Darrell Vernum

8 Years Teaching on Lessonface
Acoustic Guitar, Artist Development, Audio Recording and Music Production, Bass Guitar, Blues Guitar, Composition, Drums, Electric Guitar, Fingerstyle Guitar, Improvisation, Keyboard, Lead Guitar, Music Directing, Music Theory, Orchestration, Organ, Piano, Public Speaking, Rock Guitar, Saxophone, Singing for Actors, Small Group, Songwriting, Violin, Voice
Lesson Fees
$50.00 / 30 Minutes

About

Why these lessons are different: 
- Formally trained conductor/composer/producer 
- Individual or group session options including full band production 
- A long roster of satisfied clients 
- Broad base of musical styles (rock, classical, jazz, blues, metal, bluegrass, folk, theater, big band, symphonic, pop, punk, country, march, gospel, avant-garde...) 
- Over 25 yrs teaching experience and work with recognized professionals including work in some of the top-rated private schools in the United States 
- Over 30 years performing experience

Teaching Style

My process is based on (but does not adhere strictly to) the Classical approach to Western tonal harmony and asks that the students develop certain fundamentals of technique and theory. In my experience, this structure creates the strongest foundation for pupils to build the rest of their musical lives on, whether professionally or solely for personal enjoyment. All of my students are on the fast track to studying music theory. Whatever level they are at when I start with them, I guide their efforts into bringing the students up to a certain level of comprehension regarding the mathematical aspects of music and how it relates to their instruments. This understanding of theoretical principles of sound allows the students to play any style of music they wish, no matter how their tastes may change throughout their lives.

Curriculum

Instrument-specific instruction: 
- Voice 
- Guitar [Spanish, acoustic, electric] 
- Bass Guitar
- Piano/Keyboard 
- Woodwinds [specializing in saxophones] 
- Percussion 
- Violin

Curriculum Gradation:
Elements of rhythm
Elements of pitch
Elements of dynamics
Elements of articulation 
Reading/Writing notation
Tone development 
Finding/Expanding your range
Dexterity, speed, and accuracy
How to project 
How to advance to the next level
Music theory
Playing by ear
Improvisational techniques
Finding your signature style
Expression/Lyricism
Composition/Arrangement
Project Management

Credentials & Affiliations

Daring Ventures Multimedia, ASCAP, Fredonia School of Music, NYSSMA, American Red Cross