TEACHING

PROGRAMS OFFERED

BACKGROUND                       Dave Flippo holds a Doctorate in Music Composition from the University of Michigan and a Masters in Music Composition from the Eastman School of Music. Both of these degrees also included intensive classical piano studies, a minor in music history and studies in arranging, conducting, world music and voice.  Additional studies include jazz arranging with jazz pianist/educator Alan Swain,  composer/arranger/conductor Cliff Colnot at DePaul University and Indian theory/performance practice with bansurist Lyon Leiffer.

STUDIOS

Dr. Flippo has taught at the Swain Music Studios in Winnetka (formerly Evanston) since 1988 and has been the Jazz Piano Instructor at the  College of Lake County since 1997. He accepts children  10 years and older and adults of all ages at the Swain Studios and his the Flippo Music Studios and teaches high school age and adults at C.L.C.  He has also taught music at DePaul University and College of DuPage. He has found particular success in to potentially sensitive situations: 

1.) Young (busy) teenagers that wish to augment their classical lessons with learning about playing with chords and studying arrangements in  other styles.
2.) Students that wish to understand chord/scale theory, learn various styles and learn to improvise in various styles-- jazz, blues,popular or classical.

3.) Adults that wish to begin or return to music, but are concerned about success.  Dave's approach gives equal importance to whatever point in one's education one is at. Everyone learns at a different speed, has different amounts of time to invest in their music and has different talents and goals.  The tone is patient and encouraging.

LESSON CONTENT:              TOP

Each program is custom made for the student, according to their needs. A well rounded "basic" lesson program always includes and varies according to the age, abilities and experience of the student:

*Basic technique (including scales and correct hand and finger position)

*Note reading and rhythmic skills, including at least one fully scored piece in the lesson roster.

*Basic theory and understanding of "where chords come from" and the different chord families.

*Development of automatic chord response to chord symbols, accompanying a melody and learning different chording styles.

PROGRAM VARIATIONS:       TOP

All of these areas can be programmed individually or can be mixed to suit the tastes and goals of the student.  They can be entered at a beginning, intermediate or advanced level:

PROGRAMS              TOP

*Getting two or three principal jazz chord voicings "into the hands" 

*Working toward automatic response to chord symbols for these voicings using flashcards and exercises. 

*learning which jazz scales and modes fit which chord families

*learning swing, ballad and Latin performance styles

*building improvisation skills using scat singing.

*learning techniques and concepts about how to practice efficiently.

PROGRAMS              TOP

 Dave Flippo is a student of Nicolo Sartori , who carries on the performance philosophies of his teachers--Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli and Gregor Sandor.  Lessons include learning how to write in fingering, exercises for breaking down a piece, exercises for a variety of pianistic techniques, understanding the music's form and harmony and stylistic interpretation.

PROGRAMS              TOP

 While this can be pursued individually, this area is often mixed in to create variety in the lesson.  Artist range from previous decades (Beatles, Paul Simon, Queen, Billy Joel and Ray Charles etc. ) to modern artists (Alicia Keys, The Fray, Radio Head, Evanescence,  Sting, Maroon Five etc.)

PROGRAMS              TOP

 arranging and/or theory to both teens and adults with a focus on any and all of these disciplines.  Any style of music is welcome. To date these styles include: contemporary concert music, hip-hop, modern and traditional jazz styles, popular music, religious music, gospel and traditional "classical" styles (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionistic).