Ive been taking piano lessons with Michael after a 20-year hiatus from the instrument. His approach is unique, with carefully thought out pedagogy that really works. He is probably not the right teacher if youre just looking to learn a few tunes, but if you want to really learn to play piano the right way, he is excellent at what he does. No matter what level you start at, he will have you focus on the fundamentals: get the technique right, learn the theory, understand how the music works, and build from there.Lessons with Michael are fun and friendly. His knowledge of music is broad and deep, across instruments, genres, cultures, and personalities, and he has no shortage of interesting stories and tidbits to share. He also runs periodic workshops for his students, which are a great way to build other skills. He also is committed to making your music integrate holistically and practically with your life, without unrealistic expectations about practice time.The best part of studying with Michael is the way that you see your progress at the instrument accelerate. The early months are hard work, but it pays off as you start noticing how easily you improve from there.Finally, Michaels prices are reasonable and his policies and availability have been great for me. I highly recommend him as a piano teacher.

There are a lot of instructors who can teach you a particular skill, such as technique on a certain instrument. Michaels approach is more holistic: he can assist your development in a wide range of areas including piano, percussion, vocal technique, rhythm, jazz, musical theory, composition, and performance skills (all of which hes helped me with). Michael is very good at guiding and motivating his students to organize and utilize their available time and effort to most effectively pursue their goals. If youre looking for a coach and mentor who can continually assess and provide whats really needed for you to grow as a musician, Michaels the guy for you.

I have had many teachers in my musical career, and Michael Smolens stands out as one of the best. His attention to detail and musical scope are unparalleled, and his enthusiasm for teaching is always apparent. Though we have minor stylistic differences, he has vastly improved my skill as a pianist, vocalist, teacher, and beyond. I am great appreciative of my time learning with Michael!

Michael has an unusual breadth and depth of musicianship from his mastery of multiple instruments to his understanding of vocal techique to his ability to compose, arrange, reharmonize and in the process, teach the theory behind it all. He is able to break down a skill and find creative ways of making it accessible. He treats his students with respect and shows enthusiasm for the music we bring to work on with him.

The supposedly renowned musician and composer Michael Smolens needs to stop SPAMming craigslist. Musical Instruments for sale by owner is not the place to post your business ads, and you know it. If youre a real business, then pay for your advertising.