Dominick LaPonte
About
Hi there!
My name is Donny. I'm currently 32 and have been playing live music, teaching, and producing for 12 years.
Since I was as old enough to play anything I knew it was my favorite thing to do.
I'm a local performer in the Southwest Florida area, playing music from most decades, ranging from rock to folk, blues to jazz, metal to classical, and everything in between.
I'm a firm believer that everyone should have an art to express themselves. If it's getting aggression out by banging out some power chords with heavy distortion, or expressing a tranquil feeling on the gentle strings of a classical, music is one of the most overlooked remedies for the soul. Everyone should play something!
In instruction I have had students of all ages with varying areas of interests.
Since there are different teaching styles that work better for different people, I tend to adjust to the student.
I like clear fundamental understanding of the theory and then I like to get some relevant hands on training. Within each lesson I like the student to have played and learned at least one thing.
I will assign work to be done on your own that is crucial to continue forward. These will include habits and ways to practice that will be useful throughout your musical endeavors. Forming deadlines and imposing goals for yourself is a key to progressing.
I am open and value input from students if they have their own ideas or ways of achieving something. The goal is to play, enjoy, and get better.
I've played live music for many venues and events over the course of the last 12 years.
I have played for:
British Open Pub in Venice, Irish 31 in Sarasota, Ed's Tavern in Lakewood Ranch, Craft Growlers in Lakewood Ranch, Beach Club in Siesta Key, Better Byrd in St Pete, Farmhouse in Sarasota, Farmhouse in Bradenton, Gaspar's Grotto in St Pete, Edison's in Tallahassee, Cody's Grill in Tallahassee, Poboy's in Tallahassee, Alibaba's in Tallahassee, Sweet Rack Rib Shack in Tallahassee, Maloney's Irish Pub in Tampa, Maloney's Irish Pub in Carrollwood, Brass Tap in Lakeland, Best Western in Siesta Key, C'est La Vie in Sarasota, The Hideaway in Clearwater, Good Liquid in Bradenton, Naughty Monk in Lakewood Ranch, Gulf Drive Cafe in Siesta Key, Star and Thai Sushi in Siesta Key, The Flying Boat in St Pete, Sixty East in Ellenton, Eclipse Festival at Cabin Rest in South Carolina, Neptune's Grill in Gulfport, Freckled Fin in Siesta Key, and Farmers Festival in Sarasota.
I have also played for many private events for various occasions- Retirement home entertainment, Hospital therapy, Group Events, Memorials, Private Gatherings, and more.
Various Band and Projects:
Soul Kitchen- A classic rock resurgence band in Tallahassee 2015-2016. I provided bass and backup vocals.
High Tides- An acoustic jazz/randb duo. I played acoustic guitar and harmony vocals. Accompanied by Singer songwriter Rachel Hillman.
Mopetown- An experimental electronic project. This was a collaboration with another artist Mauricio Blanca.
Donny Lightheart- My personal music project providing quality acoustic and electric covers of popular and original music.
I also took theory and guitar lessons for many years under Hal Newman of MusicMasters in Tallahassee.
I have had students from age 5 to 76 and have been teaching guitar and music for over ten years.
For my students, I like to talk to them about what their goals are and what kind of music they like most. Using that information I like to analyze music they are familiar with that could be used in the curriculum. By teaching the student to understand fundamentals and using effective practice habits, my goal is for my students to be able to listen, learn, and play anything they want with practice.
I will curate all materials and texts needed and they will be available online for easy accessibility.