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Chuck M In Home In Studio
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5
  5.0 (12)

Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Flute, Ukulele, Recorder
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel

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Chuck M  
5
  5.0 (12)
In Home In Studio
Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Flute, Ukulele, Recorder
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel

Where I Teach:
In Your Home My Studio
Ages Taught: 5-80
Levels Taught:

EMAIL US OR CALL 877-687-4524

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ABOUT
Degrees / Training / Special Info:
University of Florida - Music History/Lit +pno - 8/86-12/89 (Master's degree received) University of Florida - Liberal Arts/Sciences - 1/82-12/85 (Bachelor's degree received) Over 25 years of teaching experience with students of all ages/levels, including young children. 
Awards:

* Recipient of a graduate music fellowship for each semester from 6/86 to 12/89 from the University of Florida Department of Music.

* Recipient of the National Collegiate Music Award given by the United States Achievement Academy, an honor less than ten percent of music students receive.

* Nominated for membership in the Gamma Zeta chapter of Pi Kappa Lambda, the National Music Honor Society.  Fewer than one-fifth of students in each class are nominated.

Overview:
In 2011, Chuck moved to Portland, Oregon from Gainesville, Florida, where he was a staple of the music teaching and performing community for more than 25 years. Originally from Chicago, Chuck completed his BA in Music History and a Masters of Music (MM) at the University of Florida. Chuck began piano lessons at age 12 at a time when The Beatles caught his attention. His first attempt at composing was actually improvising melodies over the ending chords to "Hey Jude". Along with playing Beatles tunes Chuck learned classic American standards from a set of Reader's Digest Songbooks inherited from his grandmother.  Chuck was initially self-taught until his desire to go beyond what he could do on his own led him to seek out a teacher and eventually study music formally in college.
EXPERIENCE
For over 25 years, Chuck has taught students of all ages and skill levels in piano, guitar, organ, flute, digital keyboards, recorder, and ukulele. He's also a multi-faceted composer whose instrumental pieces are infused with elements of classical, blues, and jazz styles. In addition to teaching, Chuck has performed with classic rock, top 40, funk, R&B, and jazz groups, and has served as an opening act for Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, and legendary Texas bluesman Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown. As a soloist he's played classical music, blues, jazz, and original compositions. Before devoting himself to music full time, he worked for 8 years as a radio announcer on WUFT-FM Gainesville hosting shows such as "Nothing but the Blues", "Montage" (acoustic jazz), and "Musica Antiqua" (Renaissance and Medieval).  He currently hosts a jazz radio show called "Hard Choices" which airs on Saturdays at 11 a.m. on KMHD 89.1 FM in Portland, OR.
METHODS USED
My teaching approach is tailored to the interests and goals of each student, but always includes fundamentals such as scales, strength-building exercises, rudiments of theory, and ear training. Some of the method books I've used include the Faber "Piano Adventures" series, Alfred and Bastien series, and Hanon's The Virtuoso Pianist, among others. I always supplement these materials with arrangements and transcriptions of popular songs and classical pieces, along with original exercises designed to teach specific styles and techniques. I create these arrangements and exercises in my home studio and print them out using the notation software Encore or Sibelius. I also use interactive music websites to introduce students to various concepts of music theory. When students are far enough along, I also like to introduce them to improvisation and composition.
LESSON STYLE
Chuck's primary goal as a music teacher is to show students how to practice efficiently and effectively so they can play the music that most interests them.  Chuck also introduces students to music that may be unfamiliar to them. Teaching philosophy: "In over 25 years of teaching I’ve found that everyone learns in different ways and at different rates of progress, so each of my students is treated as a unique individual. I try to get to know my students in the first few lessons so I can be more sensitive to their personalities. This helps me choose the best teaching approach for them. From the very first lesson I create a relaxed setting so students feel no apprehension, especially when trying something new. This allows them to feel free to take chances and experience playing music as something enjoyable, not a life or death situation! The biggest measure of my effectiveness as a teacher is when my students embrace new challenges and the opportunity to improve".
PHOTOS & VIDEOS
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RATING & REVIEWS
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Jesse H.

5

I came to Chuck a decent sight reader and a small repertoire of classical organ music. I wanted to learn the Hammond organ; jazzy and r&b type stuff. 3 years later I have a growing rep of just that plus he's taught me comping and some improv both on piano and organ. Great fun and very worthwhile for me. Chuck's a great music teacher and an awesome player.

Lulu M.

5

I've REALLY enjoyed working with Chuck. I played piano as a kid, but learning a stringed instrument like the Ukulele was brand new for me! Chuck has a great breadth of musical knowledge, including music theory, ability to play many different instruments, and music history. I've learned so many different songs in a variety of genres, such as pop, classical, jazz, Hawaiian, and even bluegrass! He is a caring and patient teacher, and he knows just how to help you stretch and grow as a musician. I highly recommend him as a teacher!

Kathy H.

5

I have been taking piano lessons from Chuck for 3+ years. Chuck is an incredibly accomplished musician. He is an equally talented instructor and I feel very lucky to be under his tutelage. Chuck has a great understanding of a student's level of experience and as such, he can tailor arrangements to that level. He has tremendous composing skills. Chuck is patient and he makes all aspects of learning fun. I highly recommend Chuck to anyone who wants to succeed at playing the piano well.

Jim C.

5

I feel fortunate to have found Chuck as a piano teacher four years ago. Over 65 years ago I quit piano lessons after only one year, a move I have regretted ever since. Perhaps I was just waiting for the right teacher. Chuck has proven to be that right teacher. His approach to teaching has helped me learn to play increasing difficult pieces while enjoying the process and feeling a sense of accomplishment. His large resource of musical material and knowledge, allows him to tailor the curriculum to fit the interest and ability of the student. He has made tackling a new piece of music fun. I strongly recommend Chuck as a teacher if you are interested in an enjoyable and enriching musical experience.

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