David Hook

Credentials & Qualifications

DEGREE

UCLA

1997

MFA Choral Conducting

DEGREE

Grand Canyon University

1984

B.A. Applied Music (Voice)

About Me

How I Teach

Vocal Coaching & Repertoire Mastery: Unlock a foundational vocal technique designed to transfer seamlessly across all genres—from classical and musical theater to jazz, rock, and contemporary worship. By coordinating advanced breath management with appropriate diction for the style and voice, we clear away physical tension to maximize your natural acoustic resonance. What We Achieve In Your Lessons: 1. Vowel Architecture: Modify vowels strategically to bridge your registers, eliminating cracking and high-note strain. 2. Diction Integration: Train the tongue and jaw to articulate crisp lyrics without interrupting airflow or collapsing your tone. 3. Artistic Phrasing: Apply deep text and musical analysis to make high-stakes auditions and live performances sound effortless. Piano I help progressing pianists bridge the gap from intermediate playing to high-level, flexible musicianship. Tailored Strategy: I customize all technique, music theory, and repertoire to match your exact goals and preferred musical style. Stylistic Versatility: Master the distinct mechanics and rhythm patterns needed to play classical, theater, jazz, classical, and gospel/worship charts. Fluid Dexterity: Eliminate hand and forearm tension to build rapid finger agility, chord efficiency, and mechanical freedom. Broad Horizon (For Youth): I introduce younger students to a wide span of musical eras and genres to build well-rounded players early. French Horn The French horn is one of the most beautiful instruments in the band—but it can also be the trickiest! Whether you are completely new to the horn or fighting to hit your high notes smoothly for regional honor band auditions, I am here to make playing fun, reliable, and effortless. My curriculum choices prioritize these five areas: 1. Precision Accuracy & Audiation Training The Focus: Because horn keys change multiple notes on the same partial, students must hear the pitch in their mind before playing it. The Result: Daily pitch-matching games and ear training that drastically cut down on cracked or missed notes. 2. Embouchure Setup & Right-Hand PlacementThe Focus: Perfecting the exact lip placement (typically 2/3 upper lip, 1/3 lower lip) and learning how to cup the right hand inside the bell. The Result: Proper hand positions open up a warm, dark, authentic tone and immediately make high notes easier to tune. 3. Air Support & Consistent Tone Production The Focus: Mastering low, deep breathing to push air through the horn's extensive 12 to 24 feet of tubing. The Result: Eliminating thin or shaky sounds by using a fully supported column of air for loud, brassy passages and soft melodies alike. 4. Articulation and "The Tongue" Mechanics The Focus: Coordinating the tongue with the air stream to switch seamlessly between crisp staccatos and smooth legatos. The Result: Preventing a closed throat or heavy tongue from choking off notes, creating a clean start to every musical line. 5. Solos, Etudes, and Audition Strategy The Focus: Navigating technical method books and applying them to school band music or regional solos. The Result: Students master performance skills, including managing stage anxiety, adjusting to piano accompanists, and sight-reading.

Additional Expertise

My Musical Styles

The Art of the Student