Christopher M. - Tutor in New York, NY (10032)

I am a working professional musician and currently working towards my Masters in Jazz Performance. I have toured both nationally and internationally in groups and as a solo artist. I perform many diverse kinds of music ranging anywhere from jazz, classical, rock, blues, psychobilly, funk, post-rock, bluegrass, Latin, and everything in between.

Compositionally, I have studied with some of the best writers and arrangers in the world. I have written numerous original compositions and have arranged for groups from string quartet to jazz big band.

As a teacher I began giving private lessons at a young age and now have over 10 years teaching experience. In addition to teaching privately, I have taught in classroom settings a numerous prestigious summer jazz workshops where I've coached combos, taught theory and improvisation, and jazz history/appreciation classes. Most recently I served as head counselor at the SUNY Purchase Summer Jazz Institute where I was second in command for the workshop under Dr. Todd Coolman, head of jazz studies at the University.

Teaching has always been a passion of mine for many reasons. Mostly I'm extremely passionate about music and I just enjoy sharing my love for it with everyone I can. Additionally, I've always had great teachers and I can only hope to carry on their legacy.

From a philosophical standpoint, I believe learning music should be as easy and fun as possible, and always be rooted in real world application. All too often, academia tends to take on an approach to teaching the arts that leaves the student feeling sterile and uninspired. I believe in finding commonalities in the music theory that makes music less of a mental test, in order to free up the mind and soul for creativity and expression.

• composition (music)

  Compositionally, I have studied with some of the best writers and arrangers in the world. I have written numerous original compositions and have arranged for groups from string quartet to jazz big band.

• ear training

  As a jazz musician, ear training is a constant practice for me. I am well versed in all aspects of ear training including melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic dictation.

• general music

  I am qualified to tutor in all areas of general music including anything not covered in other listed categories. I can tutor any instrument regarding musicality and preparation of music. Other topics include practice techniques, rehearsal techniques, basic conducting, and more.

• music history

  I've completed both undergraduate Music History and Jazz History courses. I'm particularly well educated in jazz history and recently completed a 155-page Thesis on the history and analysis of Alto saxophonist Bunky Green

• piano

  I have completed two years of undergraduate basic piano and one year of jazz piano courses. I have also studied jazz piano privately.

• sight singing

  I have completed two years of undergraduate level sight singing courses. This includes singing unaccompanied, duets, and self accompaniment on the piano.

• saxophone

  I have been playing soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones for 12 years now. I have been trained in both classical and jazz idioms. I have toured nationally and internationally as both a solo artist and in a group context. I have received many awards including the Louis Armstrong Award, the Rich Matteson Memorial Scholarship, the North Florida Jazz Association Scholarship, and many others.

• flute

  I've studied flute for 6 years with an accomplished teacher. I've performed in numerous settings from small groups to big band, and have recorded original compositions on flute.

• clarinet

  I have studied clarinet for 6 years. I've played in both classical and jazz settings, including a clarinet choir, and big bands.