Michael Laster

About

Taking a collaborative approach, I steer lessons towards whatever the student's musical goals are while moving at a pace that's comfortable. I create learning resources for my students, (tablature, leadsheets, visual examples of theory etc.) in addition to learning their preferred songs during my free time, so no part of the lesson is wasted.


Highlights

Hired 2 times
Serves New York , NY

Specialties

Musical styles

Rock, Country, Blues, Jazz, Folk, Classical, Recommendations available

Guitar style

Acoustic guitar, Electric guitar, Ukulele, Banjo, Recommendations available

Has instrument

Student who have a guitar, Student who don't have a guitar, but are planning to purchase one

Years experience

No formal training, No formal training; some self-taught experience, 0 – 2 years experience, 2 – 4 years experience, 4+ years of experience

Able to read music

Students who can read music staff, Students who can read guitar tabs, Students who cannot read music

Lesson length

30 minutes, 45 minutes, 60 minutes

Student's age

11 – 13 years old, 14 – 18 years old, 19 – 25 years old, 26 – 45 years old, 46 – 65 years old, Over 65 years old

Photos and videos


  • Reviews

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    NV

    Nick V.

    Do you think all guitar teachers are the same? Well think again. Mike Laster is a one in a million find. He makes learning the guitar easy, fun, and enjoyable. Learning something is all about the process and the experience of learning. Mikes knowledge of the guitar, his passion for music in general, and his easy going manner, make for a learning experience you just wont find elsewhere with any other guitar teacher. If you really want to learn how to play the guitar then hire Mike immediately. Your search is done. I learned how to play from Mike (I started as a complete and total beginner - someone who couldnt even make a note) in the matter of a few short weeks.
    Aug 20, 2016
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    October 17, 2017

    MV

    Maria V.

    Mike helped me a great deal through my Music Theory, Composition, and Music History studies. He was the best student in our class, with a remarkable knowledge and passion for every subject, which he combined with meticulous hard work. He always found a way of making me understand what I had not been able to in class, and always tried to bring out the answers from me, other than just telling me what to do. He motivated me to think, and encouraged me to work hard. He was always available, eager to help, and provided extremely constructive criticism when he had to. Our very best professors would listen to all of his comments with interest and respect, since he always found his particular angle and take on the material. I could not think of a better, more devoted, and passionate Music teacher.
    Aug 24, 2016
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    October 17, 2017

    AY

    Arkadi Y.

    Piano Lessons (for adults)
    Mike is a great piano teacher. His approach combines immediately starting with familiar chord progressions with deeper dives into the underlying musical theory. After 4 lessons I already feel more confident sitting in front of the piano.
    Sep 30, 2016
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    October 17, 2017

    ZM

    Zarah M.

    Guitar Lessons (for children or teenagers)
    Micheal is teaching my kids to play the guitar. His approach of teaching them by getting down to their level is amazing. My kids love learning from him and look forward to his lessons every week. Hiring him to teach my kids was the best decision I made.
    Sep 30, 2016
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    October 17, 2017

    SN

    Shreya N.

    Piano Lessons (for adults)
    I take piano lessons from Michael. He is a great teacher, particularly because he customizes his lessons to suit the students skill levels and musical goals. He prepares material ahead of class and has a nice structured approach that I find helpful in developing a good feel for the piano. Its great that he focuses on important technicals like tempo, playing technique and theory, and his lessons are well-rounded, with just the right amount of time spent on each aspect. I like that he is flexible with both scheduling and the curriculum, and willing to tailor material to what I am interested in. He also helped me pick out an excellent piano within my budget, which was very helpful. Overall, a great experience, and definitely recommended!
    Oct 12, 2016
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    October 17, 2017

    RC

    Ronan C.

    Michael is the guitar teacher of my 8 years old son. Even tough my son does not speak English yet, Michael is really patient and make sure that my son perfectly understand the exercise. My son is really enjoying his class and make progress every week.
    Nov 18, 2016
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    October 17, 2017

    Frequently asked questions

    First I figure out what their needs and goals are as a musician in order to customize the lessons to fit their learning style and desired outcomes. Then I take one lesson at a time, moving at their pace, while doing the proper preparation for each lesson beforehand, to make sure none of their time is wasted. If the student is patient with themselves, progress is guaranteed.

    BA in Music, Magna Cum Laude.

    I was recommended by several professors in college to help out fellow classmates struggling with theory. I have also given guitar lessons to friends throughout the years, so I have a wide range of experience with different learning styles.

    Children, adults, fast learners, slow learners, those who learn best through theory, those who learn best by ear, those who learn best by visuals, students with clean apartments, students with messy apartments, etc... teaching is enjoyable for me, regardless of the level of the student, as long as they're genuinely interested in learning.

    Look for a teacher who has a reputable website, with links to audio of their playing.

    Would you rather travel to the teacher, or the teacher travel to you? If you would like to meet first in a public area such as a Starbucks, let the teacher know, they should be happy to accommodate this request.


    Services offered

    Guitar
    Piano