About
1BillsMusicLessons is locally owned and operated by Billy Schleifer, a graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music (2003), and a professional musician with 20 years of experience in all facets of the music industry including 11 years as a Producer and 15 as a private instructor. Notable projects include Boyz II Men’s comeback single, “Better Half”, AFL Grand Final song, “Last Ones Standing”, and Sadie Van’s latest release, “Perfectly.” Schleifer has worked with artists, writers, and producers on various record labels including UMG, EPIC, and WMG. Schleifer’s production genres include Pop, Hip Hop, Rock and more. Schleifer has taught music at Guitar Center, South Pasadena Music and Grayson’s Tune Town in the Los Angeles, CA area.
Lessons
Why just learn an instrument when you can learn to play and create music? My approach to teaching involves educating students on music as a whole, from understanding theory to creating songs to sharing them with the world.
I've taught and mentored aspiring musicians and creators of all ages, skill levels and needs and turned out well rounded artists who have a solid base and understanding of music, and are confident in their next steps of their musical journeys.
Production
How do you take an idea in your head and turn it into a masterpiece? My lessons in production involve recording, arranging, songwriting, editing, mixing, and more. I also cover home recording, gear, plugins, and more.
Guitar and Bass
Guitar is my primary instrument. I have played guitar since the age of 15 and have mastered both acoustic and electric playing in a variety of styles including pop, rock, metal, fingerstyle and more. I focus on technique, timing, rhythm and lead playing, but I also teach theory and understanding your guitar or bass as a "musical instrument" and a songwriting and composition tool.
Music Theory
Minor pentatonic, dorian mode, diatonic chords, I-IV-V, Key signatures, tensions. What does it all mean? How does it help me rock? You'll find out.
Ear Training
Rhythms, scale intervals, Solfege and more. If you can hear it, you can say it. If you can say it, you can play it.
Music Business
I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA with a BM in music business. Having a basic understanding of the music business can help you turn your creative hobby into a way to make extra money on the side or even a career. What's the point of creating music if you don't have any idea of what happens next?
Billy is the best music teacher my teenage son has ever had. Not only is he great teaching guitar, Billy is outstanding in helping kids, and people of all ages, understand the fundamentals of writing music, music theory, the business of music and marketing yourself as a musician. His expertise in all aspects of music and the music industry really sets him apart from other teachers. Billy is unique because he tailors his approach for each student. He understands my sons musical strengths and weaknesses, as well as his personality, and has developed a great rapport with him. As a result, Billy inspires my son, brings out his best work and continually challenges him in new and interesting ways. I highly recommend Billy if you’re looking for a top notch teacher who is smart, talented, professional and trustworthy.
Kristen D
"Today, it’s relatively easy to find lessons on guitar playing online. However, what I love about Billy is he creates custom learning plan to address your strengths and weaknesses. In addition, he is interested in building skills that make you into a more complete musician, which I found to be invaluable. I highly recommend!"
Kevin B
"We 100% recommend Bill for guitar and music production lessons. He’s been working with us for a while now – both in person (pre-pandemic) and online since March and the move was seamless. In teaching my kids, he is super perceptive in gearing his teaching to their interests – ensuring their motivation stays high, while making sure to sneak in the theory throughout. He’s pushed my kids to explore all kinds of music styles and sounds, encouraging them to each find their voice as musicians. He’s carried that into music production as well – as the 11 and 14 year old’s are starting to venture into songwriting and building tracks. He’s kind and he has patience for days!"
Natasha S
"Honestly wouldn’t be making music like I am today without the help of Billy. He is an excellent teacher, whether it’s learning guitar or producing. You’ll notice improvement within a matter of weeks! Definitely hit him up for lessons ASAP."
Justin H
"My son has been learning guitar with Bill for over a year. He is kind and patient, my son enjoys learning from him."
Cyndi N
"Bill Schleifer is an amazing music teacher. I say music because when what one learns from Bill is far more than about just playing the guitar. He teaches his students some theory as well - not too much, but enough to make the guitar make more sense for the student. He is a Berklee School of Music-trained musician, and his students benefit from his deep education in music. If the student is interested, Bill will share his knowledge of production, recording and performance as well. As a result, I have learned how to play, record, and set up a small music studio at home. He has brought enjoyment to my guitar playing that I greatly appreciate. Bill is organized in preparing for lessons, and shows the patience needed to deal with the misplayed notes of his students." Under his tutelage, I have developed a great deal as a guitarist in a short period of time. I highly recommend Bill as a music instructor. You won't be disappointed!
B Marg
"Billy is a fantastic music teacher! I’ve had him for guitar lessons, performance lessons, and even GarageBand production lessons. Billy has skills in many aspects of music and is very open to teaching you about all of it. He communicates greatly with his students, understands what they want, and encourages them pursue it. He is also very knowledgeable on the music industry so he will tell you everything the way it is, no B.S.. Definitely recommend having him as your teacher."
