Fellow Professionals
who have studied with Michael

Spencer T.
(pro guitarist/songwriter/band leader) 

Michael is passionate about pure musical expression and everything he does comes from that place. He helped elevate my singing technique to a level that I didn't know I had, and provided a helpful framework to approach improvisation both vocally and on my guitar.  We also worked on improvised vocal looping which was something I had no experience with, but ultimately led to some big breakthroughs . . . No matter where you are on your musical journey or what your goals are, Michael will be able to add something you probably won't find anywhere else.

Allen C.
(film composer)

He listened to my opening score and told me it was a mixture of two composers that might in theory, clash, but the green light came: "But it works . . ." he said. The rest of the session was super helpful, point-blank, give and take.  An approachable, serious, but fun guy, you can only get better with Michael's helping hands (tremendous piano skills) and ears (big history buff).  Prices are reasonable.  Highest rating.

Alan Lin
(professional jazz violinist)

Michael has encyclopedic knowledge of numerous musical genres... and also has developed effective ways of teaching said knowledge.

Daniel McCormick
(L.A. film composer)

Michael is simply an incredible teacher . . .

Sam Bass
(cellist/recording and touring artist with Les Claypool)

I feel very grateful for the time we got to spend together.  You opened my ears and mind to the next logical steps in jazz and other types of improvisation.  My ability to explore more interesting harmonic and melodic concepts has expanded into larger, more interesting melodic leaps plus more effective use of altered and whole-tone scales.  As I come to terms with the role of the cello in a jazz setting, I feel like everything we worked on is very present in my improvisational endeavors.

Maxwell Maynard
(pro vocalist/guitarist/songwriter) 

I found Michael almost by accident, and was unaware at first that I had stumbled across a low-key legend in the Bay Area music scene.  Whatever level you're at, he will meet you there and continually push you to keep getting better — meting out constructive feedback and genuine encouragement in equal measure. Come prepared to learn, work, and improve. You can tell that he truly loves music and seeks to pass along what a lifetime of love has taught him.

Adrian B.
(expressive arts therapist/
pianist/composer/vocalist)

Michael is the most thoughtful music teacher I've encountered. His teachings are relevant and translatable to other parts of life. The highest quality of teaching can impact the rest of your life because of its depth and thoughtfulness. Thorough and thoughtful! 

Michael Beach
(multi-instrumentalist/touring performer/
recording artist/composer/teacher)

I have had many teachers in my musical career, and Michael Smolens stands out as one of the best!  His attention to detail and musical scope are unparalleled, and his enthusiasm for teaching is always apparent.  Though we have minor stylistic differences, he has vastly improved my skill as a pianist, vocalist, teacher, and beyond.  I am great appreciative of my time learning with Michael!

Ethan Hamlin
(recording artist/vocalist/
multi-instrumentalist/composer) 

I'm a songwriter who's been studying with Michael for nearly four years. What keeps me coming back is the same thing that initially attracted me to him: the depth of his knowledge across a variety of musical disciplines.  During my time at his studio we've covered all sorts of musical topics: voice, piano, composition, theory, improvisation, and more.  Having a teacher who can fluently discuss and integrate ideas and concepts across all aspects of music is tremendously valuable. Additionally, I appreciate that Michael listens carefully and deeply to his students, adjusting his curriculum depending on their needs. Highly recommended, especially for musicians looking for a teacher who's ready to dig deep and cover a lot of ground.

Ayden Graham
 (multi-instrumentalist/vocalist/
songwriter/recording artist)

Michael is a one-of-a-kind teacher. His ability to get to the heart of the matter with clever analogies is uncanny. I have been studying with him for about three months now and have been stretched enormously by his teaching. No teacher before has ever delved this deep into what it means to be a practicing musician. His three-part practice log is an invaluable tool that I am only just starting to get the hang of. For a musician who is looking to clear up their misconceptions, develop a practice routine, and make a commitment to a lifetime of playing, Michael will get you there.

Paul Davis
(drummer/pianist)

I came to Michael with no piano experience, hoping to get a decent foundation before returning to study music in college.  Over the course of 9 months, we covered theory, technique, improvisation, composition, arranging, and analysis — ultimately giving me not just piano skills, but the ability to think critically about music and a deeper understanding of myself as a musician.  His piano method is thorough, and he is very knowledgable about many styles of music.  I highly recommend Michael as both a piano and composition teacher.

Van Jackson-Weaver
(guitarist/vocalist/composer/
bandleader/teacher) 

I am in a much better position as a performer after working with Michael Smolens. I originally contacted Michael to learn vocal technique, but what I am learning from him goes far beyond that. From the finer points of bandleading, to marketing myself as a teacher, to discussing more effective practice strategies, Michael is helping me develop every aspect of myself as a career musician. As hard as it is to make a living as an independent artist, the skills and tools that Michael is arming me with give me confidence that I can make it work!

