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Take the guesswork out of songwriting & composing . . . (berkeley)
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it be great if every time you started, you knew where your creative light switch was so that
you could dependably get started, stay on track, and be able to get yourself going if you felt
yourself at an impass?
To make rapid progress, you’ll want to work with a coach who doesn’t merely give their
opinions about your music that reflect their personal preferences (& prejudices). Rather,
you’ll want clear, direct feedback from someone who can set aside their own tastes and
help you fulfill your intention for each piece or project. I have developed a 5-step process
for giving feedback that consistently delivers empowering results, and clears the path for you
to work on any style, from the most familiar to the most cutting edge.
Together, we’ll design a custom program that addresses your interests as well as the areas
that need the most attention. So, if you're just beginning to compose I’ll create easy-to-
follow structures & an inviting space to experiment in. If you already have some experience,
I'll address areas that you feel are holding you back the most. And if you're currently recording
and/or performing, I'll help you take on bigger challenges that will inspire you (and delight
your fans). Most importantly, I’ll show you how to develop your Deep Well of Intuition —
your most valuable skill as a composer.
TESTIMONIALS
jazz
“Michael always gave me a lot insight into my pieces, and new ways to
approach them. I was very impressed with his comfort in the realms of
not only jazz, but also classical, rock, and world music ! Each lesson
was filled with vital information and new composers to check out.
Extremely worthwhile . . .
— Michael Udelson (pianist/composer/recording artist)
pop & rock
"What keeps me coming back for the past five years is Michael’s depth of
knowledge across a variety of musical disciplines, and his ability to fluently
discuss and integrate ideas that directly impacts my ability as a songwriter,
as well as a vocalist. He listens deeply to his students, and readily adjusts
the curriculum depending on their changing needs. Highly recommended
for those looking to dig deep and cover a lot of ground."
— Ethan Hamlin (vocalist/guitarist/multi-instrumentalist/recording artist)
new age
“For over eight years Michael helped me expand my palette of compositional
tools to a dramatic extent, suggesting creative ideas I couldn’t have come up
with on my own. I now have a much broader understanding of essential concepts
such as sectional contrast and melodic development, to name a few. I receive
frequent compliments on my solo piano CD and I attribute a significant degree
of that to the instruction I got from Michael.”
— Bobby Akash (pianist/percussionist/recording artist)
world
"Michael was a big part of my critically acclaimed 10,000 Thunderstorms CD,
which involved unusual instruments from many countries around the world.
This came about after I studied Western composition with him the year before.
He has a wide ranging musical palette and was equally creative, precise, and
helpful in both styles of music . . ."
— Alan Tower (huaca/didjeridoo/guitar/sound designer & researcher)
chamber
“Working with Michael gave the confidence to really hear my voice when
composing chamber pieces. I saw that my tendency to focus too early on
orchestration actually got in the way of making my melodies and harmonic
shifts as compelling as they could be. After that fundamental work happened
for ‘To Romance’, your orchestration coaching allowed me create the parts for
flute, viola, piano & harp very quickly . . .”
— Vivian Q. Sayles (pianist/recording artist)
film
“Michael is simply an incredible teacher . . ."
— Daniel McCormick (L.A. feature film composer)
“Michael listened to my opening score and told me that it was a mixture of two
distinct composers that might, in theory, clash. Then he said, ‘But it works !’
You can only get better with his helping hands (serious piano skills) and ears
(big history buff) . . . ”
— Allen Cerf (feature film composer)
To hear a wide range of recorded work by Michael’s students, go to ==>
https://www.secondsightmusic.net/student-recordings-genre
[pop & rock / solo piano & guitar / mainstream & fusion jazz
chamber & film & ambient / world fusion & modern kirtan]
To read Michael’s articles on composing, go to ==>
https://www.secondsightmusic.net/library-1