music training ~ classes workshops and seminars
holistic and confidence-building music training
In England and over the last 25 years Dan has taught well over 6,000 musicians and singers of all levels, from novice to professional. He has also taught at festivals in many parts of the USA.
Students have travelled from all over Europe and beyond to attend his transformative singing course, which received amazing feedback. He has even coached a pop singer, who promptly rose to no.1 in the UK charts.
To Dan, music is more than the just dots on the page, his approach is holistic – posture, emotion and mindset also play their part. Indeed, your body language and how you think and feel about the music are key to an engaging performance.
classes – developing musical competence
Students on Dan’s classes receive free professional notation in both music manuscript and Tablature formats. Much of Dan’s notation is now made at two competency levels: basic and comprehensive, allowing all students to be fully engaged and involved.
dulcimer classes
- song accompaniment in DAA
- instrumental airs in DAA
- classic songs in DAA
- songs and airs in DAA
- in praise of DAA
- expressive techniques
- timing variations
- finger-picking
- the model dulcimer
- the Dorian mode (DAG)
- the Aeolian mode (DAC)
- Bagpipe tuning (AAA)
- beyond modes ~ exploring other tunings
- composing for the dulcimer
guitar classes
- best practice guitar techniques
- an introduction to Open C tuning
- modal music in Open C
1-2-1 coaching
- getting new dulcimer players started
- helping experienced performers
‘It was wonderful having you with us this year, Dan. You added so much to the weekend and week and were a pleaser to work with. Your talents and experience helped to make this year’s KMW such a tremendous success.’ Kentucky Music Week and Weekend festivals
short workshops & seminars
- vocal techniques ~ best practice breathing, projection & intonation workshop
- chanting & rhythm ~ experiential session
- arranging music to come to life ~ demonstration & discussion
- an introduction to composition
- the electric dulcimer ~ demonstration
- digital effects for guitar and/or dulcimer ~ demonstration
- stagecraft ~ working with PA systems ~ demonstration
- the psychology of performing ~ seminar
- criticism and confidence (for teachers & performers) ~ seminar
- how to make a professional recording ~ seminar
- developing a career in the music industry ~ seminar
- an introduction to Copyright law and the royalties system (UK only) ~ seminar
longer workshops – developing musical confidence
singing workshop
- best practice breathing, projection and intonation
- arranging songs for best impact
- developing confidence
- singing from the heart to move your audience
- read more
performance skills workshop
- conquering nerves
- how to seem confident and credible on stage
- creating impact
- engaging with your material and the audience
- read the handout
‘It has been a very rare and special weekend. The structure and delivery of the course allowed such growth in the group: a spirit of warmth and fun which I have not experienced ever before. I will recommend the course to others and I will cherish the memory I take with me.’ voice workshop participant