Richard Middleton, Songwriter: Teaching

If you live in the Seattle area and are interested in studying with me, I offer focused, individualized instruction in guitar, keyboards, musicianship, and songwriting. Whatever your skill level or musical style, I will work closely with you to help you go where you want to go.

Whether you're just starting out, or have been playing for a while, my approach will help you:

• Play the music you want to play, by ear or by sightreading.
• Learn to play and sing at the same time.
• Gain a clear, practical understanding of theory.
• Develop valuable skills in rhythm and ear training.
• Learn to improvise.

I also provide one-on-one guidance and coaching for songwriters, with liberating, practical approaches to generating and developing song ideas, crafting lyrics and melodies, and creating powerful arrangements. Working with an experienced, insightful teacher is an excellent way to explore and strengthen your skills in all areas of songwriting:

• Lyrics - communicating your ideas clearly, integrating words and music
• Melody - creating memorable, singable, original tunes
• Harmony - finding chords that support the melody and provide interest and contrast
• Arranging - creating the perfect musical setting for your song

Contact me any time to discuss what you're interested in studying.
Lessons are available weekday afternoons and evenings.
I teach in my home studio in North Seattle.
Lessons are $40 per hour.

Tel: 206-784-0434
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• Award-winning songwriter, performer and recording artist with over 24 years of experience in many styles

• Over 17 years private teaching experience – students have included many emerging and established Northwest musicians and songwriters

• Have taught Songwriting at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle.

• First-call sideman and session player (lead guitar and keyboards) in the Northwest songwriter scene; has worked with Reggie Garrett, Erin Corday, Kym Tuvim, Larry Murante, Brad Warren, Kathryn Mostow, Magdalen Hsu-Li, and many others.

• BFA in Jazz Piano Performance, Cornish College of the Arts, 1989, Summa Cum Laude.

If you'd like more information about my background, visit the Bio page.

See the Resources page for guitar transcriptions, an archive of over forty music articles, a comprehensive reading list, links to other music- and songwriting-related websites, and more.