Tommie Davis

New to Lessonface
Guitar, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Bass Guitar, Neo Soul Guitar, Lead Guitar, Piano, Gospel Piano, Worship Piano, Film & TV Scoring, Reharmonization, Video Game Scoring, Music Theory for Producers, Ear Training, Music Theory, Audio Recording and Music Production
Lesson Fees
$70.00 / 30 Minutes

About

Hi, I’m Tommie! With over 10 years of experience in the music industry, I’ve had the privilege of not only performing and recording but also teaching a wide range of students— from complete beginners to advanced musicians. I’m a multi-instrumentalist, proficient in piano, guitar, bass, organ, and music production, with a strong background in music direction for both church services and corporate events.

As a music producer, I’ve created original pieces for TV and film, and as a music director, I’ve led worship teams and musicians in live settings, ensuring everything sounds cohesive and feels vibrant. I’ve worked with a diverse group of students and have tailored my approach to suit different learning styles. Whether you're a beginner wanting to explore your first melody or someone looking to refine your craft for performance or production, I can help guide you on your journey.

I currently teach through The Divine Media Group, where I help students break through musical barriers using creative, engaging methods. I understand that every student is unique, and that’s why I strive to create personalized lesson plans that keep students excited to learn.

Approach to Teaching

I believe that learning music should be a fun, transformative experience! Music is more than just theory or practice—it’s a way to express your emotions, connect with others, and unlock your creativity. As a teacher, my approach is built on patienceencouragement, and flexibility. Here’s how I guide my students:

  1. Personalized Learning Path: Everyone’s musical journey is unique, and I work with each student to create a tailored plan that fits their goals and needs. Whether you want to play your favorite songs, master theory, or produce your own music, I design lessons that work for you.

  2. Building Strong Foundations: I emphasize the importance of foundational skills, including ear trainingmusic theory, and instrument technique. I believe that a solid foundation opens the door to all kinds of musical possibilities.

  3. Engaging Lessons: I make music fun! I incorporate relatable analogies, modern hits, and practical applications to keep things engaging. I also encourage students to experiment and embrace creativity, which makes the learning process enjoyable.

  4. Real-World Experience: Drawing from my professional experience, I bring real-world insights into the lessons. Whether you’re preparing for a live performance, recording session, or songwriting, I offer practical guidance on how to succeed in those environments.

  5. Support and Feedback: I offer consistent support, feedback, and encouragement to help students grow. I also give them tools and resources to practice effectively between lessons, ensuring they continue to progress.

  6. Flexible to Your Needs: I understand that life gets busy, so I offer both virtual and in-person lessons to fit your schedule. My goal is to make sure you feel supported throughout your learning experience, whether you're learning at home or on-the-go.

Teaching Style

My teaching style is designed to inspire, engage, and empower students to connect with music on a deeper level. Here’s what you can expect when you learn with me:

  1. Student-Centered Approach
    I believe in putting students first—each lesson is tailored to meet individual needs, preferences, and goals. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an advanced player, I focus on your strengths and areas of growth, ensuring you feel confident and motivated every step of the way.

  2. Creative and Practical
    Music is all about creativity, and I encourage students to experiment, explore, and make music that resonates with them. I integrate practical applications into every lesson, helping you understand how to use the theory you learn in real-world settings—whether in performance, songwriting, or music production.

  3. Focus on Fundamentals
    While I value creativity, I also understand the importance of a strong foundation. My lessons begin with key fundamentals like ear trainingmusic theory, and technical proficiency. These are the building blocks that allow you to grow as a musician, no matter what genre or instrument you choose.

  4. Engagement Through Popular Music
    I make learning enjoyable by incorporating songs you love into the curriculum. I understand that students stay motivated when they can apply what they learn to music that excites them. From current chart-toppers to timeless classics, I help students break down and play songs they enjoy.

  5. Real-World Experience
    With experience as a music directorproducer, and performer, I bring real-world insights to every lesson. Whether it's preparing for live performances, recording sessions, or music production for film and TV, I offer practical tips and techniques that help students navigate the professional side of music.

  6. Patience and Encouragement
    I’m a firm believer that everyone learns at their own pace, and I make sure my lessons reflect that. I offer positive reinforcement and consistent encouragement, helping students overcome challenges and celebrate small wins. My goal is to make sure you feel motivated and proud of your progress, no matter how big or small.

  7. Interactive Learning
    Learning music should be fun and interactive! I incorporate a range of tools and interactive exercises to keep lessons dynamic and engaging. Whether through ear training appsplay-along exercises, or recording and producing music, I make sure you’re not just listening—you're actively involved in your own learning.

  8. Flexibility for Different Learning Styles
    I understand that everyone has their own preferred way of learning, and I adapt my approach to fit. Some students may excel through hands-on practice, while others benefit from detailed explanations and theory discussions. My goal is to make learning comfortableenjoyable, and effective for each student.

Curriculum

My teaching method is centered around building a strong foundation in music theory and ear training, which are crucial for any musician. By focusing on these two areas, students gain the tools to play by earunderstand music deeply, and apply theory creatively. Here’s a breakdown of my method:

  1. Step-by-Step Music Theory
    I take a structured approach to music theory, making sure that each concept is introduced clearly and applied practically. We start with the basics— intervalsscales, and chords—and gradually move to more complex topics like harmonymodulation, and chord substitutions. Each lesson builds on the last, ensuring that theory becomes second nature.

