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Half Note Studio Instructors
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All Half Note
Instructors have music degrees, substantial performance experience or both. The
Studio currently offers instruction in Guitar, Voice, Electric Bass, Violin
(Traditional or non), Viola, Piano. In addition, essential elements such as Song
Writing, Ear Training, Music Theory and Performance Preparation are available.
If you are seeking instruction an area not listed, please contact us with your
needs.
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"I'm not just learning
the technical aspects of reading music, I'm learning how to feel and express the
emotions the composer intended to communicate. My instructor has taught me how
to turn notes into a personal expression of my own emotions and feelings, and
that, I believe, is the true measure of a great musician."
- Elliott, Half Note
Student
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General Music Classes
Music Theory This class is designed for students who want more music
theory than that which is taught in lessons. (Or just a slower look). Like your
regular lesson, these classes are private. This affords the student the luxury
of progressing at a comfortable pace and the flexibility to gravitate towards
whichever specific discipline is most needed. We can start with “This is a note”
or “Let’s reharmonize this melody in a different key.” Contact the studio and tell
us about your musical background (formal and informal) as well as any musical goals
you may have.
Song Writing The Song Writing program is for people who may have musical
ideas and are not sure how to get them into proper musical form. This program is
also popular for people who have written lyrics but do not know how to set them to
music. Students are exposed to traditional techniques but are also encouraged to
develop a personal song-writing style. Contact the studio and tell us about your
musical background (formal and informal) as well as any musical goals you may have.
CompositionThis class teaches compositional techniques from a traditional
stance. Students will have the opportunity to analyze the works of master composers.
As the periodic styles are explored, students will be guided through the process of
composing songs in these styles. We can start with “This is a major scale” or “Let’s
compare Beethoven’s earlier works to those of (his) romantic period.” Contact the
studio and tell us about your musical background (formal and informal) as well as
any musical goals you may have.
Improvisation is designed for students who have already acheieved an itermediate level
on their instrument. We will work with you to further develop your improvisational technique.
Kaleidoscope is a program for children where they are given an opportunity to experiment
with different instruments. This class is designed for children who are not quite ready for private
instruction but would benefit from receiving basic musical skills. For more information contact
us at
info@halfnotestudio.com or
call 425.747.8937. You child will have fun reaching for their musical potential!
Ear Training is one of the most important skills in musical development and should be a
part of any musical curriculum. This course offers various aspects of ear training skills such
as, sight-singing, pitch recognizition and recall, call and response, and harmonic anaylsis.
If you do not see your instrument listed please contact us for up to date availability.
Please send us email at
info@halfnotestudio.com or
call 425.747.8937.
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Studio Director, Jack Dowdell
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Jack Dowdell (Studio Director) first played
the guitar at age 13 and began formal training at age 16. At 17,
he began teaching kids in his NY neighborhood. After 3 years under
the tutelage of Richie Hart in New York, Jack transferred to Boston's
Berklee College of Music where he studied composition and arranging
with a concentration in guitar. He eventually changed his major to
education and transferred Northwestern Louisiana where he earned a
Bachelors degree in Vocal Music Education. While studying at
Northwestern, Jack also served on the faculty of the Department of
Continuing Education teaching guitar.
Upon graduation, he
was hired by the San Antonio School District to teach Guitar
Studies, Music Theory and Direct Choral Activities. All the while
teaching private guitar, he enjoyed a successful career in the
public school system spanning grades K-12 within 3 districts. Also
during that period, Jack assumed the post of Choral Director for St.
John Neumann Church. While employed there, he had the opportunity to
write arrangements that were performed during Mass. May of 1992 was
the debut of Jack's composition, Mass in B flat. This work,
performed entirely in Latin, was written for and dedicated to Father
Robert Silverman on the occasion of the celebration of his Silver
Jubilee.
In their own
words; "I enjoy teaching guitar so much because of the
challenges it offers. Each student has an individual learning style
by which they can be “reached”. Determining, and consequently
implementing the teaching approach that “meets” their learning style
is the challenge I most enjoy. Each student, regardless of their
musical styles, must be given the tools to reach their goals.
Students should be given a balance of tasks that challenge the
student in varying degrees."
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