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Lawrence D.

Music, Math, and Technology Expert

Music, Math, and Technology Expert

$50/hour

5.0 (81 ratings)

  • 272 hours tutoring

About Lawrence

Bio

I have a Bachelors Degree in Music Education with a focus on Voice earned with distinction, and hold current Certification in ME and NH as a K-12 Classroom Music Teacher. I also a Masters Degree in Computer Science with a focus on Programming Languages earned with distinction, and hold current Certification in ME and NH as a K-12 Classroom Technology Teacher. Overall I have over a quarter century of experience working one-on-one and in groups with young and adult learners.

With awards and...

I have a Bachelors Degree in Music Education with a focus on Voice earned with distinction, and hold current Certification in ME and NH as a K-12 Classroom Music Teacher. I also a Masters Degree in Computer Science with a focus on Programming Languages earned with distinction, and hold current Certification in ME and NH as a K-12 Classroom Technology Teacher. Overall I have over a quarter century of experience working one-on-one and in groups with young and adult learners.

With awards and recognition too numerous to list, I can help you define your vision, set your goals and objectives, and teach you the tools you need to move from where you are to where you want to be. I can work one-on-one and with small group (up to 4) in my studio in Exeter, NH, or travel to a location convenient for you.

As a grade 7-12 Music Educator, for over a decade I worked with students helping them prepare as singers and literate musicians. I had one of the highest percentages of auditioning students make the All-State Festival, and students who worked with me in AP Music Theory went on to great colleges with ample scholarships. All the while I was both a personal performing musician and the de-facto "computer dude" for the school in which I was working.

I transitioned into the job of district-wide Technology Coordinator and spent over another decade working with students and teachers with computer technology. As the only official technology employee of the school district I wore many hats and created, serviced, and supported every aspect of our infrastructure and learning from hardware to software. All the while I continued to work with singers and continue my personal performance career.

No longer in public education, I'm now ready to help YOU in any aspect of vocal music, theory, technology, or math. In my time as an educator I watched many students rise to success and honors who were convinced they "couldn't do it" when they first met me. I've helped students of ALL ages conquer their fears and surmount their challenges. I fir

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Education

University of Maine
Music Education
University of Southern Maine
Masters

Policies

Schedule

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Subjects

Art

Composition (Music)

Composition (Music)

In addition to my academic and teaching credentials, I have integrated music composition in a variety of styles in all my music theory classes. Composing is the most authentic assessment of music literacy, and I have integrated projects for composing and arranging for all varieties of instruments, vocalists, and ensembles. Personally, I have a wide variety of compositions available for performance including an original 8-part a cappella composition debuted by the University of Maine Singers.

Business

Microsoft Excel,

Microsoft Excel

I addition to Microsoft Excel, I can also help with Apple Numbers and Google Spreadsheet.
Microsoft PowerPoint,

Microsoft PowerPoint

In addition to Microsoft Powerpoint, I can also help with Apple Keynote and Google Presentation.
Microsoft Word,

Microsoft Word

In addition to Microsoft Word, I can also help with Apple Pages and Google Docs.
Public Speaking,

Public Speaking

In addition to my academic and teaching credentials, I am an expert on proper use of the voice. I have worked with auctioneers, politicians, clergy, and everyday folks who find themselves in the position of needing to get up in front of a group and speak. I am well versed in the Alexander Technique for body alignment, developing resonance, using vocal cadence to maintain interest and get points across in an impactful way, and using proper range to avoid vocal stress and burnout. I have also done extensive research on techniques to alleviate stage fright and nerves.
QuickBooks

QuickBooks

In addition to my academic and teaching credentials, I have been a personal user of Quicken and QuickBooks software for over a decade. I've used it to track my home finances, budget, and investments, and being the co-owner of a small business since retiring from teaching have used it to track all financial aspects of sales, purchases, rentals, and royalties. While acting as tech support for a school system, I also worked with the Food Services program using Quickbooks to track inventory and financials, and worked with the High School Business Department to develop curriculum that utilized both Quicken and QuickBooks as the vehicles for delivery of the major accounting concepts.

