Half Note Studio
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What We Teach

All Half Note Instructors have music degrees, substantial performance experience or both. The school currently offers guitar, voice, electric bass, piano, sax, and the Kaleidoscope children's program. In addition, essential elements such as Song Writing, Ear Training, Music Theory and Performance Preparation are available. If you are seeking instruction in an area not listed, please contact us with your needs.
"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

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). 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.

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. 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.

School Director, Jack Dowdell

Jack Dowdell - Guitar Instructor Jack 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 his own words: "I enjoy teaching music for the challenge.  Each student has an individual learning style by which they can be reached.  Determining and subsequently implementing the teaching approach that meets their learning style is the challenge I most enjoy.  Regardless of students’ preferred musical styles, each 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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