PRIVATE LESSONS

Class space is limited, and availability varies. If you're interested in songwriting classes, but a class space is not available currently, private lessons are always an option. Weekly hour lessons are recommended, but half hour slots are also available.

Please contact Karl at karlstraub@hotmail.com for information, or call during weekday business hours (703) 379-6222. Lessons and classes are taught at Karl's home in Alexandria, just near the Arlington border.

more information about Karl's teaching at guitarteacherstraub.blogspot.com/
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LYRIC WRITING CLASSES

Need help with lyric writing? Try my LYRIC WRITING CLASS.

Class will meet the first and third Tuesdays of each month, from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Tuition for the class will be $150.00 per month. Class will meet at 406 Cloverway, Alexandria, Virginia, 22314.
Please email me at karlstraub@hotmail.com if you're interested-- class size is limited. (PRIVATE LESSONS ALSO AVAILABLE.)

Here are some of the topics we'll cover--

• FITTING WORDS TO MUSIC and RHYTHMS
  
  
• STORYTELLING--USING SHORT FICTION AS A MODEL
  
  
• USING STRUCTURE TO INCREASE EMOTIONAL EFFECT
  
  
• WHAT YOU CAN WRITE ABOUT
  
  
• HOLDING THE LISTENER'S ATTENTION
  
  
  In the class, we'll study the work of successful writers of different styles and eras. Students will also be able to bring in songs they are working on, for class discussion. The goal of the class will be to help you write better in your own style, using the techniques of great songwriters and short story writers as a model.
  
  
  
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SONGWRITING CLASSES

If you are interested in writing songs but don't know how to start, or you've been writing songs for a while but want help taking your writing to the next level, I recommend taking my songwriting classes. (Private lessons are a good option as well. One-on-one lessons make it easier for us to focus on any specific questions or needs the student has.)

In my classes and lessons, you will learn how to:

• MAKE YOUR MELODIES CATCHIER


• INCREASE THE EMOTIONAL IMPACT OF YOUR SONGS


• WRITE IN VIRTUALLY ANY STYLE OF MUSIC


• FIT WORDS TO MUSIC, AND MUSIC TO WORDS
  
  
• WRITE SONGS THAT PEOPLE WON'T FORGET
  

I teach a lot of guitar lessons, but as a musician I'm better known as a songwriter than as a guitarist. My songs have been recorded by numerous artists, including Eric Brace and Last Train Home, the Grandsons, Little Pink, and Virginia Coalition. I teach private songwriting lessons as well as songwriting classes. I basically teach two levels of songwriting classes,

Beginner Level (music fundamentals), and Intermediate/Advanced Level (how to improve your work in every area)

1. Intermediate/Advanced class. Students in this class need some music fundamentals/music theory background. Class builds on basic fundamentals, covering song structure, melody techniques, chord progressions, rhythms, matching lyrics to melodies, and much more. To illustrate these concepts, we use a variety of songs-- different artists, styles, genres. We've analyzed music by the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Merle Haggard, Richard Rodgers, and many more. I also use my own songs to show various songwriting approaches. Students also bring in their own original material for class discussion, and are encouraged to suggest music for the class to study. If you're trying to figure out how your favorite songs work, bring them in and we'll find out!

2. "Beginner" or "Fundamentals" class. The purpose of this class is to prepare a student for the more advanced class. We cover fundamentals and music theory, in order to build a foundation for more advanced discussion of the craft of songwriting. If you have always been intimidated by music theory, don't worry! It's not nearly as difficult and complex as people think--
--and it can open up all kinds of doors in your songwriting. Anything you want to know more about, from chords to melodies to how to match words to music, can be made easier with a little theory work.

The intermediate/advanced class meets Thursdays from 7 to 8:30. Tuition is $150.00 per month. Please contact me at karlstraub@hotmail.com for details about beginner/fundamentals classes and private lessons.

for more thoughts about teaching/learning the craft of songwriting, please see this other post--
guitarteacherstraub.blogspot.com/2009/06/songwriting-private-lessons-and-classes.html

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WHAT STUDENTS SAY ABOUT STRAUB'S TEACHING

"Karl works with your songs and suggests small changes that can make the difference between a good song and a great song."

"Karl reveals the 'dealbreakers' --lots of little mistakes that can ruin an otherwise good song."

"Karl teaches from your musical experience--he finds familiar music that illustrates new techniques."

"Karl knows all the best ingredients to include in great pop music."

"Karl gives you tips and tricks for spicing up your songs."

--songwriting class student

"Karl knows more about music theory and songwriting, and explains it better, than anybody I know. I have watched him captivate rooms full of caffeine-deprived adults--

(at Saturday morning workshops), shy songwriters (comparing the story arcs of, say, John Cheever and Stephen Foster), and elementary-school guitar
students not much bigger than "the size of a carpet sample," (to quote one of his lyrics). He is a superb songwriter, guitarist and singer who, in another era, would have been the king of Tin Pan Alley or the Brill Building (and may yet be). For now, we're incredibly lucky that he's here in DC. He has the knowledge, the sense of humor, and most important, the generosity of spirit, that make a teacher great."

Mary Battiata
Singer-songwriter and bandleader (Little Pink)

"Karl brings the perspective of an experienced craftsman to his songwriting classes. Deconstructing the melodies, rhythms, and harmonic and chordal arrangements of classic popular songs from multiple genres (whether Berlin, Beatles or Bacharach) to illustrate his concepts, Karl provides his students with a variety of principles, “rules” (with, of course, exceptions) and strategies for song composition in a supportive environment. Students are encouraged to present works-in-progress for evaluation, feedback and polishing from Karl and fellow students. While some grounding in fundamental music theory is helpful, Karl will patiently explain the more sophisticated theoretical concepts. Students should also be prepared for thoughtful digressions exploring the historical, social and cultural forces that shaped the songs being studied. Whether you are relatively new to songwriting or even if you are a experienced composer, Karl’s songwriting class will sharpen your skills, give you new approaches to songcraft and enhance your own body of song."

Ed O'Connell

"Karl Straub is a very talented music teacher. He has a broad knowledge base and draws from many methods, always adding his own innovations. He has a unique teaching approach to a wide range of topics, from sight reading to songwriting. Karl manages to make difficult concepts and techniques interesting and accessible to his students. He is unfailingly positive and encouraging and expertly tailors each session to his student's work rate and availability for learning. The result is a happy and growing music student who looks forward to each lesson."

Peggy Higgins-Rhodes, parent

"My lessons with Karl have been simply invaluable. I have learned so much about music, finger style guitar technique, and the craft of songwriting. As a result, I am well on my way to writing and playing songs that I am proud of.

Karl's teaching style is patient and non-judgmental, which enabled me to learn and to feel comfortable when I first began taking lessons. Additionally, he demonstrates a willingness to be flexible and a steadfast, committed professionalism, which I greatly appreciate."

Monique, student

MUSIC THEORY LESSONS

Painless music theory! Teacher has music education degree, many years experience teaching, playing, and writing music.

Learn about chords, scales, reading music, and everything you need to understand music better. Theory can help you in any style of music. It makes learning songs and playing instruments easier, and it's particularly helpful for songwriters.

Contact Karl Straub at karlstraub@hotmail.com for info about scheduling lessons.

phone Mon thru Fri, 10 am to 5 pm,
(703) 379-6222
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