Welcome to Blair Davis Music!

For those of you who don't know me (and for those of you who do...), welcome to Blair Davis Music!

My name is Blair Davis. Obviously. I graduated from Auburn University in August 2005 with dual bachelor's degree in Business Administration and in Music, and since I've moved back to Birmingham, somewhat permanently as it seems, I have decided to begin teaching private music lessons beginning in January of 2009. I have some great philosophies on why music is so important...

1) Music forces us to recognize greatness outside of ourselves. Most people use religion for this and I think it's awesome if and when you discover that God is so much greater than we will ever be. The only trouble is... some people can't discover the greatness beyond themselves because everything greater than themselves (God... even nature) has only existed... it wasn't created (at least not at any point in time that they can relate to). And believe me, I know that this may seem really deep, but ask any teenager. This theory holds true more often than not. Music, though, opens the mind and the soul and the spirit to an amazing adventure that seems entirely within reach. Music makes us become great.

2) Music teaches us the value of hard work. Music is not easy. Sometimes it's not even fun. It might cost us money or time or even our sanity... just ask Mozart. But if you think anything of value comes at an easier price, you're wrong. Even those people who are "musically inclined" have their bad days. While I was a music major at Auburn, I packed my bags at least twice a month and called my mother bawling, telling her I was coming home. It's hard. But the hard is what makes it great.

3) Music gives us our own place in the world. If that wasn't true, we wouldn't have all different kinds of music... rap, classical, country, pop.... the list could go on forever. When we feel like we can't accomplish anything else, we can always remember the lyrics to a favorite song. Music sometimes defines us and teaches us to feel things we didn't think we could feel or to say things we didn't think we could say. One of my very favorite quotes is, "Where words fail, music speaks." It's so true.

I am looking forward to the opportunity to share my music with you. It's a wonderful opportunity for people looking to find a new hobby or pursue a passion. Please look over the list of lessons I will be offering below. If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail me at reitablair@gmail.com.

Beginning Voice (30 minutes)
* Bi-weekly: $25/week OR Weekly: $80/month
* Anyone under the age of 16 MUST start in beginning voice unless the student has had previous training with a private voice instructor. These students will concentrate on proper breathing and singing techniques, sight-singing, and basic music theory.

Intermediate/Advanced Voice (1 hour)
* Bi-weekly: $45/week OR Weekly: $120/month
* Intermediate and advanced students will work on performance techniques, auditions and competitions, sight-singing, and stage presence. Students should have knowledge of basic music theory. All intermediate and advanced students will be given performance opportunities at least twice a year.

Beginning Piano, Guitar or Violin (30 minutes)
* Bi-weekly: $30/week OR Weekly: $90/month
* This class is great for anyone who is new to these instruments. We will cover basics in music theory, how to read music, technique, and scales. You MUST own a guitar or a violin to take lessons on those instruments.

Intermediate Piano (45 minutes)
* Bi-weekly: $40/week OR Weekly: $100/month
* Students will have the basic concepts of music theory and scales/arpeggios down. We will concentrate on more difficult music, playing in minor keys and modes as well as learning some piano duets or group pieces.

All lessons will be scheduled at times and locations convenient for both you and for me. If you are looking to purchase a student guitar or violin, I highly recommend "Instruments R Us" on eBay. They have a great selection of student guitars and violins beginning at around $50. (For children, it's usually better to find a good deal on an instrument and see if they're going to stick with it before investing in something very pricey...)

I am looking forward to hearing from you soon! Please remember to check back often, as new assignments, announcements, and upcoming performances will be posted pretty regularly. Thanks!!

-Blair