Basic Music Theory
Common Practice Harmony through Contemporary Harmonic Practice
Counterpoint (varied harmonic styles)
Composition
Structural & Musical Development
Electronic Music Production
MIDI Sequencing
Digital Orchestration
Free Improvisation (keyboard)
Instruction in the following
subjects: Basic music theory (introduction to intervals, scales and chords) harmony (common
practice, classical, modern), counterpoint (modal, tonal, chromatic,
serial), form and musical structure, music mixing and recording, MIDI and MIDI
sequencing, digital orchestration, synthesizer technique and sound creation,
free keyboard improvisation. I have
a Bachelor of Music degree in classical music theory from San Francisco State
University and decades of experience playing, writing and recording music for film, television, multimedia, dance and compact discs.
I've been involved full-time
with electronic music production and MIDI sequencing since 1983 and have developed numerous techniques to make
music with this medium. My studio
is in San Francisco, California.
My teaching style varies based on the needs and
desires of my students. I try to discover what engages the
student's attention and interest in the material being discussed. For some, I use a textbook that covers what the student
wants to learn; for others, I create exercises and assignments based on the
student's questions. I respect the uniqueness of personality and
enjoy teaching people of varying ages, backgrounds and musical knowledge.
"Jerry Gerber is a composer of the first order
who, fortunately for us is willing to take on students. I have had the good
fortune to study with Jerry for two years. The lessons have been weekly and are
'one on one.'
In the beginning, I had a burning desire to write music but only a
limited knowledge of music theory. During the prior two years we have covered
traditional 4 part harmony, counterpoint, and modern harmony. The lessons have
included ear training with instruction in music notation software. With the aid
of Jerry's infinite patience and encouragement, I have written several chorals,
multiple two part inventions and synthetic scale pieces. I have also composed a
12 tone piece and 1 and 1/2 fugues (number 2 is a work in progress).
Jerry Gerber is an authority on electronic music. With his input and
assistance, I have been able to develop a small studio of my own. For those
interested in music composition, harmony, counterpoint, orchestration and all
things related to music, Jerry is recommended without reservation."
Stephen E. Conrad, MD
"Jerry Gerber possesses that rare combination of technical and musical knowledge
together with the ability to organize and communicate it clearly to the student.
I sought Jerry out because I wanted to improve my understanding of the
challenges of orchestration for virtual instruments. He not only helped me
to more clearly understand and how to get the best out of these remarkable but
complex tools, he also was able to draw on his considerable background in
acoustic composition to help me expand my understanding of traditional
orchestration and form, both areas in which I have had a life long interest.
Jerry is a man who definitely enjoys observing the progress his students make
and will certainly expand your musical and technical horizons. Whether
your interests involve principles of MIDI, composition, orchestration, analysis,
notation or a combination of these disciplines, Jerry Gerber will
definitely help you to become a more well rounded musician."
Kevin Kern (Kevin Kern is a Steinway artist with seven Billboard charting
CDs. For more information visit
www.kevinkern.com)
A Brief Philosophy of Teaching Music Composition & Production
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