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Mike S.

Sherman Oaks, California
Avatar of the tutor

Mike S.

Sherman Oaks, California

Piano playing will be exciting and educational with personalized lessons from this seasoned pro

I teach how to read, but also how to improvise! like to play guitar along with my students to help them groove!
About Mike S.

I have taught private guitar, piano, bass and drum lessons since the late 70s in Salt Lake City, where I majored in jazz guitar performance, and since 1980 in Los Angeles. I make the lessons fun. Some of my students have received college scholarships and won cash prizes for music contests. All of them had fun while learning and improving on their instruments. *** Lesson Details *** I am very enthusiastic and can teach students how to read. If they do not want to read music, they can learn to play by ear. I can also show them where to put their fingers. During piano lessons, I often accompany students on guitar and suggest a scale for improvisation, so they can play the blues. During drum lessons, I often play bass so they can learn to groove. *** Travel Equipment *** They should have their own instrument and a music stand. *** Specialties *** I specialize in jazz improvisation on piano and guitar. I also teach recreational guitar and piano for adults, including classical and blues styles. I coach bass players and drummers in playing stylistically correct grooves for jazz, rock and latin music.

Teaches all skill levels

Teaching since 1976

Big band jazz

Age: 5+

Has background check

Instructor details
Subject: Piano
Bass Guitar
Classical Guitar
Drums
Guitar
Music Performance
Music Recording
Music Theory
Organ
Percussion
Piano
Songwriting
Teaches 10+ subjects. Different subjects may have different prices.
Location:
Teacher's Studio
Teacher's Studio
SEE MAP
Sutton St
Student's Home
Student's Home
Teaches Online
Teaches Online

Work hours

Times are shown in your local timezone (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
Pricing
30 minutes
$35
45 minutes
$45
60 minutes
$55
Photos & videos6 photos & videos
ReviewsWrite a review
4.9
22 Reviews
5Review Star
95%
4Review Star
5%
3Review Star
0%
2Review Star
0%
1Review Star
0%
Online

Mike taught Leo in person before the pandemic started and has been doing online lessons with him for the past eight months. He is amazing with both. Leo has a very short attention span, but a deep love for music. Mike has been able to hold Leo’s attention every week for over a year — even during online lessons. Leo has become an awesome little pianist, and has developed a love for the piano. It has given him the ability to express all of his feelings and has helped his attention span for his schoolwork. Mike has so much patience, and always inquires about Leo’s favorite activities. He is great with kids and makes them feel so comfortable. Leo loves his “booming voice” and the free play blues music they get to play together every lesson.

Posted Oct 15, 2020
Teacher's studio

Fun time

Posted Feb 17, 2020