Online Lessons

Welcome to

Steven Pope Music

Lessons

Songwriting

Guitar

Bass

Theory

Scroll down for more information about Steve, the lessons and prices.

Get in contact today to schedule your first lesson.

Lessons Available

About the Lessons

Learning music is a personal project and music lessons can focus on many different topics depending on the interests and requirements of the individual student. To get an idea of some of the things that are covered in the lessons, please explore below:

Songwriting

  • During songwriting lessons we use practicial writing tasks to explore different concepts, methods and techniques for writing songs. We also discuss and explore our creative process to better undestand how and why we write songs.

    The music you love is your greatest resource when writing songs and so exploring the music we listen to more deeply also forms an imprortant part of the lessons.

    It will be helpful at the beginning to know a few basic chords on the guitar or piano so you are able to write and accompany yourself but you don’t need to be a confident singer or instrumentalist to write songs or to take songwriting lessons. In the lessons we are interested in learning the craft of songwriting rather than diving deep into vocal or instrumental techniqure. All that is required is to be willing to share your songs in the lessons so we can discuss and work on them together.

  • The first thing that comes to mind when we think about a song is the vocal melody, and it will usually be the first thing an audience remembers. Whether we are writing for ourselves or for another singer, an effective melody is an essential part of any song.

  • Harmony, or chords, give context to a melody and shape the emotional effect of a song. The same melody can take on very different meanings when sung over different chord changes.

    From simple three-chord songs, to the 12-bar blues, to key changes, to complex jazz-influenced harmonic structures, the chords we choose for our songs can define our sound as songwriters.

  • The words we write for our music are where we can express our thoughts, our feelings, our opinions, our experiences.

    From a scene-setting first verse to a strong title line, a well-crafted lyric can turn a good song into an unfogettable one.

  • There are as many different ways to write songs as there are songwriters.

    Perhaps the most important part of studying songwriting is learning about the different methods used to write songs, understanding our influences, and experimenting with how we can take ideas from songs we love and blend them into something new and uniquely ours.

Guitar and Bass

  • Lessons in guitar and bass focus on several different areas. Each lesson begins with time to warm-up our hands followed by some work on technical exercises to improve our strength, dexterity and musical feel. We then take time to cover any new technical or theoretical concepts in detail.

    Once we have become comfortable with the most basic techniques of guitar playing, we are able to dedicate some time in each lesson to applying everything we have been learning through improvisation or composition exercises.

    The last section of every lesson is always dedicated to learning songs. Some of the songs covered in the lessons might be chosen by the learner, others by the teacher. Learning songs is some of the most fun we can have with an instrument and is essential to our improvement as players.

  • Learning guitar or bass is a practical thing, and it is important to work on our technique through good practice and exercises to allow us to play fluently and confidently. Chords, scale patterns, picking technique, dexterity exercises, bends and slides, fingerstyle - and much more besides.

    Step one is to master the fundamental techniques of guitar playing that underpin all styles of playing. From there it is possible to begin to specialise further into our particular style whether we are acoustic fingerpickers, blues jammers or metal shredders (or anything else you can think of!)

  • Theory, chords, scales, arpeggios, sight reading - there are many topics to study as a guitarist or bassist if we want to become great musicians and really understand the music we are playing.

    Theory can be both fascinating and fun(!) if we put the concepts into practice and use them for their intended purpose - as tools to help us make the music we want to make. In lessons we emphasise a practical and creative approach to learning theory.

  • Just as important as study and practice is experimenting with what you have been learning and applying it creatively.

    Putting new theory concepts into practise through improvisation and composition is key to developing a deeper understanding of the music we are learning - and can be great fun as well!

  • One of the most enjoyable things about studing an instrument is learning how to play the songs we love. Not only is it great fun, but learning songs is also a fantastic way to work on your technique and push yourself to improve as a player.

    In the lessons we try to find a healthy balance between learning songs you know and introducing new songs you might not have discovered yet. We are constantly expanding our horizons and discovering new music to enjoy.

Lesson Pricing

All lessons are paid for in blocks of 4.

About

With over 10 years of experience as a music teacher, Steve (MA, BA(hons)) offers online lessons in guitar, bass and songwriting. Lessons are available to students of all levels, whether they are new to music or are an experienced musician looking for guidance to take the next step in their playing or writing.

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Grades and Exams

Interested in grades?

I am available to help students prepare for Rockschool Exams in Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Bass and Music Theory.

Simply get in contact if you would like more information or to discuss if preparing for an exam is the right option for you.

Contact

Want more information? Interested in online lessons? Get in touch today using the contact form or via email.

email: stevenpopemusic@gmail.com