About
Seeing the progress of my students knowing they have developed the skills to be a professional musician. Though this company is new I’m a 3rd generation music teacher who grew up in a family of successful professional musicians. I’ve toured the US and Canada countless times over playing some of the most respected venues in both countries including the Rymen. Ive collaborated with Grammy Award Winning engineers like Darrell Thorp (Foo-Fighters, Beck, Paul McCartney Beyoncé), opened for The Beach Boys, co-wrote with Grammy Award Winning Artists like Michael Stipe of R.E.M., my music has been played on BBC Radio 1, 2, & 6, charted at #7 on Viral Spotify charts in Canada and the UK, and have had songs placed in soundtracks for MTV dating show “NEXT”, HBO’s “Shameless” and Showtime’s “Newsroom” featuring Jeff Daniels. I became a father 6 years ago and ever since my life has been dedicated to teaching my knowledge I have gained to those who seek to become musicians. It is much more grounded but in ways most rewarding to see my students become fluent in the world’s most universal language...music. I’m on Facebook as Michael Shackelford and I still have availability for students.
Specialties
Musical styles
Guitar style
Has instrument
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Photos and videos
Reviews
Austin P.
Robert L.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I assess the needs of the student and go from there. I teach them how to read and play music on the first day.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Formally Professionally trained and taught at Archer Guitar School and Birmingham School of Music. Attended UAB after receiving the Stevie Wonder Scholarship. I’ve dedicated my life to music since age 10 when I became a drummer in the family band. At age 13 I taught guitar lessons for the family business and in high school I began writing/recording my own songs. My first band out of high school landed me a record label and record deal that kept me touring 250 days a year. My band at the time made SPIN magazine’s Artist of the Week and also became Myspace’s Artist of the Week as well. The next album I wrote and played every instrument while collaborating with Grammy Award Winning engineer Darrell Thorp (recorded Radiohead, Jay-Z, Ray Charles, Gnarles Barkley, OutKast, Joni Mitchell, Elton John). That album was released on Communicating Vessels thanks to owner Jeffrey Cain (Remy Zero, The Church). My wife and I started a band shortly after she asked me to teach her drums and she’s quickly become one of my favorite drummers I’ve ever worked with. I’ve got experience teaching kids and adults...men, women and non-binary of all ages. I keep an open mind and I listen well. I’m patient and assertive about steering the student in the direction that maximizes the output of musicianship from each student. Whether it’s just for fun or for those that take music seriously as a career,
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$140/month for 30 min lessons once a week
$250/month for 1 hour lessons once a week
custom pricing for custom needs
How did you get started teaching?
At age 13 I started teaching at my grandparent’s music school called Archer Guitar School. I started teaching beginners.
What types of students have you worked with?
All kinds. All ages and backgrounds. Male, Female and non-binary.