instrument lessons

MCSM offers one-on-one lessons in piano, guitar, bass, drums, saxophone, and voice.  Lessons are scheduled and billed by the month, and are held at the same time each week with the same instructor.   We employ a curriculum that steadily introduces new concepts in instrument technique and music theory as the student's ability progresses.   Examples from various musical idioms arising from significant historical and cultural movements are introducted to cultivate breadth of perspective, and a nurture a fertile reservoir for inspiration.

30 minute weekly lessons billed monthly:  $160/Month

Voice lessons

The MCSM approach to voice lessons is multifaceted.  The curriculum focuses on the how to develop and nurture the physical instrument (the whole body as well as the voice), pitch accuracy using both scale and arpeggio interval training, how to construct and improvise melody by studying the mechanics of scales, and stylistic and artistic approaches to crafting a unique vocal identity.  All of these courses are backed up with comprehensive study of current and historical vocal approaches across many styles.

30 minute weekly lessons billed monthly:  $160/Month

Songwriting

Songwriting classes are available one on one or in "songwriting camps".   Topics covered are Rules (both those you can and can't break), structure, chord families, arrangement and lyrics.  Genres covered are pop, rock, r&b, soul, country and alternative.  Our focus is on achieving prolific output, finishing songs, and efficient demoing and pre-production.

30 minute weekly lessons billed monthly:  $160/Month

recording/Production

Recording/Production classes are offered in one hour blocks and are taught one-on-one.  Our staff works in Logic, Pro Tools, and Maschine.  Since student's skills and goals are diverse, a bespoke curriculum is drafted after an initial consultation.   Please inquire with Luke at (818) 839-0665 to learn more. 

60 minute weekly lessons billed monthly:  $200/Month

mcsmBand Academy

For those about to rock...

Playing music with the musicians you meet here is a fun and enriching experience.  You'll play with other musicians who share the same interests and ability so that everyone can grow and learn together.  Unlike practicing by yourself, bands are collaborative;  you will sharpen the skills necessary to rehearse and perform with others and learn all aspects of live performance in a band.  Additionally. weekly private lessons designed to help you learn the theory and concepts that will optimize your performance skills and round out your music knowledge can be scheduled.

Book an audition to get started!

We salute you!

You'll choose songs by your favorite artists to learn and rehearse,  artists, or elect to collaborate on an original song.  Your instructor Luke has a wealth of experience going back decades with touring bands, accompanying dramatic performances and doing studio work.   He will design a personalized curriculum and be your guide along your customized journey to playing a concert in front of a live audience of your friends at the end of the 8 week term.

Let there be rock!

To schedule an audition for yourself or your youngster please call (818) 839-0665 or email.

MCSM band "ZZ Pop" rehearsal

Here is a typical rehearsal of four very talented 4th graders playing "We Got The Beat" by The Gogos.

MCSM band "ZZ Pop" Performance

And here is that same band performing 3 songs live.

MCSM Band Coach: Luke

Meet Your Instructor

Luke talks about what to expect, his teaching style,  and he shows some typical musical skill requirements for joining a MCSM band.

Our Approach

Los Angeles session musicians communicate using the "Nashville Numbers System".   It was developed by studio musicians to enable quick transposition of songs to new keys to accommodate singer's unique ranges, but there is a secondary benefit:  the Nashville system facilitates quick insight into the fundamental operation of the music.   We use the Nashville Numbers System to chart songs and melodies, and to communicate in a common language between bass, guitar, keyboard players and vocalists.  It's a very powerful tool that we teach and employ every day, and it is used by professional musicians the world over to work faster.

NNS is a unique approach to music that isn't usually a part of your child's music curriculum.   Bandmates should talk to their teacher or contact Luke about a few lessons to achieve a working knowledge of the following tools/skillsets:

Instrument: Skill:
Guitar Ability to read chart using NNS (Nashvile Numbers)
Knowledge of open and barred chords
Awareness of major, minor and pentatonic scales
Use of the scales for improvisation
Piano, Keys Ability to read and play charts using NNS in the natural keys
Knowledge of basic major, minor scales
Use of scales for improvisation
Bass Rules that monophonic bass players follow
Ability to read and play charts using NNS in the natural keys
Knowledge of basic major, minor scales
Use of scales for improvisation

Fees

Activity: Fee:
Band Coaching (per bandmate) $30/one hour session
Band Coaching per bandmate that is enrolled in private lessons with Luke $20/one hour session
Private Lessons with Luke $40/half hour lesson
Pro Tools, Logic, Audio Post Production tutoring $60/one hour session

Frequently askedquestions

Highly technical niche styles like Math Rock or Progressive Metal are by and large beyond the scope and ability of our bands to play.   Some songs from genres such as Jazz and Swing (Frank Sinatra) may feature chord voicings that are beyond the ability of most young guitarists.  Other than these cases, most popular music formatted songs can be adapted for our bands.  Many songs that sound simple can be composed of deceptively complex elements, in these cases Luke will make a playable arrangement for that instrument.  Inapropriate lyrics will be edited and re-written.   Students should make a list of 5 or more songs so that an appropriate song can be agreed on by consensus.

Each member in a band gets to choose a song that they want to play.  One song per member.   Songs can be chosen from a list or from the bandmates' preference.  Some members may not have a strong preference, in which case a song will be chosen by voting.  Luke will chart the songs for each member with the band and then the group will go about learning them.  Sometimes people choose songs that sound simple, but are challenging to play.  This is why it is a good idea to come with a few choices on your list of desired songs.

There is no need to haul your equipment.   Just bring your guitar or bass.  We have a drum kit, guitar and bass amps, keyboards, microphones and sound system in house.  Just walk in, plug in, and play!

Weekly band rehearsals happen at the same time every week, and cannot be rescheduled.   Missed rehearsals mess up the experience for everyone, so we encourage band members to try and make it to all of the rehearsals out of respect to their band mates.   Missed band meetings cannot be refunded.