
Mike O.

Teaching Locations:


Teaching Locations:


Levels taught:
Beginner, Intermediate, AdvancedAbout Mike O.
Mike O. has fostered the development of hundreds of students of all ages since beginning his professional work, serving as a coach, conductor, music and/or stage director in numerous professional and community musicals across the Chicagoland area as well as maintaining a private voice, piano and composition studio on Chicago's North Shore for over 15 years.
As a composer, Mike’s over 200 pieces for choir and more than 30 full musicals have been performed by ensembles from grade schools to universities and professional groups in America and abroad, with the main bulk premiering at etc. Music School, the arts community he founded in 2013 and directs to this day in Evanston, IL.
Mike holds both Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees with honors from DePaul University’s School of Music in Music Composition with additional focus in vocal music education, and has been awarded the 'Silver Platter Award' for compositional excellence from the American Choral Directors' Association as well as the Evanston, Illinois' 'Mayor's Award for the Arts' for his efforts in teaching and directing artists of all ages.
Reviews
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Mike is extremely kind and positive when teaching music. He creates a fun environment and is encouraging while helping his students learn. It is easy to see that he loves what he does, is an extremely talented musician, and that he wants to share that with you!

Mike adores teaching. He truly values his interactions with his students. He is patient and enthusiastic and his knowledge of music and vocal theory is astounding. I highly recommend him to anyone at any skill level looking to hone their skills.

The kids both loved taking lessons from Mike, as they could sing modern and show pieces, and they even did excerpts from Handel's Messiah. Highly recommend him.

Mike's experience as a composer and vocal coach as well as pianist enables him to tailor lessons to the student's interests. I hired him to do a workshop with a group of flute students and they loved it so much a few who were only registered for one day came back for a second day! The end result was also so fun - these kids weren't singers to begin with, but they totally bought into the mini-musical they created. He has a great rapport with students of all ages - they love him and more importantly they trust him. Whenever anyone asks me if I know a piano/voice teacher I recommend Mike without reservation!

Mike has been very patient and encouragimg. I've returned to piano after about 30 years, and it's been a lot of fun. I even enjoy practicing.
Besides classics, I've also had a chance to do a bit of jazz and ragtime, a welcome expansion

I’ve taken lessons from Mike in voice and composition, participated in his choir, and performed in 12 of his original musicals. He is not only an astounding musician and inspiring director, but a kind and understanding person. He cares for his students as individuals and will work with you on whatever you’re looking for. I couldn’t ask for a better teacher!

So professional and wonderful to work with! Mike makes you feel at ease and confident in your skill level. His suggestions and teaching method are easy to understand but really show how much he knows and the care he puts into each lesson. Highly suggest lessons!
Photos & Videos
2 Photos & VideosExperience
Director of Music
Sep 2005 - Jun 2013Music Institute of Chicago
Music Theory Instructor
Sep 2003 - Jun 2005DePaul University Community School of Music
Education
Master's in Music Composition
Sep 2003 - Jun 2005DePaul University
Bachelor's in Music Composition
Sep 1998 - Jun 2002DePaul University
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