Computer

C,

C

In addition to my academic and teaching credentials, I have extensive experience in C programming. C is one of the classic underpinning computer languages, like Latin for spoken languages, and lays the foundation for all structured programming. The first two years of my master's work involved writing various projects, both individually and in teams, in the C language, mainly centered on working to create efficient algorithms for sorting and structuring data.
C++,

C++

In addition to my academic and teaching credentials, C++ was the main computer programming syntax for the majority of my Master's Degree in Computer Science with a focus on Programming Languages work. Although I have never used C++ in a 'practical' corporate environment, I have extensive experience with it in the academic environment. We used it mainly for theoretical work designing efficient algorithms for sorting and searching. One of our major team projects was to design a "mapquest" style algorithm for determining the shortest route from any one point to any other point in an unknown matrix of connections. We were able to come up with the the most efficient solution of any of the teams by using recursion.
Computer Programming,

Computer Programming

In addition to my academic and teaching credentials, I have had extensive computer programming experience since I wrote my first "Hello World!" program on a Radio Shack TRS-80 in 1979. I have grown and developed hand in hand with programming languages and they have grown and developed. Beginning with Assembly Language to hard code microprocessor instructions in High School, I moved to Basic, Fortran, and Cobol in College. This was followed by C, C++, and Applescript in my first decade of teaching. These were replaced with Java, HTML, and Javascript, in my second decade of teaching. Now as an independent programmer I have added Python, PHP, JQuery, and AXAJ to my repertoire. Regardless of how the sophistication of the tools grow and change, all programming languages share the basic fundamentals of syntax, logic, and modular design.
Computer Science,

Computer Science

In addition to my academic and teaching credentials, I have formally studied all aspects of computer science. While working through my Masters Degree I formally studied design of logic boards, memory chips, disk storage, and all other aspects of computer hardware. I also formally studied programming, databasing, user interfaces, graphics, and all other aspects of computer software. In addition, I formally studied all aspects of both wired and wireless networking. Finally, I have practical experience working in the field of computer science in education for over three decades. I have helped others with all aspects of hardware, software, and networking during every stage of personal computer development from the very first personal computers released on the market (The Tandy TRS-80, Commodore-64, and Apple-IIe) through to our current mobile framework.
General Computer,

General Computer

I am very patient and understanding with people who find computer technology frustrating. There is no question that is too basic to be addressed, and I will never make you feel "less than" because you are a beginner. I can work with you in a welcoming, safe atmosphere on general computer issues for Windows, Macintosh, Android, IOS, and Linux.
HTML,

HTML

In addition standard HTML protocols, I am also thoroughly versed in the new HTML5 functionality for multimedia.
Java,

Java

I have been a Java Programmer for over 20 years, and currently teach Advanced Placement Computer Science (primarily Java Programming) for the State of Maine Department of Education as part of their on-line learning "AP4ALL" program for rural schools.
JavaScript,

JavaScript

In addition to my academic and teaching credentials, I have extensive experience programming with Javascript, particularly in conjunction with libraries such as JQuery and tools such as AJAX. This triad of tools has transformed the landscape of the web from traditional static HTML pages to a dynamic and interactive environment. I have real world experience deploying these tools by bringing three different commercial enterprise level websites successfully to market.
Linux,

Linux

In addition to my academic and teaching credentials, I have a thorough knowledge of various Linux distributions, including Debian, Red Hat, Ubuntu, Moodle, KoHa, UBD, IPCop, and PFSense, and using the command line interface. Most of the servers and firewalls in the school system where I worked were Linux-based, due to the fact that the operating system is free. Our goal was to have open source systems wherever possible. In addition, one of my Master's Degree courses was specifically on hacking the Linux Kernel, where we studied the kernel module by module, and some modules line by line, and re-wrote parts of the operating system to study the effects it had upon performance.
Macintosh,

Macintosh

In addition to my academic and teaching credentials, I spent 14 years teaching computers as the Technology Coordinator of K-12 School System where 50% of the client machines were Macintosh operating system. A major part of my daily activities involved working one on one with teachers, students, and administration showing them how to leverage the technology to their best advantage, and how to troubleshoot basic issues such as printer and networking problems, customizing their environment via the system preferences.
Microsoft Excel,

Microsoft Excel

I addition to Microsoft Excel, I can also help with Apple Numbers and Google Spreadsheet.
Microsoft PowerPoint,

Microsoft PowerPoint

In addition to Microsoft Powerpoint, I can also help with Apple Keynote and Google Presentation.
Microsoft Windows,

Microsoft Windows

In addition to my academic and teaching credentials, I spent 14 years teaching computers as the Technology Coordinator of K-12 School System where 50% of the client machines were Windows operating system. A major part of my daily activities involved working one on one with teachers, students, and administration showing them how to leverage the technology to their best advantage, and how to troubleshoot basic issues such as printer and networking problems, customizing their environment via the control panel, and recognizing the symptoms of and guarding against various forms of malware such as viruses, adware, spyware, and trojan horses.
Microsoft Word,

