FAQs

What days of the week do you teach?

Michael teaches 6 days a week, Monday through Saturday.

What time do you have lessons? How long are the lessons? Do you teach over the summer?

Michael teaches throughout the year, 6 days a week, Monday through Saturday. He is available days starting lessons as early as 7 AM for those who wish to attend before their workday begins. He teaches evenings as late as 10 PM. Please call 919.423.3754 for times and availability.

Do you recommend a 30 minute or a 60 minute lesson?

The length of your lesson is dependent on your availability and scheduling. In almost all cases, more than twice as much is accomplished in a 60 minute lesson. Call Michael at 919.423.3754 for your individual requirements.

Do I have to sign-up for a certain number of lessons?

There is no minimum lesson sign-up. Michael does introductory lessons. Once you are in Michael’s schedule, lessons are booked in four or five week segments.

Is there a contract or a sign-up fee?

There is no contract to sign and there are no sign-up fees.

What if I have to miss a lesson?

Michael has a cancellation policy: students must give a 24 hour notice when canceling in order to make up the lesson. Same-day cancellations are paid for at the normal rate.

What ages do you teach?

Michael teaches all ages, all styles, and all levels.

Do you teach children?

Michael has been teaching children for 40 years. His process and philosophy can be found on the Music Lessons for Children page.

How much practice time do I need to do each day?

Practice time varies from person to person. The most important thing about practice time is to set an amount of time that you know you can accomplish. Michael usually recommends 5 to 8 minutes as an amount of time to begin with for practice. Michael also works extensively with his students concerning the psychology of practice and musicianship.

How long will it take me to play well?

Without having met someone and knowing in a concrete way what the student’s needs and capacities are, this often-asked question is difficult to answer. However, after working with Michael for 4 to 6 weeks, he would be in a better position to project your musical growth and accomplishment.

Do I need my own instrument?

Except for the piano, all students need to bring their own instrument to the lessons.

What styles of guitar do you teach?

Michael teaches Rock, Blues, Country, Bluegrass, Fingerstyle, Classical, and Jazz. For more information, visit the Guitar Lessons page, or call Michael at 919.423.3754.

Do you teach Bluegrass Banjo? How about Frailing?

Michael teaches Bluegrass Banjo, Frailing/Clawhammer, and a number of different regional styles of Old Time Banjo. For more information, visit the Banjo Lessons page or call Michael at 919.423.3754.

How can you help me improve my voice?

Michael evaluates new voice students and then recommends a program that focuses on improving a student’s weaknesses and utilizing fully his or her strengths. Students learn sight-singing and exercises that create coordination and confidence.