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I teach everything music!
Mike F.

197 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Hourly Rate: $45
Response time: 1 day

About Mike


Bio

Hi there, I'm Mike—thanks for checking out my page! I am a professional musician who performs with Presidio Brass, an international touring ensemble sponsored by XO Brass Instruments. When I'm not on the road, there's nothing I love more than to share my passion for music with others through teaching and tutoring.

Born and raised outside of Detroit, Michigan, I studied piano for 12 years with Diana Munch before going to the University of Michigan, where I earned two Bachelor of Music degrees...

Hi there, I'm Mike—thanks for checking out my page! I am a professional musician who performs with Presidio Brass, an international touring ensemble sponsored by XO Brass Instruments. When I'm not on the road, there's nothing I love more than to share my passion for music with others through teaching and tutoring.

Born and raised outside of Detroit, Michigan, I studied piano for 12 years with Diana Munch before going to the University of Michigan, where I earned two Bachelor of Music degrees in tuba performance and music theory. I studied tuba with Fritz Kaenzig, composition and orchestration with Paul Schoenfield, and more advanced music theory topics with many of the awesome faculty at Michigan. I also had the chance to perform extensively with the University of Michigan Symphony Band under Michael Haithcock, performing on a three-week tour of China and recording two studio LPs released by Equilibrium Records.

My music studies continued at Northwestern, where I earned two simultaneous Master of Music degrees in tuba performance and music theory. It's at Northwestern that I started teaching a lot, both tuba and music theory. I studied pedagogy techniques with Dr. Susan Piagentini, and had real practice as Teaching Assistants to Mark Butler and Rex Martin. I loved the opportunity to share everything I'd learned at Michigan and Northwestern, so much that I continued tutoring music students of all ages in Chicago to this day.

I teach music theory and fundamentals, music history, ear training, composition, music production (Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Garage Band, and more!), piano, bass, guitar, and all brass instruments.

Enough about me—let me know what you'd like to learn! Whether you're prepping for an upcoming exam, looking to keep up with college coursework, or just curious about music, I'd love to schedule a session with you—contact me to learn more!!


Education

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Music Theory
Northwestern University Bienen School of Music
Masters
American Council On Excercise
Other

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $45
  • Rate details: Any lesson that is cancelled without at least 12 hours notice will be charged for the time booked. Please reach out at least a day in advance to reschedule lessons when necessary.
  • Lesson cancellation: 12 hours notice required
  • No background check

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

Composition (Music)

Composition (Music)

I studied classical music composition and orchestration with Paul Schoenfield at the University of Michigan. I've also written and performed a variety of classical, jazz, electronic and hip-hop music alone and in collaboration with local artists.
Ear Training

Ear Training

I taught ear training for two years as an adjunct faculty member at Saint Xavier University. I have also tutored AP Music Theory for over 10 years. Ear training was a heavy component of my piano training growing up. In high school I scored a 5 on the AP Music Theory Exam, and later I studied ear training at the University of Michigan and Northwestern.
General Music

General Music

I've played with a number of ensembles including large bands and orchestras, chamber music groups, jazz combos and big bands across America, Europe, and China. I have four music degrees from the University of Michigan and Northwestern University, both highly prestigious schools for music studies.
Music History

Music History

For the last four years I have been an adjunct faculty member at Saint Xavier University where I currently teach music history. I also studied music history and musicology at the University of Michigan and Northwestern.
Music Theory

Music Theory

I have two Bachelor's degrees in music performance and music theory from the University of Michigan, and two Master's degrees in music performance and music theory from Northwestern University. At both schools I tutored students of all ages and skills levels from young beginners to doctoral candidates.
Mike F.'s Photo

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Response time: 1 day

Ratings and Reviews


Rating

5.0 (81 ratings)
5 star
(80)
4 star
(0)
3 star
(1)
2 star
(0)
1 star
(0)

Reviews

Learning from a Real Music Professor

Mike is great at helping me understand the nuances of Music History and Theory. He makes lessons engaging and always provides helpful resources. While his response time may be a bit slower than others, he ALWAYS replies. He’s knowledgeable, encouraging, and easygoing—I highly recommend him to music majors or anyone interested in music.

Arthur, 5 lessons with Mike

Awe inspiring, energetic instructor!

My initial lesson with Mike was exciting and he laid out an initial course of action getting a couple of books on composition, working with my motif and some other things that will take me a while to stretch to complete. Great experience. Great teacher!

Garrett, 2 lessons with Mike

Awe inspiring, energetic instructor!

My initial lesson with Mike was exciting and he laid out an initial course of action getting a couple of books on composition, working with my motif and some other things that will take me a while to stretch to complete. Great experience. Great teacher!

Garrett, 2 lessons with Mike

Simply The Best!

Mike is one of the best tutors I’ve ever had. I needed help going over some basics for music theory for a class in college. I have no formal knowledge in music, and Mike was kind, patient, understanding and personable. He explains everything in a way that is relatable, uses the whiteboard to give visuals and goes over everything more than once to ensure understanding. I highly recommend him for all music theory needs! Will definitely be returning! Thank you Mike!

Alexis, 3 lessons with Mike

Funny, friendly and a great teacher

Ableton is a frustrating world and Mike did a great job patiently explaining the ins and outs. Would definitely rebook in the future. We got a lot done in an hour.

Jonny, 1 lesson with Mike

Great class

An excellent educator, instructing on music theory - I learned a lot. I definitely get the impression of his understanding of, and passion for, music. He quickly fleshed out what I knew, and immediately started filling in the gaps (sometimes instructors will beat a dead horse, sure that the first time you learned the stuff, you learned it wrong). Already very helpful!

Artie Delphi, 13 lessons with Mike

Music Theory

Mike did an excellent job reviewing the difference between natural, harmonic, and melodic minor scales, as well as major, minor, augmented, and diminished scales. He was very patient. We plan on working with him again.

Skye, 2 lessons with Mike

Highly recommended!

John worked with Mike on AP music theory which has been a bit confusing. Mike was very clear in his explanation and extremely patient. We will definitely be using him again!

Julie, 1 lesson with Mike

Patient and Knowledgeable Tutor

Mike was able to provide an approach to music theory that made the process easier than ever before. With his help, guidance, and humor, I was able to better understand my assignment and new ways to approach harmonic analysis. I got an A on the project, but I also received increased confidence and a new appreciation for what I am studying. Thanks, Mike!

Meaghan, 2 lessons with Mike
Hourly Rate: $45
Response time: 1 day
Contact Mike