Microsoft Word

In addition to Microsoft Word, I can also help with Apple Pages and Google Docs.
PHP,

PHP

A website is not attractive enough anymore simply being interactive. In order for a website to truly capture a client it must also be personalized. PHP is the server-side scripting language that, particularly when paired with MySQL, allows you to store, retrieve, and make decisions based upon the knowledge you have acquired of your clients. I have extensive knowledge of current PHP5 language structures and programming practices having successfully brought three commercial enterprise level personalized websites to market.
Python,

Python

In addition to my academic and teaching credentials, I myself am a Python programmer and have taught Python 2 and Python 3 at a virtual school grades 7-12. There are significant differences in input/output operations between the two versions of the language. I was hired by that same school to write their full-semester Python 3 class curriculum.
QuickBooks,

QuickBooks

In addition to my academic and teaching credentials, I have been a personal user of Quicken and QuickBooks software for over a decade. I've used it to track my home finances, budget, and investments, and being the co-owner of a small business since retiring from teaching have used it to track all financial aspects of sales, purchases, rentals, and royalties. While acting as tech support for a school system, I also worked with the Food Services program using Quickbooks to track inventory and financials, and worked with the High School Business Department to develop curriculum that utilized both Quicken and QuickBooks as the vehicles for delivery of the major accounting concepts.
SQL

SQL

I have experience and skills with both the standard "MySQL" format and also Microsoft's specialized "T-SQL" ("transactional" SQL) format.

Corporate Training

C++,

C++

In addition to my academic and teaching credentials, C++ was the main computer programming syntax for the majority of my Master's Degree in Computer Science with a focus on Programming Languages work. Although I have never used C++ in a 'practical' corporate environment, I have extensive experience with it in the academic environment. We used it mainly for theoretical work designing efficient algorithms for sorting and searching. One of our major team projects was to design a "mapquest" style algorithm for determining the shortest route from any one point to any other point in an unknown matrix of connections. We were able to come up with the the most efficient solution of any of the teams by using recursion.
General Computer,

General Computer

I am very patient and understanding with people who find computer technology frustrating. There is no question that is too basic to be addressed, and I will never make you feel "less than" because you are a beginner. I can work with you in a welcoming, safe atmosphere on general computer issues for Windows, Macintosh, Android, IOS, and Linux.
HTML,

HTML

In addition standard HTML protocols, I am also thoroughly versed in the new HTML5 functionality for multimedia.
Java,

Java

I have been a Java Programmer for over 20 years, and currently teach Advanced Placement Computer Science (primarily Java Programming) for the State of Maine Department of Education as part of their on-line learning "AP4ALL" program for rural schools.
Microsoft Excel,

Microsoft Excel

I addition to Microsoft Excel, I can also help with Apple Numbers and Google Spreadsheet.
Microsoft PowerPoint,

Microsoft PowerPoint

In addition to Microsoft Powerpoint, I can also help with Apple Keynote and Google Presentation.
Microsoft Word,

Microsoft Word

In addition to Microsoft Word, I can also help with Apple Pages and Google Docs.
Public Speaking,

Public Speaking

In addition to my academic and teaching credentials, I am an expert on proper use of the voice. I have worked with auctioneers, politicians, clergy, and everyday folks who find themselves in the position of needing to get up in front of a group and speak. I am well versed in the Alexander Technique for body alignment, developing resonance, using vocal cadence to maintain interest and get points across in an impactful way, and using proper range to avoid vocal stress and burnout. I have also done extensive research on techniques to alleviate stage fright and nerves.
SQL,

SQL

I have experience and skills with both the standard "MySQL" format and also Microsoft's specialized "T-SQL" ("transactional" SQL) format.
Grammar, Statistics

Elementary Education

Grammar

English

Public Speaking,

Public Speaking

In addition to my academic and teaching credentials, I am an expert on proper use of the voice. I have worked with auctioneers, politicians, clergy, and everyday folks who find themselves in the position of needing to get up in front of a group and speak. I am well versed in the Alexander Technique for body alignment, developing resonance, using vocal cadence to maintain interest and get points across in an impactful way, and using proper range to avoid vocal stress and burnout. I have also done extensive research on techniques to alleviate stage fright and nerves.
Grammar

History

Music History

Music History

In addition to my academic and teaching credentials, I have a wide background of experience in music history, famous composers, and stylistic features of music, art, and architecture of various periods. In my experience as both a choral director and performer, I have always researched the background of the pieces I have taught and performed and how they related to the other arts, culture, politics, and religion of the period. Music history has also been fully integrated into my teaching of AP music theory, having students study and emulate the writing styles of the composers who personified each era.