Kane Minkus
(touring vocalist/multimedia composer)

After years of touring, recording and performing I have worked with many vocal teachers and coaches. Michael was extraordinary at quickly identifying and moving me through my current set of limiting constraints. In a short period of time, my voice improved greatly and I gained an excellent education and ability that I had not previously gotten from my formal training. His expertise of the voice was apparent quickly and his ability to personally pinpoint and apply the right techniques to my needs was very impressive.

Jeffrey Gaeto
(film composer/arranger/
pianist/vocalist/teacher)

He is always insightful, meticulous, and draws from an exceptionally broad palette of musical knowledge and experience in addressing each area of concern. Not to be understated is the fully supportive and inspirational working environment he has created in his personal studio. Michael is a teacher of unsurpassed skill and dedication . . .

Daniel Tucker
(vocalist/multi-instrumentalist/
composer/arranger/teacher/recording artist)

This has been such a fun process, and drawing on all the musical skills I’ve got!  From soloing on the keyboard, to comping various rhythms with the B3, to arranging three voices in harmony, to jotting down rhythmic ideas in rhythm notation, I owe a lot to your guidance.  Not to mention all the ‘other’ stuff of a musician’s life, like posting Craigslist ads, maintaining an email list with concert announcements, keeping the plants in my studio healthy . . . Thanks! Really appreciate your sharing all that knowledge and experience . . . And enjoying putting it to use now.

Conrad Seto
(pro Gypsy jazz guitarist)

Michael's practice log has helped me go beyond my current plateau and allowed me to become truly self-sufficient, to go from being held accountable by him about practicing to holding myself accountable. And while his teaching of the technical aspects is masterful, what he teaches about the bigger picture of music, and life, is of even greater value . . .

Jerry Goldstone
(guitarist/arranger/vocalist/comedian)

[Studying with Michael] has meant encompassing areas such as more confident performance, more productive practice, and a more positive approach . . . I've been able to fill in gaps in fundamental skills while concurrently learning how to achieve the more advanced contemporary sounds I wanted to incorporate in my guitar and band playing. The ability to study vocals and arranging with Michael also adds to my versatility and value in professional situations. He continues to give me very helpful coaching on the delivery of my stand-up comedy, and provides a number of excellent resources for study.

Michael Udelson
(pianist/composer)

Michael always gave me a lot of insight on my pieces. I was very impressed that he is comfortable in the realms of jazz, classical, rock and world music! He introduced me to a lot of great contemporary composers I had never checked out before. Each lesson was filled with musical information — and new and different ways of approaching my compositions. Extremely worthwhile!

Robert Schnitzius
(composer/pianist/teacher)

For over eight years Michael has helped me expand my 'palette' of composition tools to a dramatic extent, suggesting creative ideas I wouldn't have come up with on my own. With his coaching I now have a much broader understanding of vital concepts such as creating contrast, melodic development, and several others. I receive many compliments on my songwriting, and I attribute a significant degree of that to the instruction I have received from Michael.

Tess Kelly
(pro vocalist/recording artist)

I came to Michael as a 51 year old, high soprano — trained in the bel-canto method — and a jazz singer looking for my natural voice. Michael helped me incorporate my voice with my whole body and overcome my tendency to sing sharp. My middle and lower range are coming more naturally now and my body has evolved in unexpected ways. His coaching goes beyond singing and his passion for his work is contagious. I feel more relaxed and confident and I am getting rave reviews from the audience as a result. Thank you Michael!

Eve Clausnitzer
(voiceover artist/script editor)

Michael provided me with training for both the writing of scripts for very complex software tutorials and recording the accompanying voiceovers for Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. His experienced direction during the recording brought us to a highly-polished final product. The recording was well-received by the Marketing Dept. and was the forerunner to subsequent projects. I look forward to many years of future collaborations between us.

Alvaro Sanabria
(public speaker/trainer)

I was having trouble with voice and feeling unusually weary at the end of a full day of giving workshops, so I decided to look for help. After a thorough evaluation, Michael perceived a number of issues that affected my voice and speech, and gave me some effective recommendations having to do with posture, breathing, and muscle relaxation. These all made a significant improvement noticeable during my following workshops . . .

Chris Hess
(non-profit leader/speaker)

In my work to become a better public speaker, I found your observations about my breathing and the possible connection between distasteful topics and stress in my throat very helpful; something I want to continue to work with. Looking forward to my presentations going better because of my study with you.

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