Tucker Livingston
About
Hi, my name is Tucker Livingston. I teach acoustic guitar, finger style guitar, and songwriting lessons for children and adults. I love bringing people together through the power of music and enabling others to find their own creative voice.
I have been a featured artist at The Austin City Limits Music Festival, SXSW Music Festival, Kerrville Folk Festival, and Voice of America. I won best Singer/Songwriter in 2004 for the Austin Music Foundation's Incubator Competition and was a co-writer on the Texas Music Awards "Album of the Year" 2011. My songs have been featured on television, radio, and in contemporary dance, ballet and films. I've also traveled on multiple tours throughout Asia, Africa, and the Middle East as an official United States Ambassadors of American Music for the US State Department, performing in over 80 cities holding workshops for children and adults. I’ve also been a member of several non-profit Texas music groups for children including Groundwork’s Music Orchestra and Cowboys & Indians.
I am known for my soulful lyrics and finger-picking guitar style which uses open tunings. If you're interested in learning to play the acoustic guitar or find your songwriting voice, or if you have children who want an introduction to guitar, get in touch and let's get started! I can't wait to talk to you and see how we can work together to improve your craft!
Teaching Style
For young children, I'm certified in the Gentle Guitar Method, which I mix with my own methods, I aim to help children feel comfortable and have fun learning, while still striving for a level of mastery. Once they get the confidence in their abilities and master the basic concepts and simple songs, we're able to branch out into more complex music and songwriting.
For older students, my teaching style is loose and informal and I can meet the student where they are and help them with the aspects they need to grow, whether it's guiding them to improve their writing, helping with open tunings, or critiquing and improving their musical ideas.
Curriculum
As mentioned above, I use the Gentle Guitar method for young children, which aims to give them confidence, let them have fun, and create mastery over simple concepts so we can move on to more advanced songs. I also have my own curriculum that I adapt, based on the needs of the learner. These include classical songs that I learned with, finger-picking exercises, and more, as needed for each student.
For songwriting lessons, I teach from personal experience more than basic theory, and I prefer to work with those who already have some knowledge of their instrument and have dipped their toes into writing.
Credentials & Affiliations
ASCAP Publishing Artist
Winner of Austin Music Foundation's Singer-Songwriter Grant 2003
Co-Writer, Texas Music Album of the Year 2019
Official Ambassador of American Music 1998 - 2008
