Find your own musical voice.
Private lessons in jazz piano, improvisation for all instruments, composition, clinics and masterclasses shaped around the individual musician.
Musicianship, with a human center.
Michael teaches jazz, blues and popular piano, improvisation for all instruments, jazz piano for the classical pianist, jazz composition and advanced harmony. His work is grounded in technique, theory and repertoire, then carried toward the individual student’s own musical interests.
Lessons are available on Zoom, FaceTime, and in person. Visiting residencies are also available.
For more than forty years, Michael has taught musicians of every age and stage, from children and teenagers to postgraduate students and retirees. He sees his role as a guide: helping each person follow a unique musical path and develop a distinctive voice.
Technique, theory and repertoire are essential, but so are a student’s musical and extra-musical interests. Drawing on four decades of playing and composing, Michael guides students through modern jazz improvisation, repertoire, theory, composition and ensemble performance. Lessons are intensive and normally held every other week.
A teacher who meets musicians where they are.
“Making you feel special is what Michael is all about: he really hears you, supports you musically where you’re at, and takes you to the next place.”
“Michael has a charismatic way of sharing his enthusiasm for jazz with students and audiences from diverse populations.”
“Michael has a superb ability to offer highly practical advice as well as deal with more philosophical, aesthetic issues.”
“Michael is a master teacher and communicator of musical thought.”
Clinics and masterclasses.
Michael has taught at schools and universities across Europe, Latin America and North America. He offers an interactive learning experience for high school and university students in jazz piano, theory, improvisation, jazz history, composition and ensemble work. Michael was on the faculties of Rhodes College (Memphis), Eastern Tennessee State University, The National Guitar Workshop and EMU in La Plata, Argentina. He received his M.A. in Music from Queens College (CCNY).