About
A brief look at Mike Crutcher’s career will show that he is a quintessential guitarist and teacher. Unmatched and in a league of his own, his twenty+ year career includes training at Berklee College of Music and UMass. Lowell, as well as with collaboration with diverse artists such as Soul City, Dave Anthony Orchestra, The Mike Fritz Band, Flipside, Unity, Soul Inspiration, Gary And The Gang, Gumbo Diablo, Mojo Mambo, and his own New Orleans funk tribute project Trick Bag, performing anything from bebop jazz, swing, blues, funk, R&B, rock and roll, and everything in between.
He continues to make himself available for all aspects of the music world. Private lessons, performances, recordings, sessions, etc.
There's nothing better for learning than teaching it to others. I enjoy sharing my experiences and knowledge to streamline the learning process. There's no shortcut to learning music, but there are shortcuts in regards to what to learn. The work needs to be done by the student, but I make it my responsibility to guide my students toward the goal by focusing on the most important parts of their musical journey. I also enjoy making the most of my band experiences and live performances by steering the student in the right direction.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I check with the student about what their goals are. We discuss how my experiences shaped me as a musician, and what mistakes I feel that set me back and how we can overcome them.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Undergrad training at Berklee College of Music
BA Music Education University of Massachusetts Lowell
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$25 per 30 minute lesson at my home studio
$35 per 30 minute lesson at student's home
How did you get started teaching?
I began teaching while in college, reworking the musical concepts that I was learning in classes into the private lessons.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students from 5 years old to seniors. Beginners to professional musicians.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Released a self-produced CD, entitled "Hip Shot", with my own band, Trick Bag: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/trickbag. We also shared the stage with the Neville Bros. in 2008 at the Lowell Summer Music Series, as well as headlining at the 2011 Salem Jazz & Soul Festival.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
"A great teacher is one who realizes that he himself is also a student and whose goal is not dictate the answers, but to stimulate his students creativity enough so that they go out and find the answers themselves." - Herbie Hancock
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
The student should have an idea about what his/her priorities are in regards to practicing and focusing on the music. What are your goals in learning an instrument, and how much time are you willing to spend daily to work on it?