BFA (York)
Daniel is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and performer from Toronto with a passion for exploring music of all genres and origins.
Daniel received his Honours Bachelor Degree in Music at York University where he originally attended for jazz, but soon branched out into Film Composition and world music such as Klezmer, Balkan folk, Baglama, Eastern European Folk, Flamenco, and Celtic. Since graduating he has primarily focused on crafting and performing on soundtracks for various feature and short films, plays, and television pilots, including Netflix releases and one theatrical release under the mentorship of the prominent Canadian Composer, Lesley Barber.
On the performance front he has also performed and written several EP’s alongside other Toronto artists in the genres of rock, funk, metal, alternative, folk, experimental, and flamenco, and continuously explores new and interesting avenues of guitar related genres.
Music for him is a life long pursuit, and he approaches it as a life long student. Through the one know many.
Get to know Daniel…Beyond the Bio!
Hobbies: Camping, hiking, travelling, board games, reading, cooking and exercise!
Musical Influences: Jóhann Jóhannsson, Bonobo, Radiohead, Thomas Newman, Joe Hisaishi, Plini, Periphery, Paco de Lucia, Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Neil Young, Devendra Banhart, Philip Glass, Steve Reich, Igor Stravinsky, etc…
Favourite Food: Shawarma, anyday.
Least Favourite Food: the over/poorly cooked variety.
Favourite music: Rock, Psychedelic, Metal, Folk, Ambient, Electronic, Original Soundtracks, Folk.
Favourite Song: At the moment it would be The Girl From North Country by Bob Dylan.
Favourite Movie: Jojo Rabbit
Favourite Book: a tie between – Joseph Campbell, The Power of Myth; Khalil Gibran, The Prophet.
Favourite Quote: “We have created a Star Wars civilization, with Stone Age emotions, medieval institutions, and godlike technology.” – E. O. Wilson
Latest Homework from Daniel
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April 1st!
Hey everyone, hope you all get to enjoy the long weekend!
Eliana
Recommended practice time: 10-15 minutes daily
What to practice: BB King – The Thrill is Gone
Keys for effective practice: Play along with the studio recording of the track and if needed slow down the track on Youtube or with an extension. Really focus on matching the groove and feel of the recording. When you’re comfortable playing along start introducing some of the ideas we went over with the Fade to Black Solo, as well as pentatonic ideas over this tune. To check to see how your rhythm is try turning off the recording and playing with a metronome on beats 2 & 4 – if this grooves, you’re golden!
Aarnav
Recommended practice time: 5-10 minutes daily
What to practice: Up to Ode to Joy and the Blues
Keys for effective practice: Take your time and if needed write out the beats underneath the music (1, 2, 3, 4) and the note names above. Make sure to check that you have each note connected to the right fret too! Count along and play.
Aarna
Recommended practice time: 5-10 minutes daily
What to practice: Up to Ode to Joy and the Blues
Keys for effective practice: Keep track of where you are in the music by counting along while you play. If necessary write out the beats (1, 2, 3, 4) underneath, and the note names above. Take your time and be sure to be fretting the correct frets for each note! (check the intro of each chapter to be sure).
Simon
Recommended practice time: 10-15 minutes daily
What to practice: BB King – The Thrill Is Gone
Keys for effective practice: Play along with the recording and try to sink into the groove with the rest of the band. In order to get the melodic soloing down it would be wise to slow down the recording to really lock in and hear what he’s doing. This is another form of ear training, mimicking the sounds of what you hear, and will help further your ability to play what you hear in your head.
Albert
Recommended practice time: 10+ minutes daily
What to practice: Hotel California chords and intro riffs
Keys for effective practice: Take your time. Test yourself and try to get the chords down without looking at a reference, once that’s done you can start to focus more on how they feel and sound, especially switching from one to another. At first you will probably be switching from chord-to-chord one finger at a time. However, as you play more you’ll want to aim for being able to move 2 or 3 fingers simultaneously. If you’re aware of this from the beginning you may develop more fluidly! Aside from this, remember to try to keep your wrist fairly straight like you’re holding a rifle or a baseball bat (check out the reference video).
Preferred Books for Daniel’s Students
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Hal Leonard Guitar Method
The second edition of this world-famous method by Will Schmid and Greg Koch is preferred by teachers because it makes them more effective while making their job easier. Students enjoy its easy-to-follow format that gives them a solid music education while letting them play songs right away. Book 1 provides beginning instruction including tuning, 1st position melody playing, C, G, G7, D7, and Em chords, rhythms through eighth notes, solos and ensembles and strumming.
Hal Leonard Guitar Method COMPLETE
The Hal Leonard Guitar Method is designed for anyone just learning to play acoustic or electric guitar. It is based on years of teaching guitar students of all ages, and reflects some of the best teaching ideas from around the world. This super-convenient Complete Edition features the new and improved method books 1, 2 and 3 spiral-bound together.
Modern Method for Guitar
This pack includes Volume 1 of this practical, comprehensive method book (the basic text for the guitar program at the world-famous Berklee College of Music) PLUS a matching DVD-ROM featuring 14 complete lessons with Larry Baione, chair of Berklee’s guitar department.
Modern Reading Text in 4/4
This book has become a classic in all musicians’ libraries for rhythmic analysis and study. Designed to teach syncopation within 4/4 time, the exercises also develop speed and accuracy in sight-reading with uncommon rhythmic figures. A must for all musicians, especially percussionists interested in syncopation.
Hal Leonard Music Theory for Guitarists
Guitarists of all levels will find a wealth of practical music knowledge in this special book with online audio access. Veteran guitarist and author Tom Kolb dispels the mysteries of music theory using plain and simple terms and diagrams. The accompanying recordings provide 94 tracks of music examples, scales, modes, chords, ear training, and much more! To access audio visit: www.halleonard.com/mylibrary
