Patrick Leigh (Smolinski), Owner/Operator    New London, WI

Phone: (715) 752-3085           Email:  Pat@AlternativeMIDI.com

Lessons

The Alternative Recording Studio also offers playing lessons on:

• Keyboards (Synthesizers, Piano and Organ)
• Bass Guitar
• Guitar (Acoustic or Electric)
• Drums (Acoustic or Electronic)
• Drum Programming (Drum Machines, Keyboards, Software, MIDI)

Methods are all conducted by ear, in any music style.  No note reading!  

I use a completely original method, developed over 3 decades, and time-tested to get you playing freely in a matter of months, rather than years.

If you want to play in a band, (or just play your favorite pop songs), playing by ear is usually the best method.  Unfortunately, very often sheet music and tablature are simplified for the beginning player.  Many times sheet music (and tabs) from different sources conflict with each other for the same song.  Sometimes there is no sheet music available at all for a particular song.  Other times the transcriber inadvertently (or intentionally) will put their own "twist" on the song.  If you want to 'play it like the record' the best way is to learn how to figure it out for yourself.

Lesson Plan:

Learn the notes and basic chords on "pitched" instruments, or the purpose of each drum.

Basic chord progression theory with basic rhythms, or beats.

Basic ear training and play-by-ear method.

Start to learn songs with me, and more importantly, learn how I am figuring them out.

More advanced chord progression theory and play-by-ear techniques.

Start learning songs on your own, strengthening rhythms, and eliminating any potential bad habits.

Finish advance chord progression theory or complex syncopated beats to  tackle more difficult songs.

Learn soloing theory, and how it applies to progression theory.

Learn the "lingo" of the biz and how to communicate well with other musicians.

Jumping right in and improvising on the spot.

Setting goals, getting in a band, writing your own songs, getting noticed, signed, or whatever you want to do with your new abilities.

Obviously this is just a watered-down basic outline of the lesson plan.  It varies for each individual, especially if you already have experience.  Please call and come out for a meeting to get more details on the entire  process.