Drum Instructor Michael Shapiro
Expertise: Drums
Michael Shapiro hails from his hometown of Brookline, MA, a suburb of Boston. His parents, both performers, influenced his musical tastes at an early age - Beatles, jazz and classical. Influences grew into a taste for classic rock which expanded to prog rock and much later, Drum corps bands like Kansas, Zappa, Rush, Spiro Gira, Pat Metheny, The Garfield Cadets and Chick Correa, etc. After college Michael's tastes became more eclectic. He started to play Klezmer which led to playing many styles of eastern European music like Balkin, liturgical songs, some Greek music, jazz, and world music.
Michael was taught by several local drum instructors in the Boston area and later had many other instructors.
But the world-renowned Thom P Hannum, who has the attention and respect of all major drum manufacturers, the DCI circuit
and percussion communities nationally and globally, was particularly inspiring. Technique, reading interpretation and musicianship was what made Thom’s players excel. He led by example and Michael took his lessons to heart. He ensured his students unlearned what they had previously learned and started everyone from scratch.
After graduating college with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and being drawn to music in college Michael yearned to make a living in the music industry. Fast forward 30 years and some extreme soul-searching, Michael decided to give back the gift of music that had been given to him and pass it along. Furthermore, he learned of all the benefits of playing music and how it contributes to both mental and physical health. Michael even incorporates a sprinkling of music therapy into his current teaching suggesting being kind to oneself when practicing.
Michael has taught privately, at other local music stores and at the afterschool program at Lunenburg Middle High School. LMHS is also where he was the marching percussion director for two years.
With patience and step-by-step challenges his students will be guided to learn technique, technique, technique first and foremost, followed by music reading instruction, tempo training and finally musicianship. “My instructor Hannum knew what he was doing, and I strive to follow his example to the best of my ability,” Michael said. Michael’s students’ needs come before anything else, and he is committed to being there for them. Being a parent of two he has a deep understanding of a parental perspective.
Additionally, Michael is willing to go to his students’ homes to ensure that they know how to adjust the kit to themselves and that they understand the finer points of tuning and maintenance.
Michael works to make learning fun and engaging. He states, “it’s not about being the best, it’s about the never-ending journey to strive for excellence and it should remain constant. The journey and the effort are what it’s all about. It is human nature to never be satisfied because once you reach a small goal there will always be dissatisfaction in that one always wants more. Michael believes anything is possible with the right practice approach, repetition and most of all, maximum effort. Whatever a person’s musical tastes, the foundational skills he employs will “help students achieve whatever musical goals they want to achieve” he said.
Michael has seen a lot of different students, young and old, from those with ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities to the 4 year old drumming genius. Michael encourages all of his students to love the drums as much as he does. And, although not formally trained, he has some knowledge, tricks, and strategies to keep even his ADHD students focused and safe.
As to performance, Michael has been in many different bands. The current band he is with, a “genre-fluid” band called “Tell me another one” has a whole catalog of originals after years of creating together. They write and sing songs with a conscience - telling stories of love, happiness, sadness, politics and sometimes combinations of all of them.
ENDORSEMENTS:
From Colleagues:
Colleagues at the Gardner teaching establishment have told discerning parents that their kids are “in good hands” with Michael.
From a Long-time Student:
At age 55 I decided to take drum lessons for the first time, fulfilling a long-time desire to be a drummer. I went to the local music store to ask about lessons, and they connected me with Mike Shapiro, my drum instructor. That was over half a year ago and I've met with Mike for lessons every week since then. Mike asked if I would write this reference letter for him; I am delighted to give my support to whatever future drum related work he pursues. In my experience as a novice drum student, I've found that Mike provides a perfect balance of technical skill building instruction, applauding my progress, sharing his passion and enthusiasm, gently challenging weekly growth, and making the whole process fun. For about 6 months I was practicing on boxes and just recently I bought my first drum set; I'm a drummer now
Mike has been supportive, encouraging, understanding, and kind. He tolerates my repetitive questions, always with acceptance of where I'm at on my drumming journey. Mike is the kind of instructor you want, one who brings to life the joy in making music. As a point of contrast, I once took violin lessons, about 30 years ago, with a strict instructor who insisted that we only focus on technique week after week. I kept asking to play a song and the violin expert refused. Violin lessons were not fun, and I gave up. I don't know how to play the violin, which I see as a sad outcome, as I had the interest and motivation when I began the process. My experience with Mike as my drum instructor has been just the opposite. After half a year I'm calling myself a drummer and I love drumming!
Drum with Mike and if you work hard, you will have some Mic-drop moments!
Call to sign up in Leominster: 978-534-8989 - or visit City Music at 31 Sack Blvd, Leominster, MA 01453
Call to sign up in Gardner: 978-630-3620 - or visit City Music at 240 Main St. Gardner, MA 01440
