching style is flexible and empathetic. In addition to working on technique, theory, and repertoire, my ultimate goal is to foster a love for the practice of music in my students. I am very grateful for the opportunity to share my musical knowledge and experience with other musicians, both nascent and skilled!
As part of my own lifelong study and practice of music, I’ve earned an MFA in Performaer-Composer studies, and a BFA in Composition, both from the esteemed CalArts School of Music. I also offer a practical background in performance, touring, recording, and mixing.
I teach at my studio, in your home (Los Angeles area), or remotely (via Zoom). Please contact me at thurston.tyson@gmail.com for my sliding-scale rates, availability, and references. The first lesson is always free.