Reputation
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Jennifer
Level: Expert•Lessons taken: 300
I am a conservatory trained classical pianist that is actively performing and teaching. I was searching for ways to expand my knowledge and expertise by exposing myself to a different musical language (jazz). For the past year I have been working with Michael Stegner weekly via lessons on Google Hangouts, as I live in Washington State. Michael is a phenomenal musician and so fluent in many different styles. This study has opened up a new musical world that both challenges me and enhances my current knowledge. He explains things in several different ways, and introduces concepts in a thoughtful fashion. I feel like I have added another important layer to my playing, and I look forward to our weekly lessons. Most of all, I trust that he considers my musical development a priority and keeps me feeling upbeat about the progress because it is so much different than classical study! The online format has worked very well as we can connect from the comfort of our own studios. Online billing is extremely easy too. Please feel free to contact me personally if you would like any more perspective from a classical background!
Anna
Level: Expert•Lessons taken: 200
It is rare to find a music teacher who is versatile and open-minded yet also a high-level expert at each of the genres they teach. Michael is one of these teachers. From classical and jazz to singing-songwriting, composition, arranging, and production, Michael is a true master of so many musical disciplines. And he doesn’t see boundaries between these genres; rather, he encourages students to appreciate the connections between them. I never fit into traditional music lessons because I wanted to explore different kinds of music and discover my own voice. Michael has guided me through so many musical adventures, from preparing for classical piano auditions to learning New Orleans-style boogie-woogie and going into the studio to record original singer-songwriter music. In addition to being a technical genius and well-respected educator, Michael has a deep understanding of the creative process and the highly personal journey that every musician takes. His sensitivity and thoughtfulness impact each of his students in a unique, unforgettable way. Furthermore, Michael provides invaluable coaching for music educators. His perceptiveness and sixth sense when it comes to teaching never fail to amaze me. Michael is an educational innovator who thinks outside the box and brings a much-needed fresh perspective to music education. Michael has helped me find my confidence as a musician and teacher, and I am forever grateful for his patience, generosity, and wisdom along the way.
Max
Level: Expert•Lessons taken: 200
Having taken lessons from many music teachers over the course of ~10 years (for both piano and saxophone), I can confidently say that Michael stands out from the rest and is an extraordinary person to study with. I was able to progress both on the technical side of my playing, further my understanding of theory, and apply the theory to improve my soloing over the course of lessons with him. Certain aspects of jazz can be intimidating to take on, but Michael was able to build up my skill level in incremental steps that felt achievable. This made each lesson feel like a small ‘win,’ as progress was clearly showing and confidence-boosting (which is important as a student)! Also, he is just an extremely kind person, so the lesson environment is very welcoming and supportive. It keeps things fun while still being productive.
Bruce
Level: Expert•Lessons taken: 200
I have been performing and composing jazz music for a long time. Mr. Stegner was quickly able to see the areas that I need to work on, he listens closely and works with me with respect to the areas I am most interested in, and it has been an incredible experience thus far. I should add that he is a pleasant person to work with, very enjoyable, and truly cares about my progression and learning. I look forward to the next session. I will continue to work with him.
Sarah
Level: Expert•Lessons taken: 150
I am a classically-trained pianist who runs my own teaching studio in Western New York and also performs as a collaborative artist and accompanist. I had a desire to bring creativity into my musical life many years ago, and it wasn’t until I found Michael’s blog and artistic voice that I found someone who I felt would be an excellent fit as a mentor-teacher in learning how to create and improvise music at the piano. I have been taking weekly online lessons with him via Google Chat since April 2017. My lessons with Michael are challenging and inspiring. We always move at a good pace, and I feel that the improvisatory nature of the lessons is a good indication of the practice—flexible, reacting to the moment, and yet providing great structure. Michael, as a teacher, is aware of all of this and can come from different angles if he sees that one approach is not connecting, a sign of a good teacher. He shares musical experiences that provide context and encourage one in this process. One of the most important qualities I have found in him as a teacher is that he creates a space for me to discover things on my own musical journey. He provides guidance but with the awareness that he wants me to discover things in my own time and pace. As a result of Michael’s direction, guidance, and teaching, I am creating music at the piano that I could only imagine when I started learning these new skills. The technical and musical skills I have gained from his expertise continue to provide inspiration for what I know will be an ever-growing love for music, and that to me is priceless.
Shawn
Level: Expert•Lessons taken: 50
I took online sessions with Michael. When I first contacted him, I was pretty lost and confused about where to go musically, and I needed direction. I’m very happy that I found him at that time. He was extremely patient and understanding, and offered his expert guidance. We covered several topics such as music production, teaching studio management, creative exercises, composition, and many other things that a life in music encompasses. Michael has done it all in his career and possesses a wealth of information. I never felt aimless during our sessions. He would target what he found to be my interests and went from there. I especially liked that Michael was comfortable jumping from things like nit-picky music theory to broad, philosophical life questions. He was a musical-life coach to me, but he also possesses the skills to be a focused teacher for singular subjects as well. I highly recommend working with Michael, especially if you were like me! It was a tremendous help and I cannot thank him enough. Thanks, Michael!
MS
Piano with Michael S.⭑ 5.0 (6 reviews)
