Mark

"Having played piano my entire life, I had never strayed away from the written page. With a desire to explore improvisation, I picked up the harmonica a half a year before beginning my lessons with Michael and brought myself to the point where I could play jazz standards on it, but again, just from reading music. With no idea of how to even approach improvisation, I was fortunate to receive a recommendation to take lessons from Michael over Skype.

I must admit I was a bit apprehensive before my first lesson, but within 5 minutes, Michael had a way of making me completely forgot that I was not actually in the same room with him. Now, a little over a half a year later, I am at a point where my music theory and improvisation knowledge is just beginning to become dangerous. I’ve enjoyed recently sitting in on a couple of jam sessions and am connecting with a jazz guitarist to see where our collaboration may take us. The music theory learning curve during this time period has been steep - familiarity with all 12 keys, the 7 scale modes, and the 12 bar blues progression is just the beginning. Michael has a way of pacing his lessons so that you are always challenged but not overwhelmed. If you had told me I’d be where I am today when I started a 6 months ago, I wouldn’t have believed it. I thoroughly enjoy my lessons with Michael and look forward to continued advancement under his tutelage."