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meet the teachers
| Background: |
 Mitch Odom started taking piano lessons at a young age and excelled in music. He was a performer by age ten, professional at fourteen years old and began teaching when he was sixteen. He has been teaching now for more than 35 years.
He a studio musician, composer and producer. His work has been published and performed in more than 50 countries around the world. He was a staff writer for television production companies and has played on albums in Europe, Asia and the U.S.
Some of his students have become educators, performers and published composers. Most took lessons for their own personal enjoyment and growth.
Mitch is an alumni of Chapman University, Oklahoma City University and California State University - and was staff accompanist at Cal State. |
| Qualifications: |
Mitch Odom:
▬ Music teacher for 35 years.
▬ Published composer - since 1985.
▬ Music producer and studio musician in Hollywood and LA
▬ Mitch's Master Teachers:
Jim Ellis:
▬ Music teacher for 10 years
▬ Performing musician
Marc Angel:
▬ Music teacher for 8 years
▬ Performing musician |
| Associations: |
ASCAP - American Society of Composers and Publishers |
| Testimonials: |
PIANO LESSONS:
"We are extremely pleased with our daughter’s musical growth under the guidance of Mitch Odom. As a professional musician and composer, Mitch elevates the piano lesson to a level far beyond simply teaching students to read notes on a page. His enthusiasm and sense of humor keep lessons fun yet focused and he brilliantly imparts his love of music and the fine points of performance with even his youngest students. We consider Mitch to be an exceptional find on Mercer Island!" - Terry and Barbara Bendrick, Mercer Island
"Mitch has a great way of making music fun for my boys. Their piano lessons are not just about the keyboard- They sing, learn fun rhythms from around the world with many different instruments, create their own music and perform with others. They really get a chance to develop a deep sense and understanding of MUSIC." - Sarah Shannon, Mercer Island
"Our fourteen-year old son is mesmerized by Mitch’s stories about being a professional musician, appreciative of how Mitch relates to him as an equal, intrigued by how Mitch helps him understand the music he listens to, and excited by the variety and complexity of the music that Mitch has taught him to play. As parents, we appreciate Mitch’s ability to not only maintain but deepen our son’s interest, month by month. He started with “the blues” and Latin music at our request. Current rock and classical have worked their way into the mix. Mitch has taught him to improvise and encouraged his creativity, all the while holding him to a high standard of performance." - Lisa and Charlie Kaminski, Mercer Island
"Mitch is an excellent and enthusiastic teacher, sensitive to the needs of his students ... a truly gifted and talented musician." - Debby Black, 3rd grade teacher
"When I try to asses what I have learned from you it is just overwhelming ... in addition, now I even write music. This is so unbelievable! I owe you so much. You are a wonderful teacher and able to transmit your love of music to your students. Thank you for sharing your gift with me." - Rita Provost, composer
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| References: |
Yes |
| Student Successes: |
Our students have gone on to become teachers, performers and composers. Most importantly, all have learned much about music, and have strenthened their love of music and art. Their successes in other areas also reflect what studying music has done for their minds.
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| Strengths: |
▬ Our students learn to understand the way music is written, not just to play the notes.
▬ Interpretation and musicality are our specialties.
▬ Improvisation is taught in contemporary styles such as pop, jazz, rock, R & B, gospel and country.
▬ Creativity and original thought are encouraged and nourished
▬ We welcome children and adult beginning students as well as those with prior training.
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| Other Info: |
Did you know that music can improve your child's academic performance?
According to research at UCLA Brain Institute, music lessons help your brain grow additional neural pathways and increase brain function. Spatial and abstract reasoning abilities are enhanced, along with language skills.
Please feel free to call our studio at (206) 992-5515 to ask any questions or schedule lessons.
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