A track record of success
Since the year 2000, Mike has taught over a hundred students of many different levels and ages. He is engaged in the art of motivation as much as he is involved with instruction. His teaching methods work so well in part because he approaches his students with kindness and encouragement, while at the same time holding them to a high standard of achievement and improvement. He has prepared students to achieve high scores, including those of merit and distinction on internationally recognized ABRSM exams.
The fairest policy in the business
Signing up with is simple and fair. There are two models to suit your needs. Either per diem, or the new flat fee subscription model. There are no extra fees, and unlike many studios, you will never have a substitute. There is the industry standard 24 hours notice required to cancel a class.
In constant contact
We will be available by phone, SMS, or email at any time to answer any questions or concerns that may arise, so it’s easy to get in touch! In many studios, the teacher and students’ families are contractually forbidden from being in direct contact.
Annual Recitals
Students are given the opportunity to perform in front of an audience.
The student’s best interests at heart
If we believe that a student would be better assisted by another teacher, Mike will recommend a student to another teacher who specializes in an area that would better suit his or her needs.
Philosophy
My goal is to push my students to a high level of musicianship while at the same time fostering in them an enjoyment of the learning process and an appreciation of music. If they aren’t enjoying it at all, it doesn’t work. I am extremely persistent in a gentle way. As the zen proverb goes “Little by little, the water wears away the stone.” Rigor and play should work hand in hand. Students who are working only to avoid punishment develop tension (preventing good technique) or even a disdain for music lessons or practicing music.
Motivation is more of an art than an exact science. Of course there is no cookie-cutter solution, but as a rule I motivate my students mostly by giving them bite-sized goals, creating little games, giving rewards, and teaching them songs or parts of songs that they like. These activities are integrated with a more thorough approach that includes reading, technique, playing expressively, memorization, theory, standard repertoire, and building time management skills.
Also, the student-teacher relationship is important. It should be respectful yet friendly. If the student and teacher both work for and celebrate the breakthroughs that occur, the student will be more likely to hang in there when tackling larger obstacles in music and in life.