Singing with Michael G.

Michael is a rising star in contemporary and jazz vocal music. His rich tones and subtle phrasing of jazz standards, pop ballads and multiple voice arrangements have already earned him top honors (including three Downbeat Awards) and a loyal following of listeners. As both a performer and a teacher, Michael enjoys collaborating with all levels of musicians (especially first-timers) and strives to help every student grow in musicianship and love of their craft! At an early age, Michael felt a powerful attraction to jazz music and was soon studying at Seattle's Roosevelt High School, one of the top jazz schools in the country. His musicianship and fresh interpretations of standards like "I'm Beginning to See The Light" and "Body and Soul" won him the "Best Male Vocalist" award at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival two years in a row; in 2008, he was just one of four male vocalists in the country to be selected to perform in the exclusive Gibson/Baldwin Grammy Vocal Jazz Ensemble, where he was a featured Vocalist and Vocal Percussionist, performing at the 2007 Grammy Award Show and in some of L.A.'s top venues. In 2009, Michael turned his attention to Big Band music, touring the USA and Canada as the Lead Male Vocalist with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, delighting audiences with his elegant interpretations of classics like "White Cliffs of Dover" and "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square." As a scholarship student at the University of Miami's prestigious Frost School of Music, Michael had the opportunity in 2010 to work with legendary procure, Phil Ramone (Tony Bennett, Ray Charles, Natalie Cole, John Legend) when cast as a young Sinatra in his new musical "Lanza." He graduated Cum Laude with a degree in Studio Music and Jazz Voice. Michael is currently based out of New York City where he performs both as a soloist and in various groups including Choral Chameleon and Trouble & Bass. *** Lesson Details *** It is my goal as a teacher to provide an extremely comfortable and positive environment. As a performer, I know the joy and release that comes with using your voice, a part of your body, as your instrument. Singing is fun! I know from first hand experience that lessons with a new instructor can be daunting so I make sure to keep a very fun and light vibe going. Every student is different, and after an introductory conversation I will craft a personalized lesson plan to suit your needs and goals. Are you a beginner who is just finding their voice? Have you performed here and there but really want to hone in on your instrument? Maybe you're an adult and have an audition coming up, or maybe you're only 5 years old and just want to explore the world of music! The diversity of people all united by a love of music is really amazing for me and something I look forward to every day! *** Studio Equipment *** Piano (keyboard), Amp, Speakers, Vocal Microphones, Loop Station. *** Travel Equipment *** n/a *** Specialties *** Jazz voice, pop voice, classical voice, musical theatre voice. vocal percussion (beat boxing). Breathing, tone, pitch, listening, musical theory, transcription, transposition, everything to do with the voice!