Word Maven Music

Before relocating to Toronto, she spent five years at a New England Boarding School working with teens and adults as a music teacher, choral accompanist, and Learning Skills Specialist. She continues to work part time as a writing instructor and academic tutor. Debra's teaching experiences have led her to combine her knowledge of learning styles with music instruction, and develop a curriculum aimed at encouraging musical self-expression, creativity, and confidence.

In addition to teaching at schools and studios, Debra has fostered the progress of many songwriters and musicians by leading workshops and conducting lessons as a Regional Coordinator for the Nashville Songwriters Association International. She currently serves as a mentor for Toronto’s School Alliance of Student Songwriters (SASS).

An active professional songwriter, Debra oversees her own music publishing company and is busy promoting her song catalogue and adding to her credits. Her song, "You Can Cry," co-written with singer-songwriter/producer David Leask, won the 2004 NSAI Single Song Showdown and led to a single song contract with SONY Music Publishing. Debra's songs have earned honors in several other contests, including the ISC, Billboard, Unisong, and John Lennon. David and Debra’s tune, “Are You Ready To Love” was selected for The Nashville Songwriters Association International’s “Best of NSAI” 2005 compilation CD. "Something So Sweet," co-written with 2007 Maple Blues Vocalist, Bassist, and Songwriter of the year Suzie Vinnick, has enjoyed radio airplay across Canada, and is the opening cut on Suzie's album "33 Stars." It was also the first single from the CD "Real Divas Volume II/Torchlight Volume II," released in March 2005.

Debra is passionate about writing and music, and is dedicated to providing a supportive working studio environment for you and your musical endeavors.

Q: What is your Teaching Philosophy?
A: My primary goal is to guide students as they develop a sense of how to express themselves musically and/or lyrically. I believe that good teaching matches a student's learning style. Using a flexible approach, I tailor the curriculum to each individual and his or her personal objectives. I hope my students will acquire a positive attitude about themselves as inquisitive learners, creative musicians, and unique communicators. I teach the necessary foundations to achieve musical literacy, while valuing student input on curriculum and encouraging student initiative. I expect students to take responsibility and be active learners. I believe good teachers set good examples. As a working songwriter, I hope to be an inspirational role model. Ultimately, I want students to feel confident in their ability to learn, and to discover the rewards of becoming musically proficient as they experience the joy that is making music.

Q: What kinds of things do you teach and what are the elements of your curriculum?
A: I offer private, one on one instruction in piano, guitar, songwriting, and demo pre-production, including arranging, notating lead sheets and chord charts, and recording. Musical styles addressed are classical, pop, rock, folk, and blues. Those who appreciate learning music theory in a practical context will appreciate my approach. Learning to play guitar or piano centers around goals set by the student. You can learn songs by listening to recordings or discovering how to read sheet music. Lessons and feedback provide a structure for learning to write original songs. I assess each student to determine his or her learning style, and material is presented in a multi-sensory manner to accommodate visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile learners. A variety of teaching methods and resources are used and adapted according to each student's goals. I use the Practica Musica computer software program to teach music theory, and each student maintains his or her own personal file within the program to track learning progress. Please see The Word Maven Music Studio Curriculum Map in the Files Section of this page for a more detailed description of subjects and skills taught.

Q: What kind of environment do you teach in?
A: The Word Maven Music Studio includes Studio Equipment: Roland RD 500 88 key weighted digital piano, Ovation student guitar, Recording gear. Computer/Software: Mac PowerBook G4 with OSX, Logic Digital Recording software, iDrum software, Musica Practica interactive ear training software, Finale music notation software. Resource Library: Various Piano Methods, Various Guitar Methods, Classical and popular folios, Extensive collection of books on songwriting craft and business.

Q: What professional organizations do you belong to?
A: ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers) NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International) SAC (Songwriters Association of Canada) SGA (Songwriters Guild of America) NEALS (New England Association of Learning Specialists)

Q: Where is your studio located?
A: The Word Maven Music Studio is centrally located at Yonge & St.Clair in midtown Toronto. It is easily accessed via TTC Transit. On street, hourly parking or Green P parking is available.

Q: Do you have a studio policy or any other printed materials?
A: Request by calling 416.513.0376 x3

 
November 28, 2005
Debra Alexander is a performing songwriter. See her Electronic Presskit: View Debra Alexander's EPK
 
November 1, 2005
Debra is currently accepting piano/guitar/songwriting students in her Word Maven Music Studio. Send an E-mail to request more information.

Debra is pleased to announce that she has been selected to be a writer/mentor for the School Alliance of Student Songwriters (S.A.S.S.) for the 05-06 school year.