Ted Sablay

Session formats

Practical musicianship for working musicians and serious amateurs. We focus on melody, harmony, structure, parts, and intent—then turn that into decisions you can execute.

All formats follow the same arc: diagnose → rebuild → next steps. The difference is depth and scope.

If you’re unsure, book Build. If you have one clear bottleneck, book Diagnostic. If you’re juggling multiple goals or advanced material, book Deep Work.

Purchase lessons Ask which to book
Before you book

Bring something real: a song, draft, demo, chart, video, or a specific passage you’re stuck on.

  • 1 sentence goal (“cleaner time feel,” “stronger chorus lift,” “better voicings”)
  • 1 example link (your recording, YouTube, or a reference track)
  • 1 constraint (gig deadline, audition date, available practice time)

The three formats

30 minutes

Diagnostic

One specific problem. One clear solution. Fast clarity and a direct fix you can apply immediately.

Best for
  • Technique snags (timing, picking, fingerings, voicings)
  • One section that won’t lock (intro, riff, turnaround, bridge)
  • Arrangement questions (“what part should I play here?”)
What we do
  • Identify the bottleneck in minutes
  • Choose the simplest fix that actually solves it
  • Leave with a short practice move for the week
Book 30
60 minutes

Build

Diagnose the root issue, rebuild the fundamentals underneath it, and map the next 2–4 weeks of practice.

Best for
  • Plateaus (you’re practicing, but not improving)
  • Time feel + consistency across a set of songs
  • Harmony/voicing work that needs context
What you leave with
  • A clear “why it’s stuck” explanation
  • 2–3 targeted exercises (not a homework pile)
  • A simple weekly plan you can actually keep
Book 60
90 minutes

Deep Work

Multi-topic or advanced work. We make higher-level decisions and you leave with a written plan.

Best for
  • Songwriting + theory + application in one session
  • Advanced harmony (function, voice-leading, modulation)
  • Arranging a full song / set with part economy
What we produce
  • A prioritized decision list (what to change first)
  • Specific parts (or part rules) to execute
  • A written plan for the next phase
Book 90
Quick chooser

Pick the smallest format that can solve the problem.

If you can name one issue, go Diagnostic. If the issue keeps recurring, go Build. If you’re combining goals or working at an advanced level, go Deep Work.

Purchase lessons Email for consultation

Purchase at least 72 hours before your first appointment. Monthly plans are month-to-month and keep a standing slot while you’re active.