Michael W
5.0
(4)
Instruments: Trombone, Recorder
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Opera, Latin, Funk, Hip Hop, Electronic, Flamenco, Salsa, Showtunes, Spirituals, Reggae, Merengue, Latin Jazz, Swing, New Age, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Marching Band, Punk, Mariachi, Avant-garde
Michael W
5.0
(4)
Instruments: Trombone, Recorder
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Opera, Latin, Funk, Hip Hop, Electronic, Flamenco, Salsa, Showtunes, Spirituals, Reggae, Merengue, Latin Jazz, Swing, New Age, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Marching Band, Punk, Mariachi, Avant-garde
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 5-80
BM, Berklee College of Music, Performance and Contemporary Writing and Production (dual major)
2016 - International Trombone Association JJ Johnson Solo Competition (Finalist)
2015 - International Trombone Association Carl Fontana Solo Competition (Finalist)
2015 - American Trombone Workshop Solo Jazz Competition Age 21 and under (Winner)
2013-2016 Member of Berklee Global Jazz Institute
2012 - Berklee College of Music Presidential Scholarship Recipient
Working with students and sharing my love of music is my passion and is what motivates me as an instructor. In 2017, I graduated from Berklee College of Music with a dual Bachelor's Degree in Performance and Contemporary Writing in Production. Throughout my life as a musician I have enjoyed opportunities performing all over the world, at venues such as Jazz at Lincoln Center and the Blue Note Jazz Club in NYC, along with touring Chile, Spain, Canada, Dominican Republic, and Panama with the Berklee Global Jazz Institute.
I have been giving private lessons and group masterclasses to students since high school, and ever since I have been teaching students on and off in my home studio over the last 5 years or so. Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the main points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. I've also found that a combination of classical and jazz studies can go a long way in helping students enjoy playing trombone and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. If a student isn't having fun in their lessons, then I'm not doing my job! My students are encouraged to enter competitions and recitals, as well as work on composing their own original material, so they can feel good about their accomplishments and stay motivated to learn. I’m always looking to bring on new students of all ages!
For beginning students, I typically start with the Ed Sueta beginning trombone book (this is the book I learned from when I first started). Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. As a jazz musician, I can also instruct students on jazz improvisation, harmony, theory, composition, ear training, etc. No matter what the student is interested in, I will guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun.
Nothing is more awarding than seeing my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson, and encourage them by praising their achievements. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a student's desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs.
Pablo Moraga
Really nice and a good teacher, I had three classes so far and I learned pirates of the caribbean. Recommend him a lot. He helped me a lot with music and now I am one of the best in my band.
Michelle Combs
Micheal is courteous, professional, and knowledgeable. We are so happy to have him.
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