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2019 - Won TopGolf's "Who Will Rock You" Competition
2019 - Signed with fourth-largest record label BMG
2021 - Released "Cattle in the Sky" on BMG Records
2021 - Signed with In De Goot Entertainment (Shinedown, Halestorm)
2021 - Single "Shake Me Up" featured on Rock Band 4
Hi there! My name is Jack M. and I'm a lifelong musician. Every facet of my life has been centered around music, and most of my life decisions are based around knowing how the outcome of those decisions will impact my ability to make music. I've been in several bands, most notably I'm the bassist for HOUNDS, which has afforded me many opportunities to experience the world as our success continues to grow. I'm a multi-instrumentalist, a songwriter, a producer, a performer, and a lifelong student. I believe there is an opportunity to learn with each new day, and I've always said that someone who has just picked up the instrument for the first time might have a fresh new take that even a seasoned veteran hadn't even thought of. My life has been enriched by great teachers, and I hope to pass that gift on to others looking to further enjoy making music.
Although I may be fairly new to formal teaching, my experience working in groups and sessions has taught me an incredible amount about humility and teamwork. I believe in placing emphasis on being a well-rounded person and musician above prioritizing skill on whatever instrument my students intend to learn. Being humble only increases your chances of success, especially if your talent is backed by humility and understanding. After all, there are no business or work relationships, only relationships. Ego is out the door when our lesson time begins, and focus is put solely on enriching your life with music, and allowing the joy you get from the instrument to flow into other aspects as well. When collaborating, whether it be on a song, a recording, or even in a lesson, the best idea always wins.
I believe that proficiency on any instrument begins with understanding how the different parts of the instrument work together to create an optimal sound. All of my students will have an understanding of the system in place that allows them to chase the sound they hear in their heads. Whether you're 8 or 80, you won't find success if you don't know how to operate the machinery! Moreover, I believe that a passion for the instrument fits nicely into the passion that you feel for the music you love, so I try to get an understanding of the genres and groups that my students are currently interested in. This usually correlates to the songs that they want to learn how to play, and they end up learning new techniques that they'll use often in the genres of music they thoroughly enjoy. I encourage students to share with me their favorite bands, and if it happens to be someone I'm unfamiliar with, it becomes a learning experience for us both as I teach the techniques required to play their favorite tunes.
I approach teaching from a place of understanding. The last thing anyone wants is to be frustrated by the thing they're passionate about! Not everyone learns at the same pace, so if a student is struggling with a passage or technique, I'll set realistic goals to motivate them to improve their skill in a way that entices them to continue. Whether it's breaking up a song into sections or slowing down a complicated solo until we nail the right notes, there's always a light at the end of the tunnel. Setting realistic goals is a great way for students to know what they're working towards and to motivate them to become better musicians.