Students
who have worked privately with Michael
(click names for complete quote in a PDF file)

Isaac Ho (pianist)
"I have studied classical music for 15 years and jazz for 4,
and Michael is one of the most observant teachers
I have worked with. His experience in
dealing with countless students of various levels
really comes to the fore, as he can quickly diagnose problems
that would have taken me weeks to figure out with
another teacher. It is rare to find a high-level jazz performer
who devotes significant effort to the separate arts of
both teaching and playing. All in all,
he's an excellent teacher in a field ( jazz piano )
where great teachers are hard to come by!"

David Babich (clarinetist/vocalist/composer/arranger)
"Smolens is highly knowledgeable not only of jazz,
but classical music, and the music of many cultures,
both instrumentally and vocally.
This, combined with his gifts of organization, focus,
and patience, make him an exceptional
teacher and educator...."

Rae Anderson (vocalist/pianist)
"Today I am singing with a jazz a capella group where
I continue to apply what I have learned from Michael.
He provided me with tools and techniques that I can
always use, especially when I need to break down chords
and difficult rhythms, or face an array of
other musical challenges. Michael Smolens IS music.
I can't recommend him enough!..."

Daniel Tucker (pianist/vocalist/composer/arranger)
"Michael's ability to play drums and vocalize
a bass part greatly enhances my piano lessons.
After being taught a new chord progression,
way of improvising, or comping pattern,
I can instantly try it out as part of a 'trio'.
And somehow while juggling the drums at his hands
and the bass in his mouth, Michael still has
ears open to hear and respond to what I'm playing.
It adds up to much quicker assimilation of new concepts
and technique for me, and is fun for both of us!"

Alvaro Sanabria (public speaker/trainer)
"I was having trouble with voice and feeling unusually weary
at the end of a full day of giving workshops,
so I decided to look for help.
After a thorough evaluation, Michael perceived
a number of issues that affected my voice and speech,
and gave me some effective recommendations
having to do with posture, breathing, and
muscle relaxation. These all made a significant improvement
noticeable during my following workshops..."

Dave Florey (pianist)
"I always felt like I had learned something new
with each lesson and was capable of learning even more-
he really nurtured the Spirit of the Student in me!..."

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