Micheal Sebulsky

Top Pro

$60

estimated price

Zip code

Interested musical styles

Lesson length

Student age

Responds in about 12 min

Introduction: Hello and thank you for considering me as your teacher! Are you looking to improve upon your abilities? Are you looking for motivation? Are you hoping to find a teacher who can provide a balance between discipline and fun? Are you looking to find a teacher who will teach you the music YOU want to learn? I have over 20 years teaching experience, working in many venues, including K-12 public schools, private lessons and university instruction. Currently, I am a Graduate Teaching Fellow in music theory at the University of Oregon, where I teach undergraduate music theory and ear training. I am also an experienced performer, having worked and toured with bands who are currently a part of the national country music scene, along with those who have established themselves in the Los Angeles music scene. I am also a classically trained guitarist. I have earned bachelor's degrees in Music Education and Guitar Performance. I hope to share my strong passion for the guitar and Music Theory with you, and assist you to reach all of your learning goals. For me, teaching is one of the most exciting aspects of my career, and I look forward to giving you all the tools you need to learn exactly what you wish. I love teaching! I have been interested in teaching since age 5, when I set up a small classroom in my parents' basement. Since then, I have been privileged to teach in three states, at the University of Colorado, and also to maintain my own private teaching studio. Teaching is not something that I look at as a stop-gap job - teaching is my main focus. I enjoy sharing the gift of guitar and music with my students, helping to assist each and every student to a new "ah ha" moment with each lesson, while propelling each student to reach their ultimate goals.

Overview

Current Top Pro

Hired 178 times

Serves Rochester, NY

Background checked

1 employee

26 years in business

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Square cash app.

Social media

Twitter

Top Pro status

Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

Featured Projects

16 photos

Specialties

Guitar type

Interested musical styles

, , , , ,

Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, responsiveness, and work quality.

Exceptional 5.0

104 reviews

97%

Read reviews that mention:

Sean D.

Feb 4, 2024

Hired on Thumbtack

Micheal was absolutely incredible when it came to breaking down what I already knew and making it more digestible and formulaic moving forward. Ive been self taught until playing with Micheal and he did a superb job helping me realize how I was playing and why I was playing that way. Solid lesson plans and concrete goals also help tremendously when learning which he takes great care to provide. Definitely recommend for any self taught or aspiring guitar players. Very excited for my next sesh.

Details: 26 - 44 years old • No formal training; some self-taught experience • Yes, can read guitar tabs • Electric • What the teacher recommends • Classical • Jazz • Folk • Blues • Country • Rock • Yes, the student has an instrument • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)

Guitar Lessons

Brek H.

May 8, 2023

Hired on Thumbtack

I am self taught in the guitar and gave wanted to actually grow my skills in guitar and I was a little worried about learning remotely. Micheal was very professional and fun on the first lesson and I learned more in a hour lesson then I have in over 8 months of YouTube videos. I've played more guitar in the past week then I have in the two years I've owned my guitar. An amazing value while making you feel comfortable about whatever level you are at. This is definitely not Michaels first rodeo (or concert?) because he had different camera angles available on zoom to show me exactly where we were working. He was also able to adjust some of my unbeknown bad habits by all the small details I couldn't find anywhere and making it a comfortable environment to learn. Excited for future lessons!

Details: 18 - 25 years old • No formal training; some self-taught experience • No, cannot read music • Acoustic • Country • Yes, the student has an instrument • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)

Guitar Lessons

Dave B.

