Students
from "THE JAZZ CLASS"
Steve Pearson
(pro drummer)
I'm a professional drummer, but new to jazz. My private drum lessons started to get my technique converted to jazz, but Michael was really great at helping me understand fundamental jazz approaches relative to what I was already familiar with. Actually, I had quite a mental block about jazz being hard. But Michael is very good at assessing each student individually, easing you into things, while challenging you at the same time.
We analyzed each piece in detail (melody, harmony, rhythm) as well as how to accompany better. We worked intensively on different soloing approaches for each piece, how to arrange them, and then put it all together with a recital at the end. This class kicked my butt (in a good way) and I ended up fitting in with the rest of the more experienced students in his class! I learned a huge amount and considering the time and energy that Michael puts into the class, the pricing is very reasonable.
Charity Goodin
(pro vocalist/songwriter)
I found THE JAZZ CLASS to be informative, challenging and NOT comfortable. GREAT! Not being in my comfort zone is exactly
what I needed to grow. Singing jazz within certain parameters (which at first seemed entirely contrary to the idea of jazz) actually allowed me a new and more informed freedom with a "safety net" for singing. Along with the pretzel logic I just described, your class prompted me to take up music theory from where I left off many many years ago. It will help me to converse much more intelligently with other musicians and make my own compositions more easily understood.
Michael Slater
(saxophonist/pianist/composer)
Doing the prep work for Michael's JAZZ CLASS has been an invaluable experience in itself. It's essentially a crash-course in ear-training designed to get each student thoroughly acquainted with the melodic and harmonic structures of each tune. Through this process I've already seen some gains in my sight-singing abilities and my ability to hear guide tones in my mind's ear. Additionally, this process is allowing me to practice transposing melodies in real time as a sax player, which is a skill I am currently trying to develop. Lastly, the prep work is also helping me to develop new tools for my improvising . . .
Mike Greenfield
(pro electric bassist)
I'd have to say that THE JAZZ CLASS has been the best music education value I've ever encountered. I found that the class compelled me to actually DO The Steps for learning the tunes from the inside-out, rather than just reading about it. While explaining The Steps to my friend, I was surprised at how well I understood them and why mastery of them leads to such a thorough understanding of each piece. Being able to think in more musical terms has enhanced my ability to "feel" music, both in the mechanical and emotional sense. Once in a great while the Universe gives one a plum. In meeting you, I was given a whole bushel!
Richard Vogel, PhD
(vibraphonist)
. . . as a psychologist, and aspiring musician-student, I value the unique contribution that Michael is providing for people like myself. Through THE JAZZ CLASS I learned what it means to feel content with with my playing and overall musical experience . . .
Alan Wick
(clarinetist)
Michael has been able to detect my strengths and weaknesses quite specifically and pinpoint ways for me to improve. His approach is systematic and a good mix between technical and artistic. I'm planning to continue taking THE JAZZ CLASS from him . . .
Teerth Gonzales
(pro drummer/percussionist)
Thanks Michael, a very positive experience — having new ways to solo on the drum set and different approaches for different songs and styles. I loved the interaction with the other musicians (especially getting to play with you) and witnessing everyone's growth as the class progressed. I also enjoyed reading charts again and, very importantly, demystifying the 'harmonic universe' in jazz. (Being on the vibes for the first time and getting to solo on it was great). I look forward to the repeating THE JAZZ CLASS as well as trying your VOCAL FLIGHT class.
Dee Ouelette
(guitarist)
Michael’s JAZZ CLASS was so valuable to me as a musician and as a guitarist. The method for learning tunes really gets them in your body and I was constantly challenged to step out of my comfort zone as a player.
Daniel Tuckman
(pianist/vocalist/composer/arranger)
As an aspiring professional musician, many aspects of this class helped me to improve, including being exposed to the coaching of other instrumentalists, which helped me open my ears to what other band members are playing, or struggling with.
Focusing on just one improvisation technique per tune helped me branch off and develop those various improv tools separately, so that they are available to me as I'm improvising. It made soloing feel less like being 'lost at sea', and more like creatively developing a particular idea.
While taking the class, I also studied with Michael privately, which allowed me to deepen my experience in voicings, soloing, and arranging. He encouraged me to do a vocal arrangement for the bossa-nova "Agua de Beber" and added a dash of chromaticism to my improvisation on McCoy Tyner's "Contemplation", both of which felt beyond me until he skillfully guided me through them. And his studio rocks — everything's right there!