Mike | Teacher #2431
About Mike
Mike's teaching philosophy centers around making music a stress-free and enjoyable experience for students of all ages and genres. With a background in jazz saxophone performance and a wealth of experience in teaching, performing, and recording, Mike brings a unique blend of technical expertise and musical appreciation to his lessons. His approach emphasizes finding a balance between technical proficiency and playing music that students personally connect with. As a seasoned performer, Mike understands the importance of guiding students through performance anxiety and preparing them for real-world playing experiences.
Flute Saxophone Ear Training Music Theory (Beginner-Intermediate) Composition Music Theory (Advanced) Jazz Improvation
Online Lessons In Studio Lessons
Jazz Pop Rock Latin Blues Rhythm and Blues Funk
English
Teaching Philosophy
I believe music is one of the most important parts of the human experience. Music is something that everyone can relate to and enjoy. Music's diversity stretches as far as our diversity as people. When teaching music I make sure to find an engaging way for the student to find a balance between technical facility on their instrument as well as playing the music that they relate to and enjoy. I believe a fine balance between technique and music appreciation will help the brain grow, act as a release from the stresses of the world and overall be a positive experience to one's life. With me you can expect a stress-free and fun experience learning music regardless of age or genre.
Musical Education
I have obtained a Bachelors and an Advanced Diploma in Music from the following schools: Humber College - Bachelor of Music with Honours - At Humber I further developed my skills in jazz saxophone performance as well as learned new skills such as teaching, woodwind doubling, music business, big band arranging and professional studio recording. Mohawk College - Advanced Diploma of Music with Honours - At Mohawk I first started studying jazz performance, advancing my knowledge in jazz theory, classical theory, ear training, arranging and counterpoint.
Awards and Distinctions
- Richard Newell Scholarship - Antony Roberts Scholarship - Kenny MacLean Memorial Scholarship - Toronto Musicians’ Association Moe Koffman Memorial Award - Eddie Sossin Memorial Award - Mary Alice Stuart Scholarship (Nominee) - Winner of Niagara Jazz Fesitval’s “Jazz 4 The Ages” competition - Featured on JazzFM’s Jazzology Program
Special Skills and Trainings
I have been a performing jazz saxophonist since I was 15 when I played my first gig. I first started playing professionally around the Niagara Region when I was in high school. Since finishing college I have playing live performances all across Southern Ontario ranging from Niagara Falls to Ottawa. I have played headline shows at many jazz festivals such as the TD Toronto Undergraduate Jazz Festival, Kensington Market Jazz Festival, TD Oakville Jazz Festival, TD Brantford Jazz Festival and the TD Niagara Jazz Festival. I believe this performing experience helps me as an educator when it comes to guiding students through topics like performance anxiety as well as what is most important to learn for playing in the real world.
Lessons in a music studio
Mike offers lessons from his studio. Map locations are approximate and based on the postal code of the teacher’s studio. The full address will be provided upon registration.Lessons on an online platform
Mike 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.Reviews
Associate Teacher Lesson Rates:
Mike is a Beethoven at Home Associate Teacher
- 30 minutes: $39
- 45 minutes: $49
- 60 minutes: $59
Home visit fee: $15 minimum fee. Teachers may negotiate a higher travel fee if the travel distance is longer than they are comfortable with. Most arrangements use the minimum fee.
One-Time Family Registration: $25. This covers your entire family for life - once you're in, everyone can take lessons!
Our Promise to You
Getting Started Together
We don't offer free trials, but we do something better - a relaxed 2-lesson getting-to-know-you period. You can pause anytime with just 24 hours notice. After your third lesson, we ask for a friendly 2-lesson heads up if you need to stop.
Life Happens - We Get It
Give us 24 hours notice for any cancellation or reschedule and you'll receive full credit. Planning a family vacation or summer break? Perfect - just let us know a day ahead and we'll pause your lessons.
When You're Under the Weather
If illness strikes with short notice (less than 24 hours), you'll still be charged since your teacher has reserved that time. However, most teachers are happy to offer makeup lessons when possible - they have the final say, especially if last-minute cancellations become a pattern.
Stopping Lessons
Need to take a break? We just ask for a 2-lesson notice:
Weekly lessons = 2 weeks notice
Every other week = 3 weeks notice
Twice weekly = 1 week notice
Summer breaks are different - no notice period needed when you return in the fall!
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