loading
reading
writing
saving
searching
jazz piano lessons (berkeley)
QR Code Link to This Post
and call & response phrasing, impressionistic harmony, folk music, and more. So if you want
jazz to become your person language, then getting comfortable with the building blocks is key.
And one of the most effective ways of doing this is to include live drums & bass accompaniment
as part of your coaching sessions ==> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CV3GFNUCVXI
Together, we'll expand your:
* chord voicings for different situations
* chord-to-scale options
* soloing using a dozen different techniques
* ability to analyze how tunes are put together
* keyboard technique to become stress-free
* vamping & true rhythmic independence
* optimal practicing strategies
* exposure to inspiring jazz pianists
Studying with Michael has been really fun ! His ability to play drums set and vocalize bass lines
(yet still hear and respond to what I'm playing) allows me to instantly try out new concepts as part
of a 'jazz piano trio' and more quickly assimilate new concepts and techniques.
— Daniel Tucker (jazz pianist/composer/arranger/vocalist/recording artist)
It's rare to find a high-level performer who devotes significant effort to the separate arts of teaching
and playing. I've studied for nearly 20 years and I can say that he is one of the most observant teachers . . .
Michael can diagnose problems immediately and deliver effective solutions.
— Issac Ho (professional jazz pianist)
"I grew up only playing classical music through college, and felt stuck. But in just 10 months with Michael,
I've already written a solo piano work and a new arrangement, and can improvise for hours at the piano
(and even swing). Michael has the language for both classical and jazz, and his depth of understanding
is humbling. It's like taking a college level course, yet tailored to your own needs ! He is methodical yet
creative in his teaching, plays beautifully, and has exceptional sensitivity to the music — thus allowing
me to learn how to be more attuned to the music."
-- Kim Mi Hoang (pianist/composer)
Michael Smolens has been teaching privately, in universities, and at the California
Jazz Conservatory for over 5 decades & teaching other music teachers since 2000.
He has 6 CDs of original music and has performed or recorded on piano with:
Stefon Harris (vibes); Paul McCandless, Paul Hanson, Sheldon Brown (reeds);
David Balakrishnan & Evan Price (jazz violin/viola); Steve Erquiaga (guitar);
Zakir Hussain (tabla); Akira Tana & Alan Hall (drums); and Claudia Schmidt,
Raz Kennedy & Rhiannon (voice); and as a vocalist with Pollyanna Bush,
Katy Stephen, David Worm & Bryan Dyer (Bobby McFerrin collaborators).
To find out more about his teaching — read articles, watch video tutorials,
and read more testimonials — go to www.SecondSightMusic.net
show contact info
Samples of Michael's piano playing, composing & arranging
SOLO (standards & contemporary/excerpts) http://www.secondsightmusic.com/solopiano.html
DUO (same) http://www.secondsightmusic.com/duoensembles.html
QUINTET (reconstructed standards/excerpts) http://www.secondsightmusic.com/NASP.html
OCTET (originals/complete)
Essentions (+ all vocals) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvjXpOCHh-8
Hypnotropic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qWTT52ZBT0