Homeschool

Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Prealgebra, Precalculus, SAT Math, Statistics

Math

ACT Math,

ACT Math

I have a strong background in Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry. In addition, I have also studied test taking strategies and methods for reducing test and performance anxiety. I am familiar with a number of websites that deliver ACT Math practice examples and can guide people to develop personal strategies for success.
Differential Equations,

Differential Equations

In addition to my academic and teaching credentials, I studied Differential Equations and Integral Calculus as part of my master's program. Many computer applications involve having to solve these types of problems, and most use iterative methods of estimation. We studied these methods and then compared them to the methods used by the Mathematica program (Wolfram Research) for accuracy and benchmark performance. We then set out to write our own programming functions to solve numerous classic Differential and Integral problems. It was the most interesting and interactive presentation of basic Calculus I had encountered to date, and have used similar methods for explanation and teaching since.
Discrete Math,

Discrete Math

In addition to my academic and teaching credentials, I studied Discrete Math as part of my Masters program. Specifically, I took a two semester class where the first half focused on the fundamentals and notation of Discrete Math and the second focused on applying Discrete Math to specific proofs. After that introductory class, I then took a class that focused on translating computer programming code into pseudocode, translating the pseudocode into Discrete Math equations, and then reducing those equations to prove logically where the code as written was susceptible to encountering conditions which would lead to failure (bugs).
Logic,

Logic

In addition to my academic and teaching credentials, I studied formal mathematical logic as part of my master's program. As a precursor to Discrete Math and its application to computer programming I took a class named after its primary textbook, "Discrete Structures, Logic, and Computability". This class focused on teaching basic mathematical logic principles and proofs like most others, then went on to tie each concept into specific applications to discrete data structures outlined by the JTFCC (Joint Task Force on Computing Curricula).
Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Prealgebra, Precalculus, SAT Math, Statistics, Trigonometry

Most Popular

Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Prealgebra, Precalculus, Statistics

Music

Composition (Music),

Composition (Music)

In addition to my academic and teaching credentials, I have integrated music composition in a variety of styles in all my music theory classes. Composing is the most authentic assessment of music literacy, and I have integrated projects for composing and arranging for all varieties of instruments, vocalists, and ensembles. Personally, I have a wide variety of compositions available for performance including an original 8-part a cappella composition debuted by the University of Maine Singers.
Ear Training,

Ear Training

In addition to my academic and teaching credentials, I am an expert in teaching ear training through the Audiation Orientation method. This method goes beyond associating simple mnemonic devices to memorize qualities of intervals and chords, and instead creates a mind map which orients all intervals to the Major Scale and its relative modes. I have successfully used this technique to improve the ear-training skills of learners from adolescents to senior citizens. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education with a focus on Voice.
General Music,

General Music

In addition to my academic and teaching credentials, I have extensive experience teaching basic general music concepts to students aging from young adults to senior citizens. Unlike many music instructors, I did not learn my music fundamentals until I was a young adult in college. This means I clearly remember "not knowing this stuff" and how I discovered and learned general music concepts. As a professional music teacher I applied this perspective with 7th and 8th graders teaching general music for over a decade. The students were appreciative that I could empathize with the fact they were learning elementary concepts at an older age than those who had been studying instruments since kindergarten. In addition, I'm fully versed in the methods and application of the general music techniques advocated by Dalcroze, Orff, and Kodaly.
Guitar,

Guitar

In addition to my academic and teaching credentials, I am an accomplished guitar accompanist. To support myself through college and the first few years of teaching I played guitar and sang in coffee houses and pubs in the Portland ME and Portsmouth NH areas, as well as busking during the summer months. As an ongoing part of my music teaching, I offered adult ed classes in group beginner guitar which were very popular in the local community with both parents and students.
Music History,

Music History

In addition to my academic and teaching credentials, I have a wide background of experience in music history, famous composers, and stylistic features of music, art, and architecture of various periods. In my experience as both a choral director and performer, I have always researched the background of the pieces I have taught and performed and how they related to the other arts, culture, politics, and religion of the period. Music history has also been fully integrated into my teaching of AP music theory, having students study and emulate the writing styles of the composers who personified each era.
Music Theory,

