Michael J
Instruments: Piano, Organ
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, R&B, Gospel, Electronic, Showtunes, Spirituals, Swing, New Age, Soul
Michael J
Instruments: Piano, Organ
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, R&B, Gospel, Electronic, Showtunes, Spirituals, Swing, New Age, Soul
Where I Teach:
In Your Home
My Studio
Ages Taught: 7-80
ABOUT
Degrees / Training / Special Info:
MS, University of New Hampshire, Music Education BM, University of New Hampshire, Music Theory and Composition+
Awards:
1985 - Recital on the historic Hook Organ of 1860, at the First Congregational Church in Woburn, MA
1986 - Recital on the historic Casavant Organ of 1933, at St. Cecilia Church, Leominster, MA
1992 - Composed the Festival Anthem for Choir, Organ and Brass Quintet, for the 350th Anniversary of the First Congregational Church in Woburn, MA
1993 - First collection of organ compositions accepted for publication by H. W. Gray
2002 - Appointed Director of Music for the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Manchester, NH
Overview:
I received my formal training in music at the University of New Hampshire, having earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Theory and Composition and a Master of Science degree in Music Education. Most of my career in music education was spent in the classroom. I was very passionate about discovering and meeting the needs of my students, always striving to teach the whole person. I considered myself a talent scout, never missing an opportunity to encourage any glimmer of talent at the piano that I saw waiting to blossom. I often allowed students to perform their original, and previously learned music, in front of various audiences. Having a passion for the pipe organ, as a church musician, I brought many piano students to the organ to show them the differences and similarities between those instruments. Playing organ recitals often, I encourge my organ and piano students to take some part in the program.
EXPERIENCE
I have been teaching since my years in high school. I found that my own study of the piano, at that time, was greatly enchanced by teaching students younger than myself. My most recent students, beginners in non-music college programs have enjoyed the study, because I tuned myself to the place that each one is in when they arrive for their first series of lessons. The results for the students have been gratifying for me as their teacher. I also encourage students to freely compose original music by developing simple tunes and later, using their aquired knowledge of chords to add harmony to their work. An opportunity to participate in an annual recital is offered to each student. The outstanding piano and the excellent accoustical properties of my studio space, often adds sophistication to the simplest performances.
METHODS USED
I enjoy teaching from the Alfred Basic method. There are versions of this method for everyone from younger children to specified methods for adults.The learning steps, as layed out in these lesson books, lends itself to a strong core program for the student's musical development. In addition, I have witten exercises, short pieces with original tunes and with familiar, public domain melodies, all of which enchance a pleasurable learning experience.
LESSON STYLE
A good teacher wants to listen, assess and guide the student in the learning process according to the student's individual desires, goals and style of learning. This aquired style of teaching is non-threatening and success based. I also teach by analysis, guiding my students to observe how the music is put together, so that they understand the similarities and the contrasts from the start. This is a way to teach about the structure of music and alows for easier practice of the music between lessons.
PHOTOS & VIDEOS
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