Great music isn’t limited to one genre and I love a variety of music. Jazz, Pop, Classical, Folk and International genres all inform what I play and what I teach.

I offer a holistic education including sight-reading, ear training, music theory, technique, artistic interpretation and personal connection, but I also tailor studies to suit the needs of my students.

I know that this needs to fit inside your existing life. I teach busy moms, play-forward kindergartners, skeptical adolescents, curious high-schoolers, devoted college grads, working professionals and retired grandparents, with the goal of achieving meaningful progress in light of the existing realities of your life.

Courage is necessary where maturity is sought. Yet, shame and fear are so often the cattle prods of progress, and at great cost. Personally, I have needed tender guidance in the making of meaningful music, so I offer this to my students as well.

Playing music for others is rarely comfortable, so my students get to practice that too.

I hold an annual performance called the Spring Music Celebration where students have the opportunity to perform in a comfortable and supportive environment (photos from that below). For those looking for an additional challenge, students can receive constructive critique in graded performances at the National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC) annual music festivals.

“Michael Lindsay taught piano to my son for two years. My son was previously burned-out with music and practice. Michael inspired him to learn and he found a brand new passion for his music. Michael is extremely dedicated, and his students think highly of him. I highly recommend him with no reservations.” – Kim, parent of student

“Mike is one of the most thoughtful and engaging teachers I know. He is excellent on a technical and musical level, but also has a profound gift for [understanding] where a student is coming from.” – Len, fellow music teacher

“Mike is an amazing teacher! He is incredibly knowledgable and is willing to work with you where you are. I was around 34 when I started taking drumming lessons with Mike and didn’t know much about reading music. It was my first time holding drum sticks and within the first two lessons I had a good understanding of how to read notes and apply what I’ve learned practically. Within the first couple of months I was doing well and could pretty much understand how to dissect a song, play along and keep up with the pace. My questions were always answered and he worked with me so well whenever I was stuck. Beyond teaching music, Mike very encouraging has an impressive ability to work through intellectual obstacles, equipping his clients with the tools they need to keep progressing and moving forward. I WISH I had starting working with Mike when I was a young kid, but he was probably not born yet…and two continents away. I wholeheartedly recommend this teacher!!!!!!! If you have an opportunity to work with Mike, take it!
– Ramy, former student

“Mike knows how to connect with students on multiple levels. In a music sense, he has the ability to assess a student’s strengths and weaknesses and provide instruction to use and improve those areas. He is able to do this in a life sense as well. He is interested in the person as a whole, not just musically. It is in these ways that makes Mike more than a teacher or instructor. I have learned many lessons in regards to music from him but also have learned a lot about life. He is a hard working, dedicated teacher and a person whom many consider to be a role model. He cares about his students and he cares about being able to teach them in all areas of life. Mike knows his stuff. He is intelligent and knows how to communicate ideas so that his students are able to understand him regardless of the stage they are at. Mike is a fun teacher who challenges his students to be better in every area of life.” – Justine, former student

Education

As a native of Los Angeles, CA, my relentlessly supportive parents sought out working professionals to teach me how to play - at one point having me study with 4 different teachers per week (on Drum Set, Jazz Piano and Composition, Classical Timpani, and Marimba/Vibraphone). I attended arts high schools in L.A. and Orange County and graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in Jazz Studies. I continued private study after college and in many cases learned from prior instructors how to teach. And I still take lessons to this day.

Some notable instructors include:
Peter Erskine (Diana Krall, Joni Mitchell)
Dave Weckl (Chick Corea, Mike Stern)
Bruce Becker (Drum technique guru)
Mark Schulman (P!nk, Foreigner)
Russell Ferrante (Bobby McFerrin, Yellowjackets)
Li-An Chen (local master teacher)

Performance Experience

Around age 12, I had my first paid gig: filling in for my percussion teacher at a Korean church Easter service, where I was the only one who spoke fluent English (an adventure my parents still laugh about). Later, I’d be performing throughout Southern California nearly every night of the week - regularly recording or rehearsing in the mornings, teaching in the afternoons, and performing late into the wee hours (all while navigating L.A. traffic).

Some highlights include 2 national tours with pop artist Andy Grammer, with live performances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Rachel Ray Show, and Live with Regis & Kelly; a live EP recorded with Australian pop star Delta Goodrem (a judge on Australia’s edition of “The Voice” TV show); and numerous recording sessions, four of which took place at the legendary Capitol Studios in Hollywood, CA.

Teaching Experience

Under the guidance of a teacher, I began teaching at age 15. Drum set was my focus at the time but because I wrote arrangements for our jazz and marching bands at school, I developed a reputation as someone who could help with piano and music theory. I was mentored by many of my early instructors, particularly in working with young students, and I’d later go on to build my private teaching studio to often see more than 40 students per week, while also conducting group lessons and clinics for Elementary, Jr./Sr. High, and College level students.

Twenty years in, I have many happy students, of whom I am proud. I’m still learning and finding myself enjoying the process more than I ever have before.

Present

In 2016, I married my love, Morgan, and we moved to Washington, D.C. following a job she was offered. We planted near Eastern Market and I opened my private teaching studio shortly after we arrived. There are many things I love about this beautiful neighborhood, but a big one is that I get to WALK to things, for a change!

In-Studio Lessons

At our home near 10th and D St. SE in Washington, D.C.

Weekly Lessons Paid In Advance

Lessons are scheduled and paid for a month ahead during the last lesson of each month. This guarantees you a recurring spot in my schedule. Also, briefly scheduling and making payment during the lesson time reduces my administrative load, which is why you pay a little less.

30-min Lesson

$40

(avg. $160 per month)

45-min Lesson

$55

(avg. $210 per month)

60-min Lesson

$70

(avg. $280 per month)

Pay Per Lesson

For people with irregular schedules or who want lessons less frequently.
You get the option to schedule lessons at your leisure but are limited to available openings.

30-min Lesson

$45

(avg. $180 per month)

45-min Lesson

$60

(avg. $240 per month)

60-min Lesson

$75

(avg. $300 per month)

In-Home Lessons

If you are interested in having me come to you for lessons, send me your nearest cross-streets and I will send you a quote. My time spent in transit is time I’m unavailable to teach, so the travel charge reflects that.

Studio policies are available for download here: Michael Lindsay Teaching Studio - Student Intro Packet

Thanks for stopping by.

As a reminder, my studio is temporarily closed for the 2021-2022 school year, so I unfortunately will not be accepting any new students at this time.

Otherwise, I hope this has been helpful. Feel free to reach out for any reason - I welcome any questions, curiosities, hesitations, or concerns you might have.