"Mike combines the best qualities of a great teacher: he's
got terrific command of the instrument, he's patient, laid-back,
and understands that first and foremost, playing should be fun!
As a teacher myself I know how hard it is to find a great colleague
- I recommend him totally!" Robert Shoub (Electric Bassist)
"Mike Milligan has the theoretical knowledge to teach at
any level, and he has applied his knowledge in countless performance
settings - at major festivals and with some of the top musicians
in the world. His approach to teaching is practical, constructive,
insightful and encouraging. His personable nature allows the
student to truly enjoy the learning experience. As a professional
performer and teacher myself, I feel fortunate to have had the
opportunity to learn from a musician as accomplished and as
knowledgeable as Mike. What I have learned from him applies
to my own teaching practices as well as to my career as a performer.
I highly recommend him." Dave Schroeder (Electric
Bassist)
"I
have been taking lessons from Mike since I began learning how
to play the upright bass just over three years ago. From the
beginning, Mike has been extremely perceptive regarding my areas
of strength as well as those where I need correction or development.
He attends to a comprehensive range of aspects that go into
playing the bass well-including technique, music theory, musicality,
rhythm and time, posture, strength and limberness, as well as
the feel and joy of music. He integrates these aspects into
each of our lessons and into the assignments he gives me to
work on between our lessons. Under his instruction, I feel confident
that I am learning to play the upright bass properly the first
time around. I also feel a proper mixture of being encouraged
and being challenged by his instruction. Above all, I greatly
appreciate how Mike's manner of teaching passes along his own
enthusiasm and commitment to music. I look forward to each lesson
and to the fruits that will come of them". Kirsten Jacobson
(Electric and Double Bassist)
"I
started studying with Mike about a year ago. I'm an advanced
guitar player, and I was looking to improve my abilities with
jazz guitar. I had seen Mike perform many times around the city,
and I decided to ask him for music lessons because I thought
he was the best jazz bassist around. Mike gave me expert guidance
in every conceivable area: he helped me with solo construction,
with feel, with polyrhythms, with free improvisation and even
with posture! Every lesson has left me with immediately applicable
ideas, and also with ideas that I sit with for months and gradually
assimilate. Because of Mike's great professional accomplishment
(playing with people like Dave Leibman, Billy Kilson, Claude
Ranger and Adam Nussbaum), he has also been able to offer excellent
insight into what is involved in playing professionally. Best
of all, I think, is Mike's deep and honest enthusiasm for music,
and for teaching. I've learned a great deal from Mike, and his
support and encouragement has made a huge difference to my playing.
I would recommend Mike as a teacher to players at any level.
He has a great deal to offer." John Russon (Jazz Guitarist)
Here is a link to some info on what some of the benefits of taking up a musical instrument are:
Music Education