YELLOW DOG’S TEACHERS/MUSICIANS ARE COMMITTED TO:

Nurturing the creative side of all students, including solid guidance in learning to improvise, compose, record, and even transcribe their own songs!
Encouraging even the most timid student to think ‘outside the box’, to stretch beyond their comfort zone. By experiencing new ideas, various musicians and musical styles, etc., students expand their musical knowledge and watch their musical tastes evolve.
Showing students not only how to read music, but also how to ‘lift’ songs by ear so that they can learn any song, anytime, without needing a score or a teacher to “feed” the song to them. INDEPENDENCE!
Demonstrating by live example that improvising is not as scary as students might think.  Helping them find courage to make music spontaneously, without needing a score/map/plan or even a solid idea.
Reminding young students that their instruments rank with their very best TOYS, because TOYS are what they know best. Encouraging them to “PLAY with their TOYS…everyday!”
Jamming with students!  Participating in their students’ recordings to demonstrate the art of studio collaboration, and to ensure that each recording is as ‘professionally produced’ as possible.
Documenting performances/jamming with audio recordings and/or video footage so students can share their songs with friends, family, school teachers and the Yellow Dog website.
Keeping a written journal of all lessons so students and their parents can keep track of practise assignments, progress, specific ideas/lessons covered, etc.