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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May 16th-22nd
Albert
What to practice: Au Clair de la Lune, and dexterity exercises.
Recommended practice time: 10 minutes daily
Tips for effective practice: Warm up with the dexterity exercises first (1,2,3,4, 1,2,3,4, etc…), as well as by turning on the metronome to pick along to, aiming to sync as accurately as you can playing 1, 2, 3, or 4 notes per click. Once you’ve warmed up aim to transfer that smoothness into the songs at hand!
Eliana
What to practice: Symphony of Destruction, the Trooper, and Dexterity exercises.
Recommended practice time: 15 minutes daily
Tips for effective practice: Warm up with both the dexterity exercises and The Trooper. Once those are feeling good, start tackling Symphony of Destruction, breaking it up into verses and dissecting as needed with a focus on good tone and rhythm first and foremost!
Aarnav
What to practice: Page 17 chords, and Tom Dooley.
Recommended practice time: 10 minutes daily
Tips for effective practice: Start by playing the chords in their simple form as shown in the diagrams (1 finger each chord), and once those are coming out well challenge yourself to play the full version. Take it slow with a focus on minimal time switching between chords – look for patterns and similarities in the chord shapes to help!
Aarna
What to practice: Worried Man Blues
Recommended practice time: 10 minutes daily
Tips for effective practice: Check your dropbox folder for an updated blank version of the tune which you can fill out yourself! Write in the notes as needed and go ahead like always, just be sure to start on the right note (pickup bar)!
Simon
What to practice: Black Dog, Trooper, No Bullets Fly
Recommended practice time: 15 minutes daily
Tips for effective practice: Warm up with the songs you’re familiar with: Black Dog and Trooper. Try playing along with the recordings with a focus on emulating it as closely as possible. It may still be necessary to chunk the Trooper a bit as it’s still pretty new, so do so as necessary. Otherwise, start tackling the Sabaton tune, perhaps starting by really digging into the rhythm (maybe even without a guitar in hand), and then start tackling the melody bar by bar.
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
