Learn music with an award-winning indie singer/songwriter & recording artist (ECR Music Group, NYC), founder of Hook & Ladder Records, actor, creator, writer, scoring composer, and producer with PizzaDog Studios (including the new web series Cloyd), and co-founder of Buffalo Music Club.

Songwriting is the center of my musical universe. I've been playing music since I was four years old, and teaching music lessons on a variety of instruments, pursuits and styles for at least 25 years. And I'm still a big believer in the fundamentals—discipline, technique, practicing, music theory . . . no matter what kind of musician you want to be, it isn't fun if you can't play. But songwriting is the center of my musical universe. It holds it all together for me—constantly giving me the focus, meaning, and purpose I need to return to the well over and over again. There's only one feeling in the world better than finishing a song, and that's starting the next one.

My Favorite Things to Teach

• Instruments: Acoustic Guitar, Piano, Keyboard & Synth, MIDI, Vocals
• Pursuits: Songwriting, Composition & Arranging, Music Theory, Performance, Recording & Audio Production, Scoring
• Styles: Indie, Singer/Songwriter, Folk, Classical

Ages & Skill Levels

• I work best with students ages 15 and up, but will work with younger students under the right circumstances
• Beginner, intermediate, and advanced students are welcome

Availability & Rates

• All lessons are currently conducted virtually
• Tuesdays & Thursdays: 4:00pm–6:00pm
• Saturdays: 10:00am–12:00pm
• 30 minutes: $30
• 60 minutes: $60

Use the calendar below to check upcoming availability and book your next lesson online. If there are no bookings available, or you need a different day or time, contact me at cloyd@buffalomusicclub.com to discuss.

Learn music with a pro audio production engineer, multi-instrumentalist (Asthmatic Kitty Records), composer, and founder & owner of Lowly Mountain Banjos.

Learn to think musically. Music is what happens when we turn the deepest part of us into sound and organize it to communicate to others. To make music, we must understand that the sound is downstream from what is inside us, as well as know what we are trying to communicate. One-on-one composition lessons with me will focus on electroacoustic practices and include traditional and non-traditional notation and instrumentation, sound recording and manipulation, instrument invention and construction, and developing a personal music philosophy. Prospective students will benefit from already having a knowledge of western music theory and practices, but it is not a prerequisite. Banjo lessons will focus solely on oldtime playing styles and the associated tunes and the traditions, and learning how to develop a unique style within this context. Whether composition or performance, I believe music making is best learned as a two-way exchange of ideas toward a holistic musical understanding.

My Favorite Things to Teach

• Instruments: Banjo (Oldtime)
• Pursuits: Composition & Arranging, Live Sound, Music Life Mentoring, Recording & Audio Production
• Styles: Folk, Traditional

Ages & Skill Levels

• I work best with students of all ages
• Beginner, intermediate, and advanced students are welcome

Availability & Rates

• Lessons are currently conducted either virtually or at my studio in Orchard Park, NY (following CDC guidelines for safety)
• Mondays–Thursdays: 7:00pm–11:00pm
• Fridays: 10:00am–11:00pm
• Saturdays: 8:00am–1:00pm
• Sundays: 3:00pm–8:00pm
• 30 minutes: $30
• 60 minutes: $60

Use the calendar below to check upcoming availability and book your next lesson online. If there are no bookings available, or you need a different day or time, contact me at lowlymountainbanjos@gmail.com to discuss.

Learn music with a pro composer, multidisciplinary artist, engineer (Peter Gabriel, Daniel Lanois, Snoop Dogg, Fela Kuti, Hans Zimmer), and founder & owner of Warm Jets Music Studio.

Discover the power of Reason. Propellerhead's Reason is a stellar all-in-one music software program that allows for multi-tracking of live and MIDI instruments and comes with a ton of amazing sounds, drum-kits, and effects. Pro composer and multidisciplinary artist Jason Pfaff has been using Reason for everything since 2014—writing in multiple genres (including Pop, Hip-Hop, Electronica, and Soundtrack), post-mixing, and mastering. Reason is moving its way up the popularity ladder and has proven to be a real contender as a stand-alone DAW, and version 11 also allows it to be used as a plugin in other programs. (Jason prefers to teach versions 11 back down to 6, but he can teach previous versions as well.)

My Favorite Things to Teach

• Instruments: Computers, MIDI, Music Software (Reason)
• Pursuits: Beat Production, Recording & Audio Production, Songwriting
• Styles: Electronic/Dance, Hip-Hop/Rap, Pop, Rock, Singer/Songwriter

Ages & Skill Levels

• I work best with students ages 11 and up
• Beginner, intermediate, and advanced students are welcome

Availability & Rates

• Lessons are currently conducted either virtually or at my studio in Williamsville, NY (following CDC guidelines for safety)
• Wednesdays: 5:00pm–9:00pm
• Saturdays: 10:00am–8:00pm
• 30 minutes: $35
• 60 minutes: $65

Use the calendar below to check upcoming availability and book your next lesson online. If there are no bookings available, or you need a different day or time, contact me at jasonpfaff23@yahoo.com to discuss.

Learn music with a pro mix engineer (Griselda Records, Lana Del Ray, Naughty By Nature, Mariah Carey, Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Jaheim, Dead Prez, Big Pun, Eminem, Notorious B.I.G), multi-platinum record producer (Smashproof, Quiet as Kept Records), DJ, and music educator (UB, BAVPA).

