Teaching & Coaching

In General Music Theory, Harmony & Songwriting

Ever since I can remember I was especially fascinated by the harmonic element of music - what happens when relatively stable tones or frequencies interact with each other simultaneously (or vertically on a sheet of music) and over time, sequentially. This passion has been a life-long personal quest to understand and expand my harmonic palette.

In terms of my own academic and independent studies, I’ve covered pretty much the entire Western European musical tradition from Gregorian chant, to 16th century modal counterpoint, all the way up to 20th century serial or atonal music. From the time I began serious piano lessons at the age of 10, I was given theory lessons as part of my lesson plan. At the Manhattan School of Music Pre-college division, which I attended while in High School, I continued my theory studies with highly regarded teachers like Tom Manoff and Edward Bilous and then received my B.A. in Music Theory and composition at Brown University, studying with Paul Nelson, Ron Nelson and James Baker.

Always looking to expand my harmonic capabilities, I eventually made two significant new studies later in life: one into Brazilian and American jazz harmony and the other into modal, Eastern, music as exemplified by much of the Gurdjieff/ de Hartmann canon. One of my particular interests is the integration of modal and functional harmony, something found in many of Brazil’s most popular composers such as A.C. Jobim, Djavan, Baden Powell, etc.

If you’re interested in expanding your music theory knowledge, harmonic palette or songwriting chops, click below: