Teaching Philosophy & Style Empowering Through Music Education in Durham, NC With a rich background spanning several decades, Michael has cultivated a unique and effective approach to music education in Durham, NC. Recognized for his deep commitment to his students, Michael emphasizes the importance of achieving “immediate greatness.” He often tells his students, “You don’t…
Practicing Precision for the Piano May 11, 2015 by Michael Pope The technique performed by my student Sam is a technique that I teach to all of my students. It assists them to predict clearly when every notes is to be played. It is an aural indicator that is as clear for the student as…
Music Memory Helpers Here is the start of my memory helpers. I shall continue to add to this page and edit it into multiple categories. Rote memory is a form of beautiful music! (You can download the files by right-clicking on the titles and choosing “Save Link As…” or “Download Linked File…”.) For more information…
Mountain Dulcimer: Partial Song List for DAC Tuning September 15, 2016 by Michael Pope I have arranged a number of songs for the Mountain Dulcimer in DAC tuning. This is one of my favorite tunings and allows song arrangements that are minor or dorian in mode. The current volume includes 25+ arrangements. Shady Grove I…
Mountain Dulcimer Arrangements and Practice September 8, 2016 by Michael Pope I am in the process of expanding available teaching repertoire for the Mountain Dulcimer. I currently utilize three different tunings for teaching the Mountain Dulcimer: DAA, DAC, and DAD. I am going to list the table of contents for each of these three tunings…
Matilda and Charlie May 7, 2020 By Michael Pope This was first recorded by Hugh’s and Mikel, probably back in the late 80s. It encourages All of us to find that song that lets dance on the outside or inside. Share with others:
Integrating the Bluegrass Roll and Chords May 11, 2015 by Michael Pope Integrating the Bluegrass Roll and Chords The most important thing to learn for bluegrass banjo player is how to move from one chord to another without stopping. I call this ‘Using the Frame of the Music’ to create music. I use a specific…
Everyone On My Mind May 5, 2020 By Michael Pope I wrote this song very recently when considering the impact of the coronavirus. The main impact for me is thinking and praying healthy and powerful thoughts that I can share with everyone. So I wrote this song with this in mind. Everyone On My Mind…
Dublin Sabbatical December 3, 2015 by Michael Pope It isn’t everyday that you can take time away to see the world. I took a small sabbatical to Dublin Ireland, and it was beautiful and a learning experience. This is one of the remaining chapels it is still standing. Most of the chapels were destroyed by…
Arkansas Dust April 28, 2020 By Michael Pope I wrote this song years and years ago with the idea of doing a work song. Also at the time, I knew someone from Arkansas. It’s always strange to me the way I choose to decide to write a song. I hope you enjoy this peace. Stay…
