Private Vibraphone and Xylophone Lessons.
MARK SHERMAN : Vibraphone and Xylophone.
Topics:
My method takes you through learning all your 2‐5‐1 progressions in all keys using various drills, for voicing and mastery of the chords in all keys. Utilizing major scales, minor scales, modes, bebop scales, diminished scales, altered scales, and pentatonic scales I can get a beginner moving very quickly on his or her quest to master the understanding, performance, and general negotiation of chord changes. I take you through a simple and methodical way of thinking about harmony and improvisations. My scale drills and chord outline drills combined with my motive development drill will drive your improvising in forward motion. The simplicity of my way of thinking of the language allows a student to learn it quickly, and begin soloing right away which turns learning into fun, as well as boosts the players confidence on their instrument of choice. For vibraphonist I additionally teach the technical issues, two mallet and four mallet playing as well as dampening, and pedaling drills. These are designed specifically for the playing vibes, and the other mallet instruments. Additionally we work on sight-reading, and executing parts.
Philosophy:
PRACTICE DOES NOT MAKE PERFECT!
PERFECT PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT!!!!!!!!!!
My teaching philosophy is quite simple in theory.
I believe you must first learn to play your instrument focussing mainly on learning to get a good sound, and technique first through playing scales, and arpeggios, as well as long tones. Playing simple to difficult classical pieces can help you to develop your sound, phrasing, the use of legato, and staccato techniques, and the general interpretation of musical phrases. After this study as a foundation, playing jazz is much easier to learn and develop. So a strong classical background is important for beginners. You can then with your already developed technique on your instrument begin the quest to learn the rhythmic, and harmonic language skills, as well as the stylistic inflections needed to play jazz. In the study of jazz listening lists, and tune lists must be studied, as well as the drills used to improve your linear improvisations. And of course the most important piece of my philosophy is whatever you practice be sure to adhere to this concept. "PERFECT PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT"
Practice method is everything. It will determine how fast one progresses. You must break passages down slowly, and repeat them slowly, and then increase speed little by little.
-Click here for more information on Mark Sherman
Not sure if the class is right for you? Come and sit in on a class before you sign up. To make an appointment contact us by email or call 917-340-0270.
