Music Theory for the People!

Michael B.

I came from a very small town in rural Iowa, via an exceptional college education in another small Iowan town, to Rochester, NY to pursue my dream of being a professor of music theory. I am currently putting the finishing touches on my Ph.D. dissertation that develops a music theory for understanding lyrics in rap music. I have always been a passionate (to the point of compulsive) educator. If you spend enough time with me, it's inevitable I will try to teach you something. While most of my training is in music, at heart I'm a true generalist, with experience in math, engineering, carpentry, physics, programing and building computers, writing, linguistics, drama, and the culinary arts. I particularly love tutoring because I can do my best teaching when I can tailor it to a specific student.

My particular talent for math became apparent when I was very young, and I scored a perfect 36 on the ACT two times, as well as a perfect 800 SAT Math score.

I am finalizing my Ph.D. in Music Theory from the prestigious Eastman School of Music, where I have taught everything from small, remedial music theory/aural skills classes and 1-1 tutoring for beginners to advanced atonal/modern theory/aural skills, as well as private lessons in musicianship and composition, and guest lectures on pop, rock, and rap music. I've played the guitar and piano for more than a decade, and I studied composition and voice while abroad in Milan, Italy. I'm a very good teacher, especially for beginners, or anyone who want's access to elite music knowledge without all the judgement and elitism. I'm also qualified to help study for the AP Music Theory exam.

Don't be shy! Get in touch, and let me know what you're looking for, and I'll get back to you as fast as I can.