Beginners to pros find this invaluable (and fun). You'll be taking lessons in the most spacious studio in the Bay
Area playing a $30,000 Yamaha Grand Piano. It not only sounds great (and has been used on many recordings)
but it also gives you essential feedback on what your playing really sounds like! You'll find our lessons structured
yet spontaneous and always grounded in the 'here-and-now.'
"GETTING SET-UP"
- produce a gorgeous sound with a stress-free technique
- start improvising from your very first lesson
- strengthen your sense of rhythm ~ ground your sense of time
- take the mystery out of reading music
- broaden your listening skills--at the piano and away from it
- create inspiring goals and an inviting practicing environment
- Swing
- Modal
- Latin
- Straight-Eighth
- Gospel
- Funk
- Free Improvisation
"DIVING DEEPER"
- uncover how Jazz Harmony works ~ the dance of chords and scales
- take-on new tunes with a radical technique that combines ear-training and theory with improvisation
- achieve true rhythmic independence by creating cool "vamps"
- play solos that embody the unique qualities of any tune
- learn how to break down any technical problem quickly and creatively
- build a more varied repertoire of choice standards and compelling modern tunes
I've been teaching folks from all backgrounds, skill levels, and interests for over three decades. I have published and lectured extensively on the art of practicing and am on the staff of Sonoma State University and JFK University. I've also studied with some of the most innovative jazz teachers, including Art Lande and Kenny Werner. Currently, I am finishing my eighth CD of original works that feature jazz legends Stefon Harris (vibes), Paul McCandless (reeds), and Zakir Hussain (tablas). My most recent appearance at Yoshi's Jazz House featured both my bands, "earPlay Jazzquintet" and "KRIYA" Octet ~ a first for that venue!
- boldly color your playing with extended and altered harmony
- embody your favorite influences by transcribing tunes and solos
- learn to accompany vocalists, other instrumentalists, or groups like a pro
- create personalized arrangements of standards
- compose and creatively arrange your own jazz tunes
- master effective band-leading, teaching, and marketing skills
"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!"
--Daniel Tucker (jazz pianist/vocalist/composer/arranger)
"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!"
--Isaac Ho (jazz pianist)
Michael Smolens can be reached at (510)649-7993
if no answer, please try (510)684-4852.
You can e-mail him or read more at his web site, www.SecondSightMusic.com
Unlimited support for your lessons: call or e-mail me
and I'll answer any of your questions that same day.
Great Berkeley location ~ just minutes from the Bay Bridge.
You can also read advice on practicing and musical creativity or read some of the Words of Appreciation.
