Motivique Studio

I started taking lessons from Michael in September of last year. I was a strong beginner, but had no idea how little I actually knew about the guitar and bass. I could play the pentatonic scale (like most beginners), and survived on it. My fingers worked in one pattern and nothing else. At this point I am almost at one year of lessons, and am easily three times the musician I was. Had I practiced more, I don't know where I could be. The fretboard is no longer a complete stranger, housing one comfortable scale in one position, I can now see note names at times and move up and down the fretboard smoothly, and modes are getting simpler on both bass and guitar. There is no doubt in my mind that these lessons are the step I needed to begin becoming a professional, educated musician. Michael is a dedicated teacher, rough when he needs to be (otherwise, how would we ever get stuff done), but able to answer pretty much every question you can think to throw at him. He's helped me not only to become a stronger musician, he's helped me see straight into the next phase of my life. Go take some lessons and see for yourself.

I have been working with him for almost a year now and I can definitely say that the guitar player I am now and the one I was when I first met him are two VERY different people. The man is well knowledgeable and has helped me with everything from reading to technique. I am always excited to use what I have been taught!

I was looking for a highly qualified instructor for the classical guitar. Michael Tillman responded to my search and provided a very professional resume. He quickly responded to all of my questions nd made me feel very comfortable. I couldn't be more pleased with what he has been able to do for me.

I came to Michael for bass guitar lessons and got so much more than the "basics". He is incredibly knowledgeable and genuinely cares about what his students are creating. I highly recommend Lakewood Guitar Studio!

I took Guitar lessons from Michael for a period of 2 months. Michael is a truly exceptional Guitar instructor and he helped me make a lot of progress. Before I started taking lessons from Michael, I had joined a group Guitar class and I knew the basic chords and I could play some easy songs. In my 1st lesson with Michael, he noticed that my picking hand movement was inefficient and he advised me the correct technique. He gave me several other technique improvement suggestions, which made me sound better and get less tired. In every lesson, he was very patient & professional with me as I learned to build muscle memory. We always started the lesson on time and we never missed a lesson. Michael is an extremely talented Guitar player himself and he plays really good Guitar. Whenever I heard him play, I got super motivated to go back home & practice to try and sound at least 10% like him. I made a lot of progress taking 1-1 lessons from Michael, more than I would have made joining some group class. I learnt how to confidently play the chords for 'Hotel California', 'Simple Man' and other songs. I really enjoyed my Guitar lessons with Michael and I am grateful to Michael for helping me re-discover my lover for my Guitar.