Damian Meyer
About
On top of over 18 years worth of teaching experience at three schools and privately,I started my relationship with music at 12,when I joined the LINDEN HIGH SCHOOL Cadet Band/Marching Band (South African Champions) and learned to play tenor horn,flugelhorn and entry level side drumming.
My highlights with the cadet band include being invited to and participating in the BANDS OF AMERICA SUMMER SYMPOSIUM (26 band members from SA),cultural exchanges in the EU, as well as National TV appearances.
From here, at around the age of 16/17, I moved over to bass and guitar.
At the time,a bass guitar was the more affordable option and I took to it hard.
Over the next couple of years I joined various bands and played in churches and jam ensembles.
At age 20 I joined Swallow15. Within 6 months we won the RBF (Radio and Broadcast Facility) regional and then came in 2nd at the national round.
The performance was enough to draw the attention of an A&R rep at BMG,where we started to track our first proper demo. Unfortunately, the band split up,due to internal conflicts. The exposure led to me joining AENISM. Within a year,we had the attention of MUSKETEER RECORDS,the local label who developed SARON GAS, now know as SEETHER and brokered the deal with WINDUP RECORDS. But yet again,the band split due to the vocalist moving on from music as a career. This led to joining SUBROSA (South African Band,not the US band) and with SUBROSA,we topped the local rock and metal charts at least on 4 occasions. At the time I was a junior engineer/assistant producer at Alternate Mind Studios and rehearsal space,which led to joining THE AWAKENING. THE AWAKENING (based in the US) is the brainchild of local goth-rock megalith Ashton Nyte. Based on the recommendation of their previous bass player,I then joined the band and remained in the band for 5 years. My next project was CHB,who then changed their name to NOVARISE. NOVARISE caught the attention of famed producer and A&R rep JEFF BLUE (Linkin Park,Macey Gray,Korn,Worm etc etc.) and Mike Gonsolin (P.O.D.,Snoop Dogg,Britney Spears etc.) in Los Angeles. This led to us tracking 4 songs with Jeff and Mike in LA at TREND DEF STUDIO in West Hollywood. Upon returning,two members decided to start solo careers,even though NOVARISE had the potential and contacts to excel. This led to starting my own project (COLDFIELD) and switching over to guitar as my preferred live instrument,which at this point,I have been teaching and playing for over 11 years along side my bass studies and teaching.
I also co-own Pulse Music Recording Studio in Krugersdorp,SA and teach guitar and hold the title of HEAD OF DEPARTMENT for bass and guitar for MARSHALL MUSIC SCHOOL in the West Rand (we have close to 500 students,over two branches)
That is my musical story so far,with hopefully many more stories to unfold!
I have a student per student approach.
Even though there are fundamentals and specific criteria needed to full fill certain level and grading system requirements,each students reasons,motivations,goals,styles and musical approach,both in learning and playing, is unique.
Every student WILL learn the fundamentals and expansions on each technical,practical and theoretical approach,BUT by treating each student as if they are exactly the same musically and as learners might not be the best.
The goal is to change PRACTICE in to PLAYING and ENJOYING,not just chugging away at the strings because my teacher or parents require it,as well as giving them the tools to become independant musicians with their own flavors and hopefully creative spark.
BUT this all starts with a strong knowledge and technical approach,taught by someone who can guide you in the best manner for your musical needs,without 'short changing' you.
Marshall Music School (South Africa) - Head of Department - Guitar/Bass (Since 2008)