(Above is a picture of my studio which conveys the colorful, arty atmosphere my students experience. The text below details the unique benefits of my teaching.)
About me, my background and experience...
About me, my background and experience...
I am an experienced, college educated, scholarly, flexible and patient teacher, writer, artist, composer and professional musician. My undergrad degree is in music education, from Butler University, known as the "Harvard of the Midwest." I have masters work from IU and Butler in music, literature/drama and art. My teaching experience includes both private and class/group instruction in a variety of music and arts-oriented settings and subjects. It has taken place over the course of nearly three decades and has included extensive work with all ages, 6-100.
What sorts of instruction do I provide?
I provide private, individual instruction in piano, voice, guitar, guitar satellite instruments (such as banjitar, mandolin and ukes), music theory, lyrics and composition/songwriting. I also offer life coaching, both by itself and as an adjunct to musical instruction.
What ages and ability levels do I teach?
I teach children, adults and senior citizens and accept each student at their particular age, ability level, etc. No matter what, I provide structure, organization, and guidance. In all, I encourage daily practice, patience with the self, and the realization that learning is a process. I try to monitor progress and adjust as we go, encouraging students to "enjoy the process."
What do I specialize in?
I specialize in designing a unique, structured, personalized course of study for each student, in one or several subjects. I bring my lifelong experience in creating (books/music/art), performing, teaching, administrating and designing music/arts curricula for all ages to my teaching. I am good at problem solving, coming up with ideas/new approaches, setting goals, illustrating with effective metaphors, giving assignments, etc. The above is what makes my instruction different, hard to find, and valuable.
When do I teach and where?
I teach Mondays and Tuesdays (at 8:00pm and 8:30pm) and Wednesdays (at 8:15pm and 8:45pm), except for when there is a "fifth day." Possibilities include: half hour weekly lessons, hour long weekly lessons, and hour long monster sessions, which typically are every other week or monthly (for those who have trouble getting to my studio weekly). My studio is located at the Canterbury Condominiums, in a safe, convenient, Northside neighborhood (near 86th and Meridian and close to St. Vincent Hospital).
Can I afford lessons with Michael, and are they a good value?
Pricing and sliding scale...
(and see below that for more flexibility)
1/2 hr wkly lesson: $70 per mo ($50-$70 sliding scale)
1 hr wkly lesson: $140 per mo ($100-$140 sliding scale)
1x mo 2hr lesson: $70 per mo ($50-$70 sliding scale)
2x mo 2hr lesson: $140 per mo ($100-$140 sliding scale)
Further flexibility...
I know folks are struggling right now. So, if my sliding scale doesn't fit your budget, I'll do my best to help you. Pay the full amount (or more) if you're able, utilize the sliding scale if you need to (getting as close to the full amount as you can), or ask for further flexibility, if need be.
Sticking with you in hard times...
Whatever amount we choose, if things get tight, let me know. I'd rather renegotiate, than lose you as a student. We can adjust your monthly payment down for a while, then adjust it back up, if things improve.
What about parking, studio entrance, etc.?
Well, I used to live and teach in the very cool, historic, downtown Admiral building, and parking was a bit of a challenge. Now that I am on the Northside, parking is quite safe and easy. You can park right outside my condo entrance and walk right up to my door.
What will my first session be like?
At your first lesson, we’ll chat, get to know each other, talk about your goals, discuss the subjects you wish to study, etc. I may or may not hear you sing or play. I’ll have you read through the studio policies at the end of our first session, and if you are in agreement with these and feel like we are on the right track for you, please write a check for the rest of the month. If you’re not sure, you may just write a check for the first lesson and go away and think about things for a week. Usually, though, folks seem sure, write their check for the month, and we are off on our journey together! :) Your first assignment will be a To Do and a To Gather list, which I will provide to you, along with a packet for each subject you are to study.
