Gary L Gerdes's Profile

I teach part-time in a K-8 school and offer private lessons in my studio on piano, keyboards, songwriting and composition, guitar and electric bass. For most private students, I teach from "learn some theory and 'tools', and be creative" approach.

Every private lesson plan and materials are individually customized to the students goals, level of expertise, and talents.

I have developed curricula, conceptual learning tools, arrangements, workbooks for dozens of classes and hundreds individual students.

I have over 20 years experience in teaching music. I've been commended for my clear, dynamic, patient, and encouraging style as a teacher both in schools and private lessons.

I've written nearly 400 completed songs in most of the popular music genres; and written over 150 instrumental pieces in a variety of styles (ranging from neoclassical, electronic/techno, and big band, to soundtracks and advertising jingles). I have written and published "Songwriting - Magic & Sweat".

I have a BA in Music Composition and Theory; and have continued learning through 30 years in the "real world" of both popular and "serious" music. So I am well versed in classical and popular music theory.

I have performed in concerts, musical theaters, night clubs, dances, etc. almost continually since the tenth grade.

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