Introduction to Classical Music Theory
Common Practice Harmony through Contemporary Harmonic Practice
Counterpoint (tonal, modal, serial)
Composition
Structure & Musical Development & Variation
Deep Listening and Score Analysis
Electronic Music Production and Digital Audio
MIDI Sequencing
Digital Orchestration
Free Improvisation (keyboard)
I have
studied privately with composers and musicians in Los Angeles and San Francisco
and also have a Bachelor of Music degree in classical music theory from San Francisco State
University. My experience includes decades of playing, writing and recording music for
video and film, television, multimedia,
computer games, dance/performance and compact discs.
I've been involved full-time
with electronic music production and MIDI sequencing since 1983 and have developed
numerous effective and expressive techniques to make
music with this medium. My studio
is in San Francisco, California.
My students work with study scores, classical theory books, hands-on
demonstration, and practice and repetition in the context of exercises,
composition, analysis and listening to recordings. My goal is to help others
develop their composition and/or music production craft to their highest
potential. I work best with students who have a broad range of musical taste
that includes classical and contemporary classical music.
"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)
"I've been with Jerry for the better part of a year and he's been a great teacher. He plays all kinds of styles and is very knowledgeable about everything from structured counterpoint to free-form improvisation. You can go at your own pace and focus on anything you really want to dive into. He's also been helping me with my piano technique. I definitely recommend Jerry!"
Amy Lee
"Jerry Gerber is a great music teacher who
inspires me to learn. His unlimited patience and broad knowledge make the
lessons interesting (I learn something new every time). He teaches me with a
systematic method, but bases the lessons on my own pace and gives me homework to
make sure I completely understand everything he has taught. I’m so happy to have
Jerry as my composition teacher. His teaching is terrific and efficient. I
definitely recommend Jerry Gerber as a music teacher who has offered me a new
and fantastic learning experience."
Joe Lin, 14
A Brief Philosophy of Teaching Music Composition & Production
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