Piano with Michael O.

B.M. in Jazz Piano and B.A. in Economics from Oberlin Originally from Berkeley, California, pianist, composer, and educator Michael Orenstein enjoys teaching in a variety of settings. He has taught at multiple summer programs, including California Jazz Conservatory's Summer Youth Program. He also teaches many Oberlin College students privately. Orenstein recently taught piano at Hudson and Fairlawn music schools, where he had the honor of working with musicians of all ages. Part of what Orenstein loves about teaching is getting to watch young musicians develop a passion for music. While Orenstein strives to make music a big part of every students life, he also recognizes that for some, piano is a hobby, and that is just as great. Orenstein recently graduated from Oberlin with a B.M. in Jazz Piano as well as a B.A. in Economics. Through programs like the SFJAZZ High School All-Stars, the Jazzschool, and Oberlin conservatory, he has gotten to play with Terrence Blanchard, Eddie Henderson, Christian McBride, Wycliffe Gordon, Tiger Okoshi, and BiIlly Drewes. In 2015 Michael attended the Banff International Workshop in Jazz and Creative music, where he got to perform his compositions with Ingrid Jensen and Zakir Hussain. In 2016, Orenstein's quartet at Oberlin was chosen to represent the jazz program by performing his original composition at the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage. Other awards Orenstein has won for compositions include Best Original-Lead Sheet in Downbeat SMA 2013, Outstanding Composition for Small Ensemble in Downbeat SMA 2017, and an ASCAP Young Jazz Composers award. In January 2017, Orenstein traveled to India with percussionist Jamey Haddad and nine other Oberlin students to perform and learn about Indian classical music. He also gigged in the Bahamas with bassist Adrian D'Aguilar. Most recently, Orenstein was chosen as a finalist for the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance, where he got to perform in front of Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, James Newton, and Ambrose Akinmusire. While performing professionally is a big part of Orenstein's life, teaching is equally important. Orenstein is the right teacher if you are just beginning piano, serious about pursuing music as a career, or are anywhere in between!