RETURN TO MUSIC & ARTIST DEVELOPMENT

TARGETED PROGRAMS

RETURN TO MUSIC

ARTIST DEVELOPMENT

When I began teaching guitar lessons in 1978, I had a fair number of adults sign up to take lessons. I would discover, upon meeting them, that they were actually accomplished guitarists. They had signed up because they needed one of two specific things:

1. They played in a band in high school or college but stopped due to life. Now, they find themselves in a position where they can revisit past music skills, get back to music, and do a solo act, learn to record tunes at home or play in a band. Return to Music

2. They have written songs and want to produce them for recording/video or to do “Open Mic Night” performances. Artist Development

Basically, they needed a “producer” to help them evaluate current skills, strengthen areas of need, help with equipment selection and usage (with a focus on developing self-production skills), and support while getting into the groove of musicianship. Lastly, for performers, in-person assistance for the client's first few performances, if needed.

DETAILS BELOW

RETURN TO MUSIC

This program is for the Musician returning to performing/Recording after stepping away from Music for years. They might have taken time off for family, work, marriage or just life and want to return to Music, to play Guitar, Bass, or any other instrument they are already able to perform on.

Elements of the RETURN TO MUSIC program:

Basic review and and “catch up” of Music skills.
Developing a personalized plan to get back to the game.
Finding and learning to use the best equipment for your goals.
How to limit stress and negotiate the return to Music.
Seeking out compatible band mates or building a personal studio.
How to make Demos of your Songs.
How to audition, recruit and rehearse Musicians.
How to make bookings and work with venues.
How to make Music videos.
Lessons are customized to meet specific needs of the individual.

ARTIST DEVELOPMENT

This program is for the Singer/Songwriter Musician who is ready to perform or begin formal production of their original songs and wants to improve and perfect their performance skills for their original Music.

Elements of The ARTIST DEVELOPMENT program:

Basic review and and “catch up” of Music skills for your needs.
Developing a personalized plan for your goals.
Finding and learning to use the best equipment for your goals.
How to limit stress as a creator.
Building a personal studio to “self produce”.
How to make Demos of your Songs.
How to develop a performance style.
How to make bookings and work with venues.
Preparing for “Open Mic” performances.
How to make Music videos.
Lessons are customized to meet specific needs of the individual.

This program only works for those individuals that have fully formed songs and ideas. We must have your original material which is ready for production or a “show” that uses your original songs. This is a serious and intense program that is a “eye opening” step in developing a professional quality product.

OUR CORE PRINCIPLES OF PRODUCTION

A composition is never judged.
A composition is the sole property of the creator.
A composition is only viewed in a manner intended to make the song work technically and relay the composers intention.
A composition is neither good nor bad, but will become “what it is” after careful development.
Production and music making should be fun and performed in a relaxed, non judgmental atmosphere where all ideas are good ideas, until proven otherwise.

TESTIMONIALS

As a 39-year-old music school dropout turned pharmacist, I thought my musical aspirations were a thing of the past. After two decades of neglecting my creative side, I decided to give music another chance and sought out Chuck Biel for guitar instruction. My initial goal was simple: learn to play guitar and sing along. Chuck patiently guided me through those early steps, and when I finally worked up the courage to sing while playing, everything changed.

Chuck saw something in me that I hadn’t: potential. He encouraged me to dig deeper, and before I knew it, I became one of his artist development students. In just nine months, Chuck has not only helped me improve my guitar skills but has also produced and supported me as a developing artist. We’re now working on a show with a three-piece band, something I couldn’t have dreamed of when I started.

What sets Chuck apart is his ability to meet students exactly where they are. He took my patchwork understanding of music theory, production, and performance and wove it into something cohesive and meaningful. His passion for teaching and his belief in his students is truly unmatched. His methods are unique, interesting, and staggeringly effective.

Chuck Biel isn’t just an instructor—he’s a mentor, a producer, and a true partner in helping his students reach their full potential. I feel as if each lesson is a piece of the music degree I never sought. If you’re looking for someone to reignite your love for music or guide you in realizing dreams you didn’t even know you had, I can’t recommend him enough.

Jessica B. Brumfield, PharmD, BCSCP

I began my guitar journey about 30 years ago, still later in life for me, but I had always loved music and the guitar always appealed to me. I took lessons in the 90's and made some really good progress, then life got in the way and I got away from it for a while.

A few years ago, I ran into Chuck in my neighborhood. Turns out we live pretty close to each other and we struck up a conversation. I wanted to get back into guitar and explained to him how I loved to write and the partnership began. Chuck is really good at honing in on what is important to his students, and for me, that was telling stories through song. Together, we have produced 5 original songs and I even got up the nerve and performed 2 of them at Folklore!

This partnership has worked out great for me. I don't feel the stress of having "lessons", and we do things at whatever pace life allows. Chuck is a great mentor, his musicianship is top notch, and more importantly, he's just a good guy who will do anything and everything he can to help you on your musical journey!

Randy W IT Specialist

HOW CAN WE DO THIS?

I have worked with hundreds of clients doing exactly what is outlined above. My skills were honed as a Producer of dozens of Musical Groups, Singer Songwriters, a full time professional music composer, and ten years as a Composer In Residence where I composed all types of Music, both instrumental and vocal. I have extensive experience preparing Musicians in many styles for performance. I have prepared musicians to work as sidemen in the worlds best bands and with world class artists including , Ray Charles, David Bowie, David Byrne (Talking Heads), Etta James, Olivia Newton-John, Eric Church, Martina McBride, Bryan White, Meat Loaf, Missing Persons, etc. One of my students was nominated for a Grammy and performed with David Byrne on a recent world tour. I formally studied Voice and music directed a number of major musicals including Sondheim's Sweeney Todd, Townsend's Tommy, The Rocky Horror Show, The Secret Garden and the stage production of The Wizard Of OZ.