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LESSONS
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James is travelling to students homes in Wagga - available as far out as Springvale/Estella
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James is available during school hours on location at Kildare Catholic College for students enrolled at Kildare
Your Teacher
James Baker is a versatile and well-rounded musician with a career spanning multiple disciplines having worked on stage, in the studio, and in the pit since he was 15
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As a Green Room Award Winning Musical Director and accompanist, he has been responsible for vocal coaching, band leading, and performing in musicals and cabarets on stages as far-flung as Melbourne, Australia, and Edinburgh, UK
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As a hired gun, he has worked extensively as a session musician in recording studios and as a regular keyboardist for corporate bands and theatre-based tribute & original shows
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As a composer, he has written and recorded original music for cabaret and theatre, with his compositions heard by audiences at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe
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As a student, he studied under the excellent tutelage of renowned Melbourne musicians Marina Kostromin, Darren Wicks, and Jack Pantazis at NMIT (now Melbourne Polytechnic)
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As an educator, he has taught one-on-one contemporary piano lessons for over a decade and has worked as an accompanist, band leader, and musical director with over 100 Music 1 HSC students for their final performance exams
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As a musician, he knows his craft and understands the critical skills musicians need in today’s industry
We take on students from many backgrounds:
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Unlock the secrets of chords to elevate your piano playing:
- Master common chord voicings to add richness and depth to your sound.
- Discover useful chord hacks that simplify complex progressions.
- Explore passing chords and reharmonization techniques to create sophisticated transitions.
- Build a versatile "playing vocabulary" where these concepts flow naturally into your music, enhancing your creativity and confidence.
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Leverage technology to expand your musical possibilities:
- Learn to program keyboard patches from basic setups to advanced configurations tailored to your needs.
- Get hands-on experience with notation software, making sheet music and charts a breeze.
- Dive into the essentials of DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) recording software, from setup to multitrack recordings.
- Explore strategies for utilizing computers in live performances, ensuring seamless integration into your setup.
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Bridging traditional and contemporary approaches to music reading:
- Learn to read and interpret traditional sheet music with confidence.
- Get fluent in reading and writing modern chord charts and lead sheets, the foundation of contemporary music.
- Apply your knowledge of chord theory and improvisation to enhance your interpretation and performance of written music.
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Adapt your playing to any performance scenario:
- Develop solo piano techniques to fill every gap, creating a full and engaging sound.
- Learn how to accompany a vocalist or instrumentalist, respecting their musical space while enhancing the performance.
- Understand the dynamics of band playing, mastering the art of restraint where "less is more."
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The art of improvisation is essential to contemporary styles like pop, rock, and jazz:
- Develop the skills to listen, react, and create in the moment, making your performances dynamic and engaging.
- Learn how to manipulate scales and modes to craft unique melodies.
- Use chord tones and stylistic techniques to build improvised phrases that suit various genres.
- Gain confidence improvising in any setting, whether you're soloing or jamming with a group.
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Unlock the unique sounds and capabilities of your instruments:
- Program a perfect FX chain for a sparkling, iconic Rhodes sound.
- Fine-tune your Wurlitzer to get that classic, punchy tone.
- Shape your Hammond organ sound using drawbars and explore advanced techniques like palm glisses and held tones.
- Make your piano cut through the mix in any setting, whether live or recorded.
- Learn the basics of sound design to create unique synth patches that reflect your style.
- Master layering and splitting techniques to combine multiple sounds for performance or production.
- Discover the secrets to creating a powerful, phat sound that commands attention.
