Michael Stephenson Music Teacher

Mike recently joined Conjunto Picante, a bay area salsa band that I play with. He picked up our whole book of music in a few rehearsals. He’s also becoming a leader in the band, with a positive and collaborative attitude that helps us function together more smoothly and play better.
I also took a lesson from Mike. I’m a trumpet player and wanted to learn more about Latin rhythm. Mike patiently showed me the typical rhythms of every instrument, and gave me some good exercises for practicing them. For a 1 hour lesson, it was incredibly productive. Mike’s pacing was excellent.
I’m looking forward to playing with, learning from, and becoming friends with Mike.

Michael is a great teacher. He has a hands-​on teaching style integrated with little bits of music theory. Also, he gives you constructive criticism on your originals that doesn’t insult your artistic style, but rather works with it. When I first found Michael, I told him I wanted to learn an array of instruments so I can understand the workings of a band before I assemble one of my own, and he was in full support of it! Over the course of several lessons, we’ve listened to several songs and analyzed the arrangements listening for the entrance of different instruments that add complexity and depth to a song. Michael is the ideal teacher for learning the general concepts behind building a song, and learning specifics within songwriting. Assuming you dedicate enough time to your music between lessons, you will see your original songs develop and learn to make covers better than what’s played on the radio. Taking lessons with Michael has been the best investment yet on my musical journey.

Michael is a fine musician well versed on a number of instruments. He also plays with great sensitivity and taste. I have worked with him in a number of demanding musical situations and he always comes through with flying colors. He would be an excellent choice as a teacher. He also is an all around great guy and would be fun to learn from. Highly recommended!

I’ve worked with Michael professionally and musically as well. He’s extremely clever, has a great voice and was a lot of fun to write and arrange music with. I think if i could describe Michael I would use the word «integrity». He is hands down one of the most honest and straightforward musicians I have worked with.
He has also helped me with a ton of legal advice and has a lot of experience and knowledge to offer anyone.

Michael Stephenson is an excellent and versatile musician. I’ve seen him play many times. His patient personality, and wide knowledge of music make him a good choice for a music teacher.

Michael Olaf is not only an amazing, kind-​hearted, smart and trustworthy person but he is also one of the best musicians I have seen around the Bay. I have been in the music business for most of my life having taken many singing and guitar lessons from different people and Michael has to be the most patient musician I have collaborated with yet. I recco Olaf to anyone looking to learn to play music — young — and — old. He is extremely passionate about music and continuously never fails to inspire me.
Please feel free to message me on Unilocal of Facebook under «Taylor Lee» if you have any more questions about Olaf.
Best,
Ally aka. «Taylor Lee»

Michael has the kind of cross-​instrumental and musical background that’s super helpful for someone who plays multiple instruments or is in a band. He gave me a million helpful tips in just one lesson, and immediately zoned in on the advice that was most helpful for me to hear. I’ve had frustrating experiences with music teachers before and felt that Michael understood what would be relevant for me and clarified some theory that has been unclear to me for a while. Many thanks and definitely recommend him!

This guy is good! And I mean good, believe me because I am the worst guitar player ever. After half an hour with Michael I am many times better than I was. I actually sound good now — just don’t ask me to sing yet (while playing) although Michael said he could help me get that down as well.
He taught me on my level and was really good at not being overwhelming. He knew the two songs I wanted to learn and was able to break them down to the point where now I feel like I could practice them on my own and work toward getting the strumming down (now I know how to use a pick!). Michael was very easy going and never made me feel like an idiot for asking a stupid question or anything.
Michael has been teaching for over 15 years, a BA, has written music and played in bands, I feel like there is a lot I could learn from him. I am definitely coming back for another lesson.