Our rigorous hiring process requires a completed application; an interview with
our professional recruiting specialists; personal and professional reference
checks; and annual criminal background checks for the duration of each teacher's
employment with us.
Background Check Complete
Criminal Background Check
In order to ensure the safety of our students, all teachers undergo a thorough
criminal background check, which includes: Social Security number trace,
multi-state criminal search and a nationwide sex offender registry search.
Levels: Beginner to Advanced
In-Home Lessons: Yes
In-Studio Lessons: Yes
Ages: 5 & up
Subjects Taught
Guitar, Music Recording, Music Theory
Education
University of Hawaii - Technology & Music Education - 2004-2007 (Bachelor's degree received)
University of Hawaii - Educational Technology - 2008-2011 (Master's degree received)
Specialties
All styles, specializing in jazz.
Lesson Details
Michael teaches beginning, intermediate, and advanced students how to play and aurally identify essential scales, rhythms, and chord progressions that are applied in all styles of music. An emphasis is placed on helping each individual learn how to develop his or her own unique sound and playing style.
Michael creates customized lessons based on the music and interests of each individual student. Students are encouraged to bring a CD containing music they enjoy. Songs from the CD are
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musically dissected and enable students to simultaneously learn chords, scales, chord progressions, and various rhythm patterns. Learning sessions include the use of MIDI, which allow students to interact with virtual bands and play in various styles of music in different keys and tempos.
Michael’s teaching style is personable and allows individuals to learn at the pace they are most comfortable with. Michael’s average student is usually reaches their learning objectives within 3-6 months of study.
Michael first picked up the guitar at the late age of 16, and spent the next five years teaching himself how to play the instrument. He formal began study in 1987 when he enrolled at The Guitar Institute of Technology (GIT) in Hollywood, California. The experience at GIT provided Michael with the opportunity to pick the minds of legendary guitarists such as Joe Pass, Joe Diorio, and Tommy Tedesco. Michael began private study in 1993 with world-renowned music educator Dick Grove. Their
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student-mentor relationship lasted up until Dick's untimely passing in 1998.
Michael has additional studies at the University of Hawai`i and holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Technology & Music Education, and a Masters of Education (MEd) in Educational Technology.
Michael had taught students young and young at heart. He creates customized lessons based on the music and music interests of each individual student. With over 20 years of teaching experience, he is passionate about teaching and helping students reach their music goals.
