Michael Laster

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Musical style

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Introduction: 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. I love answering questions as to why certain things work musically and others don't, and seeing light bulbs go off in the student's mind once they reach a personal breakthrough.

Overview

Hired 34 times

Background checked

8 years in business

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Cash, PayPal, and Venmo.

Top Pro status

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

2017

Featured Projects

12 photos

Specialties

Musical style

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Reviews

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

Exceptional 5.0

27 reviews

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Read reviews that mention:

Shreya N.

Oct 12, 2016

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Hired on Thumbtack

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. It's 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!

Piano Lessons (for adults)

Arkadi Y.

Sep 30, 2016

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Hired on Thumbtack

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.

Piano Lessons (for adults)

Madeline l.

Sep 17, 2021

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Hired on Thumbtack

I’m 25, work fulltime, and have some extremely rusty background in music and a few years of self-taught guitar experience. I reached out to Mike for lessons because I wanted some real guidance and structure to lean in to my playing a bit more. Mike has been so flexible with scheduling around my work, brings thoughtful materials to each lesson and has been focusing on styles and artists that match my goals. My practicing has been so much more productive and skill-focused, and I’m a more confident player in just a few months- wish I started with Mike years ago!

Details: 18 - 25 years old • No formal training; some self-taught experience • Yes, can read guitar tabs • Acoustic • Rock • Blues • What the teacher recommends • Country • Yes, the student has an instrument • 60 minutes • My home, venue, etc. • At the pro’s location

Guitar Lessons

Nisha P.

Sep 3, 2019

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Hired on Thumbtack

Michael gave me an introductory lesson to guitar. He was patient and brought handouts for me as part of his lesson plan. Together, we discussed how I could achieve my goals and play the songs that I want to learn. I’m confident that I can learn how to play under his guidance and direction. Thanks Michael!

Details: 26 - 44 years old • No formal training • Yes, can read guitar tabs • Acoustic • Rock • Folk • Yes, the student has an instrument • 45 minutes • My home, venue, etc.

Guitar Lessons

Mariana L.

Jun 27, 2019

Michael is such an excellent teacher for so many reasons. He's patient and clear, engaging and focused. His talent and passion as a musician comes through so well as a teacher, but he also knows how to go at the student's own speed. He makes lessons really enjoyable, but also packs in so much excellent instruction. I've tried working with a few piano teachers, but none have compared to Michael. He's so easy to work with, and such a natural teacher. And on top of all this he's affordable and flexible!

Credentials

Background Check

Michael Laster

FAQs

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
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 thoroughly preparing for each lesson beforehand, to make sure none of their time is wasted. If the student is patient with themselves, progress is guaranteed.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
BA in Music, Magna Cum Laude, and have been playing guitar since middle school.
How did you get started doing this type of work?
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.

Michael Laster

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