Algebra, Calculus, Music Theory

James C.

Algebra 1

My approach to helping students begins with finding out what they want and need, and then finding the clearest path to understanding the material. Sometimes we find that the student is missing or weak on some previous material, and so some review is necessary. I am patient and not judgmental. I have a doctorate in Music Composition from Ohio State, and a masters in Music Theory from Eastman School of Music. I have taught music at the college level for over 30 years. In support of music, I learned a lot of math along the way. I can help with algebra and calculus, as well as music theory. I heard that students were struggling after the Covid shutdowns and thought I might be able to help. I studied up and passed the Florida Teaching Certificate Exam for Math K6-12.

Algebra 2

My approach to helping students begins with finding out what they want and need, and then finding the clearest path to understanding the material. Sometimes we find that the student is missing or weak on some previous material, and so some review is necessary. I am patient and not judgmental. I have a doctorate in Music Composition from Ohio State, and a masters in Music Theory from Eastman School of Music. I have taught music at the college level for over 30 years. In support of music, I learned a lot of math along the way. I can help with algebra and calculus, as well as music theory. I heard that students were struggling after the Covid shutdowns and thought I might be able to help. I studied up and passed the Florida Teaching Certificate Exam for Math K6-12.

Calculus

My approach to helping students begins with finding out what they want and need, and then finding the clearest path to understanding the material. Sometimes I find that the student is missing or weak on some previous material, and so some review is necessary. I am patient and not judgemental. I always try to have a bit of fun while I am teaching or tutoring. My doctorate is in Music Composition, but as an undergraduate I took Algebra 1 & 2, Trigonometry, a year of Calculus and Analytical Geometry, and a year of Physics. Math was not my major, and it was not until graduate school in music that math became more important to me. So, for my interest in music, I have learned more math. I have worked through textbooks and online course materials for differential equations, linear algebra, and multivariable calculus. When I decided that I wanted to tutor, I studied up and passed the Florida Teaching Certificate Exam for Math K6-12. I can help with algebra and calculus.

Composition (Music)

My approach to helping students begins with finding out what they want and need, and then finding the clearest path to achieving their goals. I am patient and not judgmental. I always try to have a bit of fun while I am teaching or tutoring. I have a doctorate in Music Composition from Ohio State, and a masters in Music Theory from Eastman School of Music. I have taught music at the college level for over 30 years. I have taught composition, music theory from common practice music theory through contemporary theory, as well as music theory for jazz and popular music. I have software expertise with Finale, Digital Performer, Reaper, Csound, and Max/MSP. Compositions include works for orchestra, wind ensemble, and chamber groups as well as electroacoustic works and music for film and animations. Acoustic compositions include "Spirit and Opportunity", for wind ensemble which won the 3rd Jury Prize and the Public's Prize in the Coups de Vents 4th International Composition Competition in Lille, France. Electroacoustic works include "Memory of Hope", which was selected for the 31st Bourges International Competition. I have taught composition and music theory at Wittenberg University, Rollins College, and Georgia College. Composition teachers included Sydney Hodkinson, Sam Adler, Augusta Read Thomas, Allan Schindler, Marc Ainger, Thomas Wells, and Donald Harris.

Music Theory

I have a doctorate in Music Composition from Ohio State, and a masters in Music Theory from Eastman School of Music. I have taught music at the college level for over 30 years. I use music theory daily for music composition, so it is not a dry subject for me. I have taught undergraduate music theory and aural skills, common practice music theory as well as contemporary theory through set theory and atonal theory. I also know music theory for jazz and popular music. I have much to offer students in high school or college who might need help with music theory. I have some great strategies for success with sight-singing, dictation, part-writing with good voice leading, and analysis. My approach to helping students begins with finding out what they want and need, and then finding the clearest path to understanding the material. Sometimes we find that the student is missing or weak on some previous material, and so some review is necessary. I am patient and not judgmental. I always try to have a bit of fun while I am teaching or tutoring.