Apr 11, 2023

Hired on Thumbtack

Micheal is an excellent teacher. He is very sophisticated, knowledgable and skilled in the playing and teaching of guitar. He is also well prepared, is easy to interact with and understand and has great follow through. I considered several people, when I was looking for an instructor, Micheal wanted to talk before jumping into a trial lesson. I appreciated that he wanted to get a sense of where I am and what I want from playing guitar – unbeknownst to him, I am a septuagenarian retiree so my needs may not be “normal” for people just starting out with the guitar. After our discussion and before a trial lesson, he sent me a bunch of musical materials and asked me to comment on them so he could evaluate my progress to date. I did as he asked, and he responded with comments back to me. That exchange led to a very productive first lesson. I appreciate that Micheal is thoughtful about his teaching and that he comes prepared. This preparation greatly enriches the session. Micheal also communicates very directly and clearly. One of the things we focused on is the “death grip” of my left hand. He effectively communicated over Zoom how much pressure to put on the strings. He also provided some exercises to practice what he taught. I mentioned my age, but I did not mention that I have arthritis in my left hand. Micheal’s help has been invaluable. Finally, Micheal has a nice manner and a sense of humor that makes him easy and fun to interact with. He will not hesitate to correct things you might do less than perfectly, but he does so with some humor and context and in the spirit of helping. Lessons with Micheal will be both fun and effective. He will be an excellent long term partner for anyone at any level wanting to improve, whether you are a music major in college or an OG looking to pick up guitar in retirement. Totally recommend him – you can’t go wrong.

Details: 65 years or older • No formal training • No, cannot read music • Acoustic • Classical • Yes, the student has an instrument • 60 minutes • Remotely (phone or internet)

Guitar Lessons

Bob F.

7 days ago

Hired on Thumbtack

Micheal is quite the find. His lessons are clear and concise. His teaching method scaffolds as my skills become greater. I had trepidations when I signed up for Zoom lessons rather than "in person" lessons but, as a result of Micheal's teaching skills, I'm finding Zoom lessons even better than lessons in person. He is a REAL teacher with real teaching (and playing) skills. If you use Micheal Sebulsky, you won't be making a mistake. Thank you Micheal. Bob Feldman

Details: 65 years or older • 0 - 2 yrs of formal training • No, cannot read music • Acoustic • Rock • Folk • Yes, the student has an instrument • 60 minutes • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)

Guitar Lessons

John M.

4 weeks ago

Hired on Thumbtack

I've yet to start a lesson with Michael, but I am very much looking forward to it. During our brief interactions I find Michael to be quite knowledgeable, professional, and able to communicate on a level that grants the most understanding while not diminishing the import of what he's saying.

Details: 65 years or older • No formal training; some self-taught experience • No, cannot read music • Electric • Rock • Blues • Yes, the student has an instrument • 60 minutes • At the pro’s location • Remotely (phone or internet)

Guitar Lessons

Credentials

Background Check

Micheal Sebulsky

FAQs

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My standard pricing is as follows: - one weekly, one hour private lesson - $60 With the lesson you also receive materials to help you practice, the option to record your lesson (for those of us with shorter memories than we would prefer) and the option to contact me with any questions in between lessons. You will also be signed up for my regular newsletter, which is a valuable resource full of free tips, tricks and basics for beginners, intermediate and advanced students. My studio also helps to connect guitarists with other musicians. So, if you are looking for people to 'jam' with, or perform with, my studio can help. I also have experience preparing high-school aged students for a college-level guitar program. Many of my students have graduated from some of the nation's most prestigious universities. And some are even working as professional musicians!
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I like to start each new student with a one-on-one conversation. This way, each lesson can be tailored to fit the exact desires and needs of the student. Why are you choosing to learn guitar? What are your hopes and dreams with the instrument? Whether or not you want to 'rock out' in front of thousands, or enjoy a peaceful campfire with friends, I can help you reach your guitar dreams.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am currently pursuing my fifth and sixth degrees in music. I am currently a PhD candidate in music theory at the University of Oregon. In 2017 I earned a master's degree in Music Theory at the University of Colorado-Boulder, while teaching undergraduate music classes. I also have experience in public schools, and possess K-12 teacher certification. I have operated my own studio (and worked with other studios) for over fifteen years. I have also spent the past three years developing, launching and growing my online, private guitar lesson studio. My experience as a performer and student covers classical guitar, jazz, finger-style, Broadway musical 'reading' work, rock, country and other forms of popular music.

Micheal Sebulsky

FAQs

Related cost information

Popular in Lafayette

You might also like

In other nearby areas