Photography - Leiko Napoli
Experience, talent, passion, musical diversity, knowledge, technique, a desire to pass on knowledge, technological prowess, a sense of stewardship towards music, curiosity and education. These are attributes of a complete musician and these are what I offer as a guitar instructor.
I have over 30 years' experience as a first-call professional guitarist, teacher, composer and producer. I have performed, recorded and composed in an extremely wide variety of genres and styles – giving me a high degree of versatility. As a composer/producer and as CEO/Co-Founder/Executive Producer for MidCoast Music my music has been used in over 1000 tv shows and feature films worldwide. I am extremely well versed in: Jazz, Latin Jazz, Rock, Fusion, Funk, Blues, R&B, Gospel, Alternative and Pop and proficient in Metal, Country, Folk, Finger-style Acoustic, Classical and other styles. I play 6- and 12-string acoustic and electric guitar, bass guitar, mandolin, banjo, lap steel, keyboards, harmonica and other instruments.
I have taught private lessons, classes, workshops, clinics and masterclasses with students ranging in age from 5 to 70, from absolute beginners to college music majors and professional musicians. I enjoy teaching students of any age and level of ability and customizing the lessons to the needs of each individual student. Every student learns differently and at their own pace, and every student has their own musical tastes and goals.
I feel it is necessary for music students to have a firm grasp of core concepts. But teaching these concepts does not need to be dry or boring. My teaching style (which varies a bit from student to student) can best be described as "repertoire based." I like my students to learn songs that they know and like, which may include arranging an easy-play version of the song. I then use the song to demonstrate and explain the underlying musical concepts and theory. Depending on the student's goals I also teach sight reading, improvisation/soloing, rhythm playing/comping, learning songs by ear, songwriting and various playing techniques.
Testimonials
Mike continually amazes me as that rarest kind of musician, a successful jack of all trades—after working in just about every other style of music, he’ll turn around and play the baddest jazz lines I wish I’d played myself.
"Mike is very knowledgeable and great at putting the information into a context that you can understand. He clearly has a knack for teaching guitar. I'm taking advanced lessons and feel like I already learned a lot just in our 1hr consultation. I'm looking forward to continue working with him and definitely suggest him to anyone looking to learn guitar. Having lessons in a studio is also a big bonus!"
- Tim F.
Michael is extremely knowledgeable, kind, and a wonderful teacher!
- Shiv K.
Mike is a great teacher. Very knowledgeable, supportive and encouraging. I have learned a lot in the three lessons so far and look forward to many more. Thanks
- Dennis G
I haven't officially met with Mike, but I can say this...he contacted me immediately. We spoke on the phone for awhile about my goals, and many other things. Mike was very easy to talk to, and very attentive to my needs/goals. My 1st appointment is on Tuesday, and I have a VERY good feeling about it. The most important thing is to have both short and long term goals, and so, I truly believe Mike is right for me! I will post an update as we progress. Mike is truly an amazing guy just from what I've read, and then talking with him personally. You can tell he is passionate about being a teacher, and is ready for any challenge!
- Mark P.
Michael is fantastic to work with. He takes the time to understand where you are at, where you want to go, and most importantly, how you would like to get there. The lessons and style are geared towards the student, because you should be having fun. It has been a great experience working with him.
- Clarke S.
Great teacher, great resources, great location/studio!
- Sally T.
"Michael is very attentive to my needs – I’ve come out of each lesson with extremely valuable information that has already improved my playing greatly – thanks Michael!"
- Eric K.
First off, I'd like to say that I know a lot of very skilled musicians around the Milwaukee area and all three guys that I asked recommended Mike Standal. Mike is a fantastic teacher. He has the ability to teach you any genre or style of guitar playing that you can imagine. Also he is very well rounded and he has the ability to listen to a complex song 1 time and can play it right away. That is a quality only master musicians possess. Not only that but he has been playing guitar for so long he has many tricks up his sleeve that he has taught me that's enabled me to play more fluently and effectively with a little bit of practice. Mike is very down to earth and he teaches and explains things in a way that is very easy to understand. Mike is very calm and inviting which creates an atmosphere that is highly conducive with learning. When I leave the lesson I always feel better than I did when I came in. Overall an outstanding teacher and musician. I highly recommend Mike for anyone of any skill level to learn from Mike, whether you are a beginner or a person who has been playing for many years. I guarantee he will be able teach you a thing or 2. Fantastic experience, and a master instructor.
- Alex B.
Mike took me under his wing when I didn't know anything about guitar. Besides him being one of the most personable and easiest people to work with, his knowledge base, skill sets and harmonic and rhythmic sensibilities are astounding! I'd highly recommend studying with Mike Standal. He's a master chef of guitar. While getting to know Mike, learning from him, It's made me re-approach my process of playing guitar. For example, filing your nails in such a way to help achieve a particular tone or simple modifications to your guitar that'll improve your intonation and efficiency around the guitar. Besides the sweeteners mentioned, when it comes down to performance techniques and styles of music, Mike will always get you in the ballpark and position you to hit that home run.
- Daniel F.
One lesson down and I am very motivated to continue. Mike is very knowledgeable and laid back. Looking forward to future lessons.
- Ted S.
Michael cared about the music I like! That was awesome! Which made me feel welcome and he is now more understanding of what noises I'd like to be able to make.
- Jack B.
Photographer: Bridget Butch
Venue: The Jazz Estate - Milwaukee, WI