Experienced music theory, keyboard skills, and music history professor

David M.

I have music theory degrees from McGill University and the Eastman School of Music, as well as a master's in organ performance from Houghton College. But it was only after I finished with music school that I started to (slowly) learn how to integrate the practical and theoretical, and I'm now an award-winning composer (Editor's Choice from J.W. Pepper) and performer (for classical organ improvisation in two competitions).

I was definitely not a prodigy, and I think the techniques I had to create for myself have helped me be an exceptionally effective teacher for all talent and age levels, especially adult improvers. I've now been teaching music theory, history, and piano at the college level for 25 years. My lessons are fun, and I'm always supportive, but they're hard work, combining theory, history, keyboard skills, composition, and improvisation. I've had good results preparing students for RCM, AP Theory, college placement exams, organ certification, and general college-level music courses. I have often had students come to me after trying other approaches without success, and I'll keep trying different strategies until things click!