A brief break from the typical instructional content here, but fear not: I will resume in short order with more studio diaries, and even some interviews and other types of inspiration in the pipeline.
Today, I’d like to share that I’m now offering 1:1 coaching sessions. This is something that plenty of folks have asked me about in private, and now I’m super excited to finally be able to commit to it. I’d love to work with you!
I’d love to explain my motivations in this post, as well as answer some FAQ’s.
“Don’t try to figure out what other people want to hear from you; figure out what you have to say. It’s the one and only thing you have to offer.”
— Barbara Kingsolver
Since 2020, when I first began to post about my workflow on YouTube, social media, and Substack, I’ve received a huge amount of private interest in what I do with iPads, laptops, and “hybrid” gear setups that integrate hardware and mobile devices. Incredibly, I now spend multiple hours per week responding to comments, DMs, emails, and other requests for help, instruction, and advice from people who are interested in adopting certain aspects of this hybrid mobile/desktop practice I’ve developed - on top of the multiple hours per week I spend filming and writing about it!
Sharing this stuff with so many people is deeply gratifying to me. As I talked about on a recent podcast with my friend Brady Kendall of Alaskan Tapes, a big reason why I like to share and talk about it so much is because it seems like a good way to “pay it forward.” I learned to play music largely by studying what others did and adopting my favorite parts of their practices into my own.
It’s taken me a long time, and lots of effort, to “figure out what I have to say” and reach a point of proficiency and confidence in what I do.
I’ve been making and recording music for 20 years, but only now do I feel I’ve finally defined a style that I can legitimately call my own; one that feels totally natural and exciting, and one that doesn’t just feel like a copycat version of what I saw from my heroes and idols. I’m very proud of the work I do and how I’ve managed to carve out a fairly unique lane for myself in this niche ambient corner of the musical landscape (in my opinion) by integrating hardware samplers with mobile devices.
Of course, I’m not the only one doing musical work with iPads and samplers and laptops…not by a long shot. But I do feel that I have a unique perspective on it, given my history and experience in active touring bands, releasing music with somewhat notable labels, and regularly communicating the ins and outs of it. The exciting thing is that despite how central it’s become to my own musical identity (I’ve jokingly been referred to as “the iPad guy” in a few group chats), I truly believe that this hybrid way of working is malleable and variable enough to fit into anyone’s practice. It offers so much creativity and flexibility, and I’d love to help more people realize that.
So, I’ve opened up a scheduling tool on my website to allow anyone to book a 1:1 session with me.
Sessions range from 15 minute chats at $30, 30 minute meetings at $60, and 60 minute deep dives at $120 per session. What kinds of topics can we cover? Pretty much anything I talk about here on Sound Methods, and at any level of detail.
Ins and outs of mobile music making - how to use iOS devices for music, recommended apps and gear, integrating hardware, configuring software, etc.
How to approach a live performance - streamlining setups, preparing and creating templates for Ableton Live, general tips for managing live sound, etc.
Production and mixing guidance for ambient, electronic, and experimental music
Critique and feedback on works in progress
…and any related topics. You can sign up here on my website.
Maybe you have some questions.
Why should I pay for this? All this information is already online, anyway.
Why yes, it is…however, consider this a “head start” in utilizing it. These sessions will be tailored to your specific needs, accommodate your specific gear, and focus on your specific goals. I can help get you on the right track quickly.
OK, but the prices seem steep. Is it really worth it?
Ultimately, that’s for you to decide, but I’ve done my best to value my personal time and the work I’ve done to acquire my expertise over many years. I’ve done it in a way that I think is fair in relation to other music services you likely pay for: mixing, mastering, studio time, etc. I view what I’m offering as something potentially just as valuable.
Furthermore, I’m all about opening up new doors for you…ones that can, in all likelihood, even help you consolidate and streamline extraneous gear (list that stuff on Reverb if you’d like). This isn’t one-time-use kind of information. Even a single session will likely inspire several ideas and benefit your workflow for years to come.
Please note that if cost is truly a major issue for you, I’m willing to work things out with you on an individual basis…please get in touch, and we’ll figure something out.
How do I know the time will be well-spent?
I’ve set up an intake form on the scheduling page to document your goals and expectations for the meeting and keep us on track.
My day job and professional background is in business process design & improvement, so I know how to approach complicated topics and break them down into manageable steps for any audience and skill level. I’ll bring the same level of professionalism, care, and attention when addressing your musical goals.
Do I have to have an iPad or use Ableton Live?
No, not at all. I’m perfectly happy to introduce these concepts to you and get you started with or without the gear.
We can also discuss a wide variety of topics unrelated to this - maybe you want help in other areas. That’s fine! There are multiple time slots available based on how detailed and technical you’d like to go, and I have experience making music and performing with all kinds of equipment. I am more than happy to tailor the session accordingly.
Can I chat with you in advance to learn more or figure out what kind of session I should book?
Yes, of course. Reach out anytime here or on my webpage’s contact form.