- Openings |
- Techniques |
- Instruments |
- Methods |
- Terms
“Each lesson program is tailored to the individual student. This engages your unique learning style and keeps the material in your areas of interest. In addition I understand my role as a mentor. Tackling an instrument is great character building. Through music I incorporate ideas of patience, work ethic, and appreciation.” ~Michael
- Lessons Include
- Weekly enthusiastic in-person meetings
- Binder/Folder with introductory lessons materials
- Custom lesson sheets [pdf]
- Music Fundamentals (Rhythm, Note Reading, Ear Training)
- Creativity/Improvisation Play
- Learning Songs They Request
- Email/Web support and practice tips (when appropriate)
- Play-a-long CDs and MP3s (when appropriate)
- Performance/Recital opportunities
Techniques
Michael is confident teaching on a variety of music topics. His approaches and disciplines can be applied to any instrument. Students of all ages and backgrounds receive an education based in solid music fundamentals.The list below shows a general idea of the kind of topics that may be covered in your lessons. All of these are woven into lesson plans based around each student’s interests. Whether it be a specific song, style of playing, or genre of music…the student gets to help decide what we will do. So in a lesson you will learn both what you want to know and what you need to know.
- Music Fundamentals
- Ear Training
- Rhythm Basics
- The Major Scale
- Intermediate Techniques
- Intermediate Ear Training
- Music Theory
- Scales and Keys
- Pentatonic Scales
- Chord Theory
- Note Reading
- Progressive Rhythm Studies
- Advanced Techniques
- Advanced Ear Training
- Music Theory
- Chord/Scale Theory
- Transposition
- Melodic Concepts
- Harmonic Theory
- Rhythmic Studies
- Creative Techniques
- Songwriting
- Improvisation
- Music Composition
- Arranging
- Advanced Chord Substitution
Instruments
Michael teaches a variety of instruments.- Instruments
- Acoustic Guitar
- Electric Guitar
- Ukulele
- Mandolin
- Bass Guitar (4 or 5 string)
- Cuatro
- Voice
- Trumpet
Instrument Disciplines
Michael’s experience as a performer and training as a composer give him specialized knowledge and insights into many instruments. In addition he is a voracious reader/collector of music text books poast and present. As a result Michael has developed unique insights and approaches to various instrument techniques.- Rhythm Guitar
- Strumming Patterns
- Counting and Timing Drills
- Genre Rhythm Profiles
- Implied Bass-lines
- Chord Colors
- Finger Style Guitar
- Travis Picking
- Brazilian
- Classical
- Jazz
- Blues/Country
- Lead Guitar
- C-A-G-E-D System
- Chord/Scale Grips
- Scale Modes
- Arpeggios
- Fingering/Picking Techniques
- Pentatonic Overlays
- Triad Substitution/Superimposition
- Jazz Guitar
- Jazz Harmony
- Melodic Minor Concepts
- Jazz Rhythm Guitar
- Bossa Nova
- Pentatonic Modal Scales
- Altered Dominant Harmony (ie:flat5)
- Drop Chords (ie: drop2)
- Chord Melody
- Improvisation
- Ukulele Techniques
- Movable Scales
- Movable Chord Forms
- Blues Boxes
- Fingerstyle Techniques
- Chord Melody
- Chord Substitutions
- Pentatonic Grips
- Mandolin Techniques
- Movable Scales
- Movable Chord Forms
- Blues Boxes
- Cross-pick Techniques
- Chord Melody
- Chord Substitutions
- Pentatonic Grips
- Tremelo
- Voice Techniques
- Technique
- Breathing
- Harmonizing
- Scat Solo
- Sight Reading
- Ear Training
- Solfege
- Keys + Transposing
Private Music Lessons in Whatcom County
