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About

David Rossiter

David Rossiter playing Top of the Park
"I have been writing songs for several years now, yet I got some new and unique insights from David. He doesn't feed you cliches, he gives you new perspectives on melody, rhythm, and lyrics. It will help me make further progress in my songwriting journey."
- Robert B.

Guitarist and Bandleader

David started playing guitar at age twelve. In high school, his band won the State Battle of the Bands in Michigan. Drawing on his twenty years as founder and leader of the eclectic Americana band, Hoodang, David brings a dynamic perspective and passion to each student and lesson.

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David's unique approach to teaching beginning guitar is built on a system designed to move students as quickly as possible from where they currently are to where they want to be in the shortest possible timeframe. All lessons are tailored to each student's interests, current level of knowledge and skill, desires and dreams, and your level of commitment (how many hours can you dedicate to productive practice). His approach gives you a safe, low-pressure environment to learn what you want at your pace

Songwriter

After more than two decades of intensive songwriting, recording, and performing, David is sharing everything he's learned about crafting indelible songs that move audiences and musicians alike. 

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Drawing on his experience as founder and leader of the eclectic Americana band, Hoodang, as well as ongoing work as a sought-after songwriting* and guitar teacher, David brings a dynamic perspective and passion to each lesson.

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Two years in development, David's songwriting program is designed to accelerate your process of becoming a powerful and productive songwriter by teaching what matters most while helping you avoid the many pitfalls that line the path to success.

*David is a multi-year member of the teaching staff at the Above The Bridge Songwriting Workshop working with over 60 students of all levels and interests.

Some Songs by David Rossiter

BarricadesHoodang
00:00 / 03:52
You Oughta KnowHoodang
00:00 / 02:47
Walking On AirHoodang
00:00 / 03:52
Pharma KarmaHoodang
00:00 / 04:06

Still Life - David Rossiter and Hoodang

Testimonials

"Very helpful step-by-step entry into something very difficult to master on your own. Through his instruction, I've gone from total beginner to writing and performing my own songs, something I never thought I'd be able to do. Great teacher." - Ava H.

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"I went to this songwriting event that David Rossiter had last Saturday and it was awesome! I got a lot out of it and have been reflecting on the stages of the Hero’s Journey ever since, and how some stages have applied to my own songwriting and/or life. I can’t wait to reflect on it more intently, next time I write a song! I highly recommend this if you see that he offers this opportunity again. Well worth it!"  - Shannon L.

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"I started lessons with David as an older beginner (mid-50s) in the summer of 2021. I appreciate his teaching style: structuring lessons with a curriculum in mind that incorporates technique, music theory, song structure, performance strategies, and the simple joy of playing. He's always willing to customize lessons around my musical interests. The short video summaries and other materials he provides are very helpful and eliminate the anxiety around having to commit everything to memory during the lesson." - Tom S.

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I have been a bit creatively stalled, sitting and listening to David is helping me break out of my creative funk. Thanks! - Chris C. 

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“My name is Ari (9) and I have been studying guitar with David for more than a year. I always look forward to my lessons with him. He chooses music for us to play that I really like and teaches me new kinds of music that I've never heard before. He makes me a better guitar player and I really like it when we jam out together. For all those reasons, he is a great teacher.” . - Ari P.

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If you know how to play but want to learn some good songwriting skills, then this course is for you. - William S. (Udemy course student)

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"I started lessons with David in December 2020, working with an old guitar and Zoom. David’s patience and flair for keeping the lessons interesting really helped me overcome the challenges of learning remotely. As an older learner, I appreciate him sending videos of the lesson’s key points and fingering charts for the chords to help while I practice. I highly recommend David to anyone interested in learning to play the guitar." - John A.

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"I Iike the straightforward idea of creativity as non-goal-oriented decision-making and noodling around with vague ideas. The tone of the teacher is down-to-earth and direct. - Brent S.

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"I've been meaning to “up” my guitar playing skills for a while. I'm retired with extra time on my hands and own a nice guitar but needed a teacher to make it happen. David has been the answer to my needs. Weekly lessons, with follow-up videos to enhance at-home practice, have done the trick. David quickly figured out my deficits and got a plan established and implemented to address my needs and goals. David’s approach includes clear instructional communication, excellent visual examples, and efforts made to break things down which, when all said and done, contribute to a good learning arrangement. " - John C.

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"I appreciate Rossiter's positive attitude and encouragement from the very start. I was surprised that after a short pep talk, he has the student begin writing verses almost immediately. I realize that there are loads more lessons to come but it's gratifying to be able to start creating at such an early stage of this course." - Carol S. (Udemy course student)

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"This course has taken some of the obscured-mysticism that I thought was behind songwriting and made it clear to me. I feel like I have a path now, with songwriting." - Jeremiah L.

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