Learn how to mix and master your music from an industry pro. For artists, musicians, producers, and engineers! In these lessons, we dive deep into your personal music projects. We pinpoint your goals and build on your knowledge, developing the skills you need to take your music to the next level. I answer all of your questions and share the studio tricks I've learned from the top producers and engineers in the business. The main topics include production, recording, mixing, and mastering, plus music business tips and career mentorship. I also teach DJing! I began my musical career as a DJ and went on to perform with legends like Afrika Bambaata, Pete Rock, and Tony Touch. For the aspiring DJ or seasoned vet, I’m offering lessons that will take your performances to the next level. Students will ZOOM directly into the studio with full-quality audio, and a live screenshare of the digital audio workstation. The goal of these classes is to teach you techniques that you can use immediately to make your music sound better, and give you a better understanding of how great music is made.

My Favorite Things to Teach

• Instruments: Computers, Music Software (DAWs)
• Pursuits: Beat Production, DJing, Recording & Audio Production
• Styles: Hip-Hop/Rap, Pop, Rock, R&B

Ages & Skill Levels

• I work best with students ages 15 and up
• Beginner, intermediate, and advanced students are welcome

Availability & Rates

• All lessons are currently conducted virtually
• Tuesdays–Thursdays: 7:00pm–11:00pm
• 30 minutes: $30
• 60 minutes: $60

Use the calendar below to check upcoming availability and book your next lesson online. If there are no bookings available, or you need a different day or time, contact me at jeremycball@gmail.com to discuss.

Learn music with a pro drummer (Moby, Ne-Yo, Robyn, AJR, Ingrid Michaelson, Sam Moore, The Temptations), producer, music educator, and career coach.

Learn the fundamentals of drumming—for playing AND the real world. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, Joe Goretti's unique approach to teaching will help any student achieve their personal goals. As a graduate of Berklee College of Music, Joe has enjoyed a successful career as a world-class professional freelance drummer. He teaches not only the fundamentals of drumming but also how to apply it in the real world. During lessons with Joe, students will learn about reading and writing music, rudiments and applications, ear training, soloing, double bass drum technique, and much more across a variety of styles and situations. No matter what you want to accomplish as a drummer, Joe Goretti will show you the way!

My Favorite Things to Teach

• Instruments: Drums & Percussion, Music Software
• Pursuits: Beat Production, Improvisation, Music Theory, Performance, Recording & Audio Production
• Styles: Rock, Jazz, Hip-Hop/Rap, Electronic/Dance

Ages & Skill Levels

• I work best with students ages 11 and up
• Beginner, intermediate, and advanced students are welcome

Availability & Rates

• All lessons are currently conducted virtually
• Tuesdays & Wednesdays: 12:00pm–7:00pm
• Saturdays & Sundays: 10:00am–6:00pm
• 30 minutes: $30
• 60 minutes: $60

Use the calendar below to check upcoming availability and book your next lesson online. If there are no bookings available, or you need a different day or time, contact me at joe@joegoretti.com to discuss.

Learn music with a pro composer, bassist, producer, and arranger (Brian Culbertson, Najee, Julius Wilson, Cissy Houston, Marvin Winans, Riley Richard, Phil Perry, Me’Lisa Morgan, Donnie McClurkin, Special Gift, “Stevie J” Jordan, Walter Kemp 3).

My Favorite Things to Teach

• Instruments: Double Bass, Bass Guitar, Synth Bass
• Pursuits: Improvisation, Music Business, Music Life Mentoring, Music Theory, Performance, Recording & Audio Production
• Styles: Alternative, Blues, Classical, Country, Electronic/Dance, Folk, Hip-Hop/Rap, Indie, Jazz, Metal/Hard Rock, Musical Theatre, Pop, R&B, Rock, Singer/Songwriter, Soul/Funk, Traditional

Ages & Skill Levels

• I work best with students of all ages
• Beginner, intermediate, and advanced students are welcome

Availability & Rates

• All lessons are currently conducted virtually
• Tuesdays & Thursdays: 10:00am–9:30pm
• 30 minutes: $40
• 60 minutes: $60

Use the calendar below to check upcoming availability and book your next lesson online. If there are no bookings available, or you need a different day or time, contact me at rishonodel2@gmail.com to discuss.

Learn music with a pro songwriter, producer, engineer, music business consultant, and founder & CEO of Work Art Entertainment.

Figuring out the music biz is totally my M.O. I produce and play the keys by ear, and I use my software to help bring out the best in my creative nature and songwriting abilities, which are truly blessings from God. Most people are lost with the business side of music, and that is why I spent eight years working to learn the biz and what's to come, keeping up with legislative changes and requirements and other developments. It takes a lot of hard work and knowledge to ensure that your music is secure and still get the exposure it needs to be enjoyed by everyone. No matter how good your music is (and it has to be GOOD), just throwing a ton of tracks on YouTube hoping to get discovered is NOT a business plan.

My Favorite Things to Teach

• Instruments: Computers, Music Software (ProTools, Logic Pro X)
• Pursuits: Beat Production, Composition & Arranging, Recording & Audio Production, Scoring, Songwriting
• Styles: Country, Hip-Hop/Rap, Jazz, Pop, R&B, Rock

Ages & Skill Levels

• I work best with students ages 15 and up
• Beginner, intermediate, and advanced students are welcome

Availability & Rates

• Lessons are currently conducted either virtually or at my studio in Amherst, NY (following CDC guidelines for safety)
• Mondays & Tuesdays: 7:00pm–12:00am
• Wednesdays: 11:00am–12:00am
• Fridays: 8:00pm–1:00am (select Saturday to book the "Midnight–1:00am" slot)
• Saturdays: 7:00pm–12:00am
• Sundays: 9:00am–2:00pm
• 30 minutes: $30
• 60 minutes: $60

Use the calendar below to check upcoming availability and book your next lesson online. If there are no bookings available, or you need a different day or time, contact me at vbowers@workartent.com to discuss