Hey Mark, I just wanted to let you know that I'm really enjoying working with you, and I'm getting a lot out of it.  I'm kind of amazed at where I am now vs. six months ago.  It's very cool.  I just wish I'd fallen into ukulele earlier! Anyway, you're a great teacher, and I just felt moved to write and say so!  Best, Jon (Executive Producer, NBC Television) 

I am learning the ukulele and never played a string instrument. Mark makes chords make sense, and makes them easily relatable to any song you want to play. Learning from an all around musician not just someone who knows one instrument gives a more complete education and guarantees you learn the right way to play your instrument .--JL 

The time I spent studying with Mark Michaels taught me how to play musically. Anyone can be a scale technician, but it takes far more to play from the heart. Mark showed me how to get inside of a song, to see how chord and melody work together, and how to use the "space between the notes"...It doesn't hurt that he knows 10,000 songs by heart!--MF, student '94-95 (PS "MF" is now a professor of music at San Francisco State College--I done good!!-MM) 

Whether it's rock, jazz, classical, folk, blues or any other genre of music he has had the versatility, skill and patience to teach me what I need to know and have fun doing it.  Whether you are looking to become a master player with a sophisticated understanding of music theory, or just play some of your favorite tunes convincingly, Mark is your guy. "Show me how to play this!" With Mark, I can bring him any song and we will work together to learn how to play it (with or without sheet music). Mark has given me a whole new appreciation for music as I learn how different artists approach their songs.- DAMON BASCH 

 Mark is a teacher of extraordinary excellence. His ability to anticipate and work with the needs and goals of a student sets him apart from others. And wow can he play.-- IJ 

I had been playing for almost twenty years before coming to Mark. I had mostly been self taught, but had also gone through a succession of teachers who, while pretty good, just didn’t have the combined skills to help me get to the level of playing I wanted to get to. Mark has brought my playing to an entirely new level—to the point where I now play out regularly with bands, am comfortable jamming with musicians of many different skill levels and styles, and have a greater love and appreciation for music in general Thanks Mark! -–Carl T 

Mark Michaels has been a wonderful teacher, musician, composer and just all around great inspiration in my musical life. And on top of which he’s got a great sense of humor.-- Kevin (Stock) 

 Mark has a strong passion for all genres of music which is present in his teachings. His hands on methods push me to better understand the foundations of jazz, improvisation, and the pursuit of self expression.--BS 

He has a no-nonsense approach that shows you what your playing needs but just as importantly he helps you see what is really good about it. I’d been playing for more than 30 years when I first came to him, and he has made me a better, more effective player.-–EB 

 Mark is a multi-talented musician and teacher. He is extraordinarily creative in reframing musical blocks. Time and time again he has turned my confusion into clarity.-–DL 

A talented musician and a gifted teacher. Will open your eyes in an uncomplex manner.--Dan Kaufman, M.D. 

Mark Michaels has been my music guru for a number of years. He is a fine and patient teacher, superb musician (equally adept on guitar, bass and uke) and a thoughtful and knowledgeable companion. I would recommend him highly to players of any level wishing to improve their skills and musical knowledge.  I think one would be hard-pressed to find better.--CG 

Mark Michaels is passionate and devoted to his craft which helps the dedicated student achieve long lasting progress and enjoyment.-–PB 

Mark is a wonderful teacher. He instills confidence in his students. I felt that I could play the uke even after my first lesson. By my second lesson, I was playing a whole song! He really keeps you motivated! --Brigitte, West New York, NJ

I think studying with Mark could benefit players at any level because he can easily identify and adapt to an individual student's needs. -JP