About
I have performed, toured and recorded with Luminaries of the Jazz & Pop world. My defining experience was with Duke Ellington himself, for the last year of his illustrious career! That was 1973. Other great musical experiences; touring and recording with Stevie Wonder, Buddy Rich, BB King, Bruce Springsteen, and Lou Reed to mention a few.
In addition to these mercurial opportunities, I have a lifetime of interdisciplinary studies, including but not limited to visuatization, meditation, movement, pranayama breathing and others. These studies, in addition to great musical experiences have made me a compassionate teacher with great integrity. I've spent many decades working with kids of all ages, including the older kind. Integration of mind, body and spirit is my direct way of helping students express, interpret and find their own voice in music. I look forward to meeting you and mining the depths of your musical talent.
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Max M.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
We start each lesson with a short meditation, in the moment, designed to leave the stress and strain of daily life out on the street. This makes the time we spend together much more efficient and productive. I listen to the student to get an idea (or ideas) what would best serve their musical progress.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
My main experiences have been with many performances with musicians a lot older than me, i.e. being 23 in Duke's Famous Orchestra, where there were Duke was 73, many players in their 50's and 60's. I attended Berklee School of Music starting 1968. There I had the great good fortune to study trombone with the amazing trombonist/educator, Phillips Wilson. He taught me well! Phil procured my tenure with Buddy Rich!
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Younger, school children are at $85 - $100, depending on certain factors. Adults $100 - $125. I like to speak with potentiaal students or their parents to set up a payment schedule.
How did you get started teaching?
I hadn't planned on teaching. Yet I always felt drawn to teaching opportunities, i.e. Q&A sessions on certain performances, and people asking me things like, 'Just what do you think about when you are playing music? Playing Jazz?'... I've spent a lifetime of helping students, both privately and in groups. Loving every moment of it!
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Playing at a nearby Quaker school, in a big band that rehearses there, with the school's music teacher. We just performed for the Martin Luther King day celebration. The teacher there has sent me students over the years. Now I have a student from the school. Before our part of the conert, the top Jazz Band of the school performed. My wonderful student Rocked the Room! Great hearing him play! At the end of the night, all the musicians, pros & students played and marched together, to the sounds of 'WE SHALL OVERCOME'. We just found out the key of the song and we marched like a New Orleans Funeral Band! My student and I rocked it together! Now that's cool!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
C'mon down!!!