• Undergrad:

  New School University

• Tutors Out Of:

  New York, NY

• Travel Radius:

  10 miles

• Tutoring Certifications:

  composition (music) - ear training - English - general music - guitar - literature - music history - music theory - reading

• Tutor's Fee Per Hour:

  $40.50 * with a 10% discount after purchasing $360

My name is Micah. I have recently received my bachelor's degree in Jazz Guitar Performance from the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music. In addition to teaching the technical aspects of playing the instrument I feel it important to address the theoretical truths behind the music we learn. Most important is the relationship between the hands, the ear, and the intellect. With these three functioning cohesively, interpretation and improvisation within any style becomes expressive. I enjoy teaching songs of the student's choice and finding general lessons within them. This process is intended to train the ear in such a way that students will eventually be able to learn songs on their own by listening to them.
The first lesson will begin with a discussion of the student's intentions, and the rest will follow naturally.

Email this tutor in New York, NY!

• composition (music)

  During my years at the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music I had access to classes at the Mannes Conservatory. There I studied in depth the work of Mozart, Haydn, Verdi and other great composers; examining their work in terms of orchestration and conducting. I have experience writing for large and small ensembles. I myself am a composer/songwriter and have written in many styles.

• ear training

  Ear training was among my favorite and best subjects at the New School. I was placed initially into ear training 2a, led by pianist Franchesca Tanksley, where I did very well. The New School requires that each student complete ear training courses through 2b, which I did by the end of my freshmen year. These courses included among other things dictations and transcriptions which became more difficult as the class progressed. After completing my ear training requirements I took an advanced ear training course which was not required. This involved sight singing atonal passages from Lars Edlund's Modus Novus and more difficult transcriptions. During these courses I gained not only proficiency, but a repertoire of wonderfully effective teaching methods. As an ear training tutor I would make sure the student practice hearing linearly (single note passages) and vertically, (two or more simultaneous pitches.) An absolutely cold memorization of intervals would be among the first orders of business. I would make sure that the student be able to connect his or her hearing with whatever music theory he or she may be familiar with. The level of difficulty would depend on the student's abilities.

• guitar

  I have been playing the guitar for nearly ten years. I started at the age of thirteen, learning mostly by ear. My formal music training began at the Los Angeles High School for the Arts where I played in their reputable jazz ensembles. I continued my musical education at the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music, receiving my B.F.A for Guitar Performance in May of 07. I am proficient in many styles from Rock to Jazz, and have a very strong understanding of music theory. The content of the lessons would depend on the wishes of the student. I believe that true mastery of the instrument requires a working relationship between the ears, the hands and the intellect. This is an ever evolving relationship that promises a limitless degree of personal fulfillment.