Quinn and Cole have been with Chuck since 2nd and 1st grade respectively. They are now in 9th and 7th grades.

I have enjoyed watching Chuck interact with the boys in a very relaxed and encouraging way. He primarily uses the music to teach the lessons of music. He carefully selects their pieces as they become more proficient. He has them maintain a repertoire of about 5-6 pieces (for 3-4 months) as they progress through the year so they can always sit down and play something comfortably.

He understands the development of the kids musically and socially, having patience when they hit low levels of interest. He encourages at these points knowing that higher interest will soon follow. I have never seen Chuck angry or be discouraging. This is consistent with his philosophy that it is more important that they continue with the piano than how they might perform on any given day. He will just suggest that “That song is something to work on for next week.” For the yearly contest, music is distributed so early so that the kids have 3-4 months to become very comfortable and proficient before a performance. His patient but steady encouragement has resulted in good progress and some impressive performances.

Finally, Chuck is an excellent musician. He performs at each recital so the kids can have a target to shoot for. During lessons he frequently will play an ad lib duet with the kids on the second piano. This is always a highlight.

I have attended most all lessons with the boys (in the outside room). It has been quite enjoyable.

— Scott Eberly, MD

I have a fourth grader and a third grader who have been taking lessons from Chuck for three years and a first grader who is closing in on her first year. I love listening to them play.

Prior to having my children begin piano, I was concerned about how much and when to practice given I myself was a frequently sheepish piano student when it was apparent week after week that I had not practiced enough. Chuck meets the kids at their level of weekly preparation and progresses them through the materials accordingly. Chuck is the exact right combination of kindness and expectation mixed with a seemingly limitless amount of patience.

Each week, our family of four kids (ages 10, 9, 6, and 2) utilizes Chuck’s waiting area stocked with old school Nintendo, books, and comfortable furniture as the three oldest cycle through their half hour lessons. On nice days, we make our way outdoors where there is a basketball hoop in the driveway and plenty of space for a quick game of kickball in the front yard.

One of my favorite parts about Chuck’s piano lessons are the January and May recitals. These are wonderful opportunities for the kids to get on stage and perform in front of a crowd and showcase their hard work without too much pressure. For my kids at a more novice level, it’s also a great chance for them to listen to aspirational playing by the older kids, capped off by super aspirational piano playing by Chuck. I highly recommend taking piano lessons from Chuck Michaelson.

— Katie Eastvold

I am pleased to recommend Chuck Michaelson as a piano teacher.

My nine year old daughter has studied piano with Chuck for just over a year, and I’ve been so pleased with her progress. As a teacher Chuck is exceedingly patient and kind, quick to offer reassurance, always finding just the right balance between encouraging my daughter to push herself and allowing her to play. The material covered is varied and appropriate, and holds her interest. She enjoys her lessons as well as her practice at home, and I believe this is because of Chuck’s passion and enthusiasm as an instructor, and his genuine interest in the development of her skills and her confidence.

Chuck’s professionalism and flexibility are invaluable qualities which round out his accomplishments as musician and teacher. Classes are weekly and punctual, but on several occasions he has happily made accommodations for our busy schedule by arranging makeup lessons. His recitals reflect this ethic, being well-organized but informal affairs that allow students to showcase their burgeoning talents.

I am grateful to Chuck for everything he has taught my daughter and for the joy her music has brought to our family. We look forward to many years of study with him and recommend him wholeheartedly to anyone considering him as a teacher. — Michael Larson

Having performed Brahms’s Zwei Gesänge with Chuck Michaelson, I knew he was a fine pianist. What I did not not know at that time was that he is a true virtuoso of his instrument. I recently heard him as soloist giving absolutely stunning performances of Schubert’s Impromptu in A flat Major, Op. 142, No. 2, and Liszt’s Concert Paraphrase of Verdi’s Rigoletto. He performed both of these challenging works with all the brilliance, assurance, sensitivity, and passion of the finest of concert pianists. I had no idea that we had such an artist in our midst! In fact, I told him that he deserves the Olympic Gold Medal for his performance.

— Michael Kimber, D.M.A.

Artist Instructor of Viola, Coe College

Composer in Residence, Red Cedar Chamber Music

After your performance, there were rave reviews from my friends. It is absolutely incredible how you can take 40 pages of black ink and not just make music; you create art from a pallet of passion and talent and skill and brilliance and interpretation and color. Your music doesn’t just come alive, it explodes and embraces each person in the audience. You are a master of your craft. Thank you for sharing your gift with us.

— Jean Stonerook