  2. Ear Training
    Ear training is a fundamental skill that will elevate every aspect of a student’s musical ability. I incorporate interval recognitionchord identification, and melodic dictation exercises into every lesson. This allows students to train their ears to recognize different musical elements, making them better musicians overall. I also encourage students to relate intervals and chords to songs they know, making ear training both practical and memorable.

  3. Applied Theory and Creativity
    One of the key elements of my teaching is connecting theory to real-life applications. For instance, when students learn about chord progressions, I encourage them to apply that knowledge to songs they enjoy or want to perform. This allows students to see the immediate benefits of their theoretical knowledge. We also explore improvisationand reharmonization, encouraging students to think creatively and develop their unique musical voice.

  4. Active Listening and Analysis
    Understanding music deeply requires active listening. I incorporate listening exercises where students analyze songs, identifying chords, progressions, and musical phrases. This helps them develop a deeper understanding of music’s structure, which is key to their overall musicianship.

  5. Progressive and Flexible Pacing
    Every student learns at their own pace, so I adapt my teaching to fit individual needs. Some students may need more time to grasp a certain concept, while others may advance quickly. I ensure that students feel supported and challenged, without feeling overwhelmed.

Recommended Student Texts

To supplement my lessons and help students deepen their understanding, I recommend the following texts that focus on music theory and ear training. These texts are practical, insightful, and cater to both beginner and intermediate students:

  1. "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Music Theory" by Michael Miller
    This book provides an accessible, easy-to-understand introduction to music theory. It covers everything from reading music to basic harmony, making it perfect for beginners or anyone who wants a refresher.

  2. "Tonal Harmony" by Stefan Kostka and Dorothy Payne
    A more advanced text that dives deeply into classical harmony and voice-leading. It’s great for students who want to explore traditional harmony and counterpoint in-depth, especially if they’re looking to improve their compositional skills.

  3. "Ear Training for the Contemporary Musician" by Keith Wyatt and Carl Schroeder
    This book focuses on ear training from a modern music perspective, including pop, jazz, and rock genres. It includes exercises on interval recognition, chord progressions, and dictation that will help students develop sharp ears for contemporary music.

  4. "A New Approach to Ear Training" by David N. Baker
    This text offers a comprehensive ear training method with exercises that help students build their ability to recognize intervals, chords, and rhythms. It’s ideal for developing a strong ear for both performance and composition.

  5. "Harmony and Voice Leading" by Edward Aldwell and Carl Schachter
    A classic text for students who want to dive deeply into harmony and voice leading. It’s ideal for students who are advancing into more complex music theory and want to understand the intricacies of counterpoint and harmonic structure.

  6. "The Jazz Theory Book" by Mark Levine
    For students interested in jazz, this book is an excellent resource that covers harmony, improvisation, chord symbols, and more. It’s perfect for musicians who want to explore jazz theory and learn how to apply it to their playing.

  7. "Functional Ear Training" by Gary S. Karpinski
    This book is perfect for students who want to build a strong foundation in ear training. It covers everything from intervals to chord progressions and offers exercises that help train your ear to understand functional harmony.

Credentials & Affiliations

I bring over a decade of professional experience in both music education and performance, and I’m proud to have worked with a wide variety of students, musicians, and organizations. Here’s a breakdown of my credentials and affiliations:

  1. Professional Music Director and Educator
    As the Music Director for several church servicesevents, and conferences, I have overseen the musical direction, arranged performances, and led musicians and singers in live settings. This hands-on experience helps me teach students how to perform confidently and professionally.

  2. Founder of The Divine Media Group
    As the founder of The Divine Media Group, I provide music education and custom music production services, including lessons, live performances, and original music composition for TV and film. This business allows me to share my passion for music through both education and creative projects.

  3. Leading Instructor at Guitar Center’s Largest Location (Detroit, MI)
    For two years, I served as the leading instructor at Guitar Center’s largest location in Detroit, where I taught students of all skill levels. This experience gave me the opportunity to refine my teaching techniques and work with students in a dynamic, high-energy retail environment. I was responsible for conducting individual and group lessons, developing lesson plans, and mentoring aspiring musicians.

  4. Experience in Multiple Music Genres
    I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of genres, including gospelneo-soulR&Bpop, and classicalmusic. This versatile background enables me to teach students across different musical styles and tailor lessons to their specific interests.

  5. Collaborations with Established Artists And Institutions
    Over the years, I have had the privilege of working alongside talented artists in both live performance settings and in the studio. Notably, I’ve produced, mixed, and mastered songs for artists like Asha Johnson and collaborated on music for many institutions.

  6. Performance Experience
    In addition to my teaching and directing roles, I’ve performed in various venues, including churchesweddingscorporate events, and fashion shows, which has given me invaluable experience in live performance and event coordination. I teach students how to prepare for live gigs and recordings, ensuring they feel confident and ready for any performance opportunity.

  7. Music Production & Film Scoring Expertise
    I specialize in music production for TV and film, offering custom music composition and production services. My expertise in creating music for the visual medium allows me to teach students the art of scoring and producingmusic that complements visuals.