Songwriting Lessons/Workshop

While developing and refining my teaching philosophies and abilities over the past 15 years, my niche has become more and more clear. With my academic experience in teaching music theory, improvisation, and ear training, as well as my love of songwriting and popular music, I feel uniquely suited to teach songwriting lessons. My heart sings at the idea of widening the realm of expression for young musicians, and guiding them in their search for a unique artistic voice. In tailoring challenges and new avenues of exploration to their own evolving musical interests, I give my students the freedom to be the author of their own musical journey.

Songwriting lessons with me center around the piano (in which I hold a Doctorate degree in performance); however, the lesson content is structured depending on the specific interest of the student. We may explore playing chords, licks, and solos on the guitar, making basslines, creating rhythmic patterns (beats), composing textures and leads on synthesizers, and more! I emphasize active music listening and ear training in lessons, and will help students to become fluent in music recording software - such as Garageband, Logic, or ProTools - so they can begin their first single!

Below, you can hear some of the songwriting/performing work of a few of my students. Above, you can sample my own songwriting. My debut album, Moments of Clarity, in progress since 2019, will debut in 2022. If you would like to sample some of those demos, or if you have questions about - or interest in - signing up for lessons, contact me at 952-220-5233 or spencermiller51@gmail.com. Lessons are taught at my home in Saint Paul, MN. Thank you!

-Dr. Spencer Miller

Rates:

$35 - half-hour lesson

$70 - hour lesson