2020 Addison Street / Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 644-2020 / info@freightandsalvage.org
Painless Piano w/ Michael Smolens
Tuesdays, 7:00-8:15 pm, beginning November 8 $120.00 advance / $130.00 after October 31
PAINLESS PIANO is designed for keyboardists of all levels-from absolute beginners looking for a simple introduction, to piano teachers seeking alternative teaching approaches. It will be nothing like your childhood lessons or 'college piano class'—no required playing of classical music, endless scales, recitals, etc. Instead, this class will work with you in two essential areas: 1) Physicality— * getting set up at the piano for effortless and injury-free playing 2) Musicality— * determining how to simplify or elaborate any part This class will clarify what styles and projects inspire you, and help design and schedule your practice time for maximum results. Each participant will be given individual assignments and coached one-on-one while the other class members learn by watching. Single-note technique, chordal playing, hand independence, and pedaling will all be covered. (Reading fully-notated music and navigating scales is also on the menu). FOLK / POP / BLUES / GOSPEL / ROCK / JAZZ / CLASSICAL / NEW AGE / your own works... * A minimum of four students is needed for this class. * required-access to a piano or weighted keyboard I have only been studying with Michael for a few months, but have already seen dramatic results in my piano playing. Michael's attention to detail and focus on building an extremely strong foundation have totally altered my approach to the piano, and I feel confident that I am now on the path to much more accomplished playing and including piano as part of my touring act. I always felt like I had learned something new with each lesson and was capable of learning even more—he really nurtured the Spirit of the Student in me!... Michael always gave me a lot of insight on my pieces. I was very impressed that he is comfortable in the realms of jazz, classical, rock and world music! He introduced me to a lot of great contemporary composers I had never checked out before. Each lesson was filled with musical information—and new and different ways of approaching my compositions. Extremely worthwhile! I am now super excited about my musical journey! You have helped me more than you probably know...My composing is not only what I enjoy, but what I need in my life. I also realize that I've been stuck for quite a while with a fractured approach that has become a series of mannerisms. Thanks for pushing me along— you are awesome! For over eight years Michael has helped me expand my 'palette' of composition tools to a dramatic extent, suggesting creative ideas I wouldn't have come up with on my own. With his coaching I now have a much broader understanding of vital concepts such as creating contrast, melodic development,and several others. I receive many compliments on my songwriting, and I attribute a significant degree of that to the instruction I have received from Michael. Michael Smolens began playing keyboards in rock bands at the age of 12, but didn't start to formally train until college. After aborting law school he found himself performing 3 or 4 nights a week, at which point he completely retrained his playing under the supervision of Marc Steiner (Taubman Institute). Michael has since performed in a wide variety of styles and venues, including Yoshi's Night Spot six times with several of his bands. Vocalists who he has accompanied include folk icon Claudia Schmidt (Red House Records), Bryan Dyer (SoVoSo), Katy Stephan (Dream Works), Raz Kennedy (Bobby McFerrin), and Pollyanna Bush (Meredith Monk), while his compositions have been recorded by jazz legends Stefon Harris (vibes), Paul McCandless (reeds), and Zakir Hussain (tablas). Michael has been teaching for nearly four decades and coaching other teachers since 2000.
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The piano (or keyboard) fits into nearly every style of music, is an ideal instrument for accompanying your voice and learning theory, and is essential for any songwriter wanting to preview and notate new parts using music software. People who already play another instrument find it an invaluable tool. It's also just great fun to play! 