Music Theory

In addition to basic Music Theory, I am currently an active instructor for AP Music Theory in an on-line environment.
Sight Singing,

Sight Singing

In addition to my academic and teaching credentials, I am an expert in teaching the Zoltan Kodaly system of Sight Singing. This moveable tonic solfege system incorporates multiple learning styles and is highly effective in bringing visual-spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, linguistic, and logical-mathematical strengths together to improve musical intelligence. I have successfully used this technique to improve the sight-singing skills of learners from adolescents to senior citizens.
Songwriting,

Songwriting

In addition to my academic and teaching credentials, I began my college career as a singer songwriter. Although I had declared my major as computer science, it was my performances of original songs on campus which caught the attention of faculty at the music department and led them to recruit me as a music major which led to my bachelor's degree. Songwriting is the most authentic assessment of all music training, embodying theory, sight reading, ear training, and performing, and I have embedded songwriting as an integral part of all aspects of my music curriculum regardless which specific focus a given class may have. Original expression of song always leads to stronger musical skills.
Voice (Music)

Voice (Music)

In addition to my academic and teaching credentials, I have been a performing vocalist, both solo and with various groups, for over two decades. My a cappella groups have been named the BHS Northeastern District Champions, and three times placed as quarter finalists in the International Quartet Championship. I am one of the most sought after a cappella vocal coaches in the northeast United States and Canada, having worked regularly with the Portland ME Downeasters, the Portsmouth NH Sounds of the Seacoast, the Nashua NH New England Voices in Harmony, the Barre VT Barre-Tones, the Montreal QC City Voices, and the Ottawa ON Capital Chordettes.

Sports/Recreation

Golf

Golf

I'm an excellent teacher, and not a bad golfer (12 Handicap). I know about smart club choice and proper stance, swing, and body technique. Mostly, I know how to work with people when they are frustrated and get them to calm down, have patience, and find what they are doing right and building from strength. Being one of the most frustrating games in the universe, an ounce of encouragement and patience is worth a pound of knowledge.

Summer

Golf,

Golf

I'm an excellent teacher, and not a bad golfer (12 Handicap). I know about smart club choice and proper stance, swing, and body technique. Mostly, I know how to work with people when they are frustrated and get them to calm down, have patience, and find what they are doing right and building from strength. Being one of the most frustrating games in the universe, an ounce of encouragement and patience is worth a pound of knowledge.
Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, SAT Math, Statistics

Test Preparation

ACT Math,

ACT Math

I have a strong background in Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry. In addition, I have also studied test taking strategies and methods for reducing test and performance anxiety. I am familiar with a number of websites that deliver ACT Math practice examples and can guide people to develop personal strategies for success.
ASVAB, SAT Math

Examples of Expertise

Lawrence has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 2 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

See all of Lawrence ’s answers ›

Ratings and Reviews

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5.0 (81 ratings)
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(79)
4 star
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Reviews

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Featured review

Patient and caring tutor

Lawrence has tutored my 11th and 7th grader. He is excellent! He goes above and beyond and is extremely professional.

Caroline, 2 lessons with Lawrence

Great tutor

Very patient and explains math problems step by step. Lawrence is really good at helping you understand the sections you're having a hard time with and gives step by step instructions to help you understand what you're working on

Melissa , 1 lesson with Lawrence

Knowledgeable and patient tutor

He teaches Algebra 1 to my 14 year old daughter and has been very helpful in preparing for tests and just keeping up with the course. I highly recommend him.He is patient and knowledgeable.

Linda, 11 lessons with Lawrence

Statistics made simple

He did a great job explaining problems and even followed up with more information. I got the concept quickly. I will definitely hire him again for my statistics needs!

Enna, 1 lesson with Lawrence

Good First Session

EJ liked you very much and said you were definitely helpful. I could tell by his attitude that some things actually made better sense to him. We hope to have you back next week.

Amber, 3 lessons with Lawrence

Great Help Much Needed!

Lawrence has been a great help to my 9th grader! He is quick to discover what links are missing and focuses on the issues most needed

Denise, 13 lessons with Lawrence

Great job! very informative.

Very informative. I got the basics I needed. I hope to tap him again soon.

Mary, 1 lesson with Lawrence
Contact Lawrence

Response time: 1 hour

$50/hour

Lawrence D.'s Photo

Lawrence D.

$50/hour

  • No subscriptions or upfront payments

  • Only pay for the time you need

  • Find the right fit, or your first hour is free

Contact Lawrence

Response time: 1 hour