About Michael
Michael teaches drumset and percussion online and in‑home in Montreal. Bilingual (English & Spanish), he holds a BA in Contemporary Music Studies (SUNY New Paltz, 2014) focused on jazz drums, with additional studies in hand drums and tabla. Lessons stress creativity, groove, and self‑expression, supported by technique, theory (beginner–intermediate), jazz improvisation, and musicianship—drawing on inclusive experience with learners of all ages.
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Playing music is a special experience. As a teacher, I focus on building a connection between the student and the music itself. I believe making music should feel meaningful and personal, not mechanical. My approach is rooted in exploration, creativity, and fun. Technique and theory are always present, but they serve the larger goal of self-expression and creative discovery. Whether I’m working with beginners or more advanced players, my goal is to help the student feel more more confident to make music their own.
Name: Michael (Full name will be provided upon registration)
Age: 30's
Gender: male
I have played the drums since I was ten years old. I graduated from SUNY New Paltz in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in Contemporary Music Studies and TV/Film Production. My main concentration was jazz drums, I also have studied and play all types of hand drums, piano, and guitar. I have taught music in many capacities since graduating: privately in after-school programs, group lessons in both English and Spanish, in homeless shelters, at a performing arts summer camp, in elementary school programs helping classes write original musicals. My interest in music and rhythms have followed me around the world as well! I studied tabla in India under a teacher for 6 months and spent the majority of 2018 backpacking, volunteering, and studying music in South America.
I have had the pleasure to teach in a variety of different environments—including public schools, homeless shelters, summer camps, and after-school programs. I’ve worked with students of all ages and abilities, including neurodivergent learners and students with multiple disabilities, always aiming to create an inclusive and supportive learning space.
English
Spanish
Rates and Studio Policies
Registration Fee: $25.00 (One-time lifetime registration fee may be used by all family members)
Rates for instruction:
30 minute private lesson: $39.00
45 minute private lesson: $49.00
60 minute private lesson: $59.00
Travel charge: additional $15.00 per visit (for lessons in a client's home as opposed to my studio)
1. Cancellation Policy
Lessons not cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours notice are billable to the client and payable to the teacher. This does not of course apply to travel fees unless the notice is effectively given at the door and the teacher has travelled to the location.
2. Cessation (quitting) Policy
A client must provide a 2 lesson notice period to stop lessons. So a weekly student needs to give 2 weeks of notice, a biweekly student works out to 3 weeks notice and a twice weekly student works out to a week of notice.
3. Illness Policy
Lessons cancelled due to illness or extraordinary circumstances with less than 24 hours notice remain billable to the client and payable to the teacher.
BAH teachers are encouraged to offer a make-up lesson at a future date in the interest of client relations and general goodwill. This only makes sense as teaching a student with the flu for example, will ruin the rest of your week's employment.
No more than 2 lessons may be made up due to illness within a 60 day period.
4. Rescheduling Policy
Any lesson can be cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours notice.
Summer Vacation and Extended Absence Policy
Clients may schedule longer absences for trips etc. 24 hours notice is required.
It is normal and typical for students and about 20% of our teachers to schedule a break in the summer. We do not enforce a notice period (see cessation of lessons) at the end of a long summer break.
5. Evaluation Period
There are no free trial lessons with Beethoven at Home but we do offer a 2 lesson evaluation period where it is easy to try out a teacher. There are no free lessons during the evaluation period and clients may choose to discontinue the lessons at any time by providing the required 24 hours notice. After the student's 3rd lesson the required 2 lesson notice period will apply (see cessation of lessons above).
Lessons in your home
Michael is available to teach in your home if you are located in the following areas
Online lessons
Michael can provide online instruction. While other platforms are possible BAH strongly recommends the use of the Zoom video conferencing platform as it is optimized for music lessons and audio quality.