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Find out more about Michael

• When did you first develop a passion for music and your favorite instrument?

  I first started on the trombone at 11 and I haven’t stopped playing it since. Prior to that I had
  already played piano. So music has always been a part of my life as long as I can remember. I
  started to become more passionate about it once I realized how many opportunities were
  available for me to play outside of my school's music program.

• Is there a particular type of music or artist that you listen to on a loop without it driving you crazy?

  As a professional musician I tend to always listen to the music that is related to my next
  performance. One of the most important things to do as a musician is listen! Right now some of
  genres that I find myself coming back to are Hard bop, Afrobeat, Soul, Swing, and Salsa.

• Explain to us the most difficult or riveting course you could personally give to a student of music.

  As someone with a Jazz Studies degree, I enjoy incorporating improvisation and music theory
  as soon as a student is ready to go in that direction. I feel that the true creative path of a
  musician becomes more clear when you understand how to compose, improvise, and analyze.
  This can sometimes be seen as a completely different skillset than learning an instrument but I
  find it essential to becoming a well rounded musician.

• What do you think is the most complicated instrument to master and why?

  I think that all instruments come with their own unique challenges and that there is no such thing
  as an “easy” instrument. Some instruments can be learned visually, while others are dependent
  on utilizing aural skills, like trombone or vocals. Other instruments require more emphasis on
  coordination and dexterity. Ultimately it just comes down to how far you want to go with an
  instrument and how much time you are able to put into mastering it.

• What are your keys to success?

  There’s lots of ways to find success as a musician. For me personally, it has been a long
  process. I find that being persistent and open to learning new things has led me to the level that
  I am at today. Lately I have been learning to appreciate the process more than the destination
  by being patient and kind with myself as I work towards my goals. One of my favorite things to
  see with my students is their growth over time.

• Name three musicians you dream of meeting in your favourite bar in the early hours of the morning. Explain why.

  I would have loved to meet Quincy Jones because he seemed like a musician that understood
  what makes music special and how to produce it at any level. In addition I would like to meet
  Stevie Wonder who I think is one of the greatest song writers ever. Finally I always enjoy
  meeting new trombone players, we have a great community and there is so much knowledge to
  share to help each other get better.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to music or your days at music school.

  If you are planning on attending music school or already are, use that time to practice as much
  as you can and build a project with your fellow musicians. As you get older, it becomes more
  challenging to find multiple hours every day that you can dedicate to your music studies and be
  in the same environment with like minded people. The foundation of fundamentals you develop
  and the network you build when you are young has the potential to carry you far into the future.
  Don’t take this time for granted!

• What are the little touches that make you a Superprof in music?

  I always lean more towards what each student wants to work on in their music lessons. In
  addition, I like to incorporate a broad range of music skills and history that will help my students
  not only be great trombonists but well rounded musicians that always keep their ears open.