Piano with Michael J.

Michael first sang on stage, at the age of 3, the same time that he began learning piano. He went on to explore multiple instruments throughout his early years and also developed as a vocalist for theatre and concerts, including competing in Star Search in the mid-80's, the forerunner to American Idol. Michael earned his Bachelor of Music Education from Troy State University in Troy, AL and Master of Music in Composition from Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, MI, where he studied with world-renowned composer, Dr. David R. Gillingham. While a graduate student at CMU, Michael taught sophomore Music Theory and senior level Form & Analysis. He also contributed to the book, Music Is Fundamental: Fundamentals and Methods for Elementary Music, by Dr. Daniel L. Steele. Michael was one of only five composers in 2006 to be inducted into the United Michigan Collegiate Composers, and was subsequently commissioned to compose a piece based on the instrumentation of Igor Stravinsky's ”L'histoire du Soldat” for mixed septet. Michael’s composition, ”Le Soldat Moderne”, was premiered at the annual New Music Project 2007 Concert at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI on April 2, 2007. In addition to his teaching experience at CMU, Michael has taught privately, served as clinician and adjudicator, and has served as middle school/high school & College band director in Alabama and Florida, most recently as Dir. of Instrumental Music at Seminole State College in Orlando, FL, where he currently resides with his wife and three children. Michael is now devoting an increasing amount of time toward composition, having several commissions in progress for radio, television and film. He has also been in demand as a conductor for concerts of his compositions by numerous ensembles across the country, and as a presenter and performer at music conferences and clinics, most recently with presentations based on his research of ”Best Practices in Jazz Improvisation Pedagogy” at the Michigan Music Educators Conference in Grand Rapids, MI, South Carolina/MENC Regional Conference in Charleston, SC and the Symposium for Music Research in Lawrence, KS. Having played professionally since the age of 17, Michael is an active performer in a variety of genres, being equally adept as a keyboardist, percussionist, and vocalist. He has toured extensively with bands and as a solo artist both at home and abroad, including a three week tour of Russia and the Ukraine as featured vocal artist. Michael has also performed with nationally recognized artists, serving as drummer for Brook Benton (Rainy Night in Georgia), vocalist with Steve Camp (contemporary Christian artist), and keyboardist for Hank Williams, Jr., to name a few. His acting experience includes his portrayal of Jesus in the theatrical production of the musical “Godspell” in 1981. Michael also served as producer/recording artist for 20 CD projects for Integrity Music, generating all of the MIDI files for the Integrity Worship Series. With years of experience in the studio as a producer, composer, artist, studio designer, and owner/manager, Michael has worked on numerous recording and production projects for film, TV, video, radio and theater & has composed film scores for multiple short and feature films. He is widely recognized for his expertise in the fields of jazz, music theory, and performance/production techniques in a variety of disciplines, and is very excited to be able to bring his experience back home to Orlando as a part of the faculty at TakeLessons. *** Lesson Details *** I like to conduct my lessons in a casual, real-world manner more as a mentor than a drill sergeant. I teach the basics along with reading, theory, and advanced techniques as they apply to your instrument or voice. We can progress as far as you want to go! I also will expose you to performance skills that will help you stand out as a player or singer. My students have gone on to play under scholarship to music schools, Marine Band, performing groups and more. I will work with beginners to advanced. Let's Make MUSIC! *** Studio Equipment *** Full Professional Audio & Video Recording Studio CUBASE Recording Software (used by Hans Zimmer) AVID Video Software FINALE Music Notation Software Korg T-1 88-key weighted keyboard Korg X3 61-key Workstation Korg CX-3 Organ single manual drawbar w/Leslie simulation Korg RK-100 Remote Keyboard Controller Arp Pro Soloist Synthesizer Roland TD-5 Electronic Drum Kit with extra Brain Fender Telecoustic Acoustic-Electric Guitar Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar (custom) CB700 6-piece 150th Anniversary Drum Kit Zildjian & Paiste Formula 602 Cymbals Wm.F. Ludwig 15" Military Field Snare (vintage) Multiple concert snares and Latin Percussion instruments more... *** Specialties *** *Drumset - I can teach rock, jazz, recording, etc. *Rudimental Snare- traditional grip, corps & concert style *Timpani/Mallets - Concert/Philharmonic approach *Singing - Pop/Contemporary & Recording performance techniques (Star Search alum & coached for Idol/X-Factor, etc.) *Music Performance and Music Recording - I draw on my years of running recording studios, major label experience and live performance to teach successful techniques for vocals and instrumentalists. *Piano - Can teach traditional style and pop/contemp. kybd style