Private lessons via Zoom
Practical musicianship, taught like a working craft.
This isn’t “learn a song and hope it sticks.” It’s skill you can reuse: better time feel, clearer harmony, stronger parts, and more intentional writing. Built for working musicians, serious songwriters, and high-performing professionals who want measurable progress.
We name the bottleneck. Not “practice more.” The exact thing that’s keeping the part, song, or section from landing.
You learn how to choose: what to play, what to leave out, how to lift a chorus, how to simplify without getting boring.
Tools that transfer across songs: time feel, voice-leading, melodic contour, arrangement priorities, and repeatable practice moves.
Choose a track
Guitar
Time, tone, fretboard clarity, and parts that support the vocal and groove.
- Rhythm feel, dynamics, and consistency under tempo
- Voicings that sound “record-ready” without overplaying
- Practice design: short, specific, and repeatable
Piano / Keyboard
Harmony + arranging skills that let you play, write, and produce with confidence.
- Chord function, voice-leading, and clean left-hand foundations
- Melody + harmony coordination (not “hands fighting”)
- Arrangement thinking: pads, hooks, counterlines
Songwriting
Better songs through structure, melodic lift, and lyrical intent—without losing your voice.
- Section contrast: verse set-up → chorus payoff
- Melodic control: contour, range, repetition vs surprise
- Finish systems: drafts → decisions → final
You don’t need fancy gear. You need reliable basics that stay in tune and make you want to play.
- Acoustic guitar: stable intonation, comfortable action, solid build (Yamaha/Fender tier).
- Keys: 61+ keys if you want full arranging range; 88 weighted if piano feel matters.
- MIDI: great if you record on a Mac and live in software instruments.
Tell me your space + goal and I’ll recommend a setup that fits. No upsell.
How it works
Clarify the goal
We define what “better” means for you and choose the right session format.
Schedule simply
Purchase first, then we lock a time. Monthly plans keep a standing slot.
Bring real material
Song, draft, demo, chart, or video—whatever you’re actually working on.
Diagnose + rebuild
We identify the bottleneck fast, then make clear musical decisions in real time.
Practice with intent
You leave with notes and a focused plan for the week—not a pile of homework.
Meet your instructor
Ted Sablay is a Las Vegas–based musician, musical director, and teacher. He has spent nearly two decades touring with The Killers and brings a calm, structured approach to musicianship: melody, harmony, structure, parts, and intent.
Shared stages with Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, and Elton John.
Ready to start?
Adult learners often move faster because they listen better and practice with intent. Age isn’t the variable—follow-through is.
Lessons must be purchased at least 72 hours before your first appointment.