Bio:
Michael Kovitz has been a full-time professional guitarist and teacher of all styles of guitar for over forty years. He believes in developing a strong musical and technical foundation for his students—a foundation that supports the pursuit of their musical goals and dreams. As can be seen by reading his endorsements and testimonials, Michael has the ability to work with a wide range of student aims, needs, and learning patterns.
Endorsements and Testimonials:
“I’ve been a student of Michael Kovitz for over 5 years total (4 in the early 90’s) and again for the past 15 months. I also studied with Ray Chester of Peabody Conservatory in 1998/99. Ray is considered one of the greatest living guitar “pedagogues” but honestly, I’d rather study with Michael Kovitz. Beyond his amazing classical guitar ability, Kovitz has “musical sensitivity” second to none! I will also say that my study with Michael Kovitz is the truest and most musically authentic work that I’ve done. I’ve had the privilege of studying with Michael for a total of about seven years in three different installments over the past 25 years.” – Brian Bowman
“Michael’s knowledge and sensitivity to music run both wide and deep, spanning genres from classical to jazz, popular to folk. But what makes him an extraordinary teacher is his experience with the learning process. He possesses a unique ability to guide each student on his or her musical journey. His astute observations and compassionate support are always just what is needed. Worth a monthly trip from Chicago to Raleigh!” – Christine Slivon, Chicago, IL
“Mr. Kovitz challenges me to not only evaluate the music we work on but to also evaluate my approach to the music as well. He trains me to understand the music in its entirety so that I can fully glean all that I can from the sound and adequately convey the message behind the music to an audience. During my lesson, he encourages me to ask questions and to seek my own answers rather than giving them to me. I always feel comfortable sharing my own musical ideas with him because he is more than willing to critique them and give honest feedback. While taking lessons with Mr. Kovitz, I have not only grown as a guitarist but also as a musician. He builds up my repertoire as well as my understanding of music history and theory. He always returns to the foundation of playing which is technique and accuracy. I have taken lessons for a number of years with him, and I always look forward to what the next week holds.” – Madalyn Vanarthos
“I originally studied under Michael Kovitz 20 years ago before moving out of the area due to a job change. When I returned to the area and began to study classical guitar again approximately one year ago, I reconnected with him and was immediately rewarded with much more than an excellent classical guitar instructor. He identified, and immediately began correcting, my weaknesses in all areas of music. He gave me a renewed appreciation for the value of musical understanding in parallel with vastly improved guitar technique. His musical knowledge, patience and insights into individual student needs in classical guitar/music are all exceptional.” – Jeffrey T. Glass Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Hogg Family Director of Engineering Management and Entrepreneurship, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University
“When in doubt Kovitz out! Michael once asked me, ‘Ever feel your mind working?’ Got to tell you I’m going blind and I know why he asked me—he figured it all out on the streets of Chicago—when the traffic stopped he heard his mind working—just like me, I think… Never go fishing without bait! Lol.” – eric p.
“I’ve been studying with Michael for about 6 years now. Yes, I am still at it. Michael knows me personally about better than anyone. My studies range from folk, classical, finger style jazz, & original material. I think the most important thing that Michael has taught me is how to take my music seriously by getting me to focus on my core musical work — like technique and reading skills.
Mike is the only teacher I have had that maintains integrity in his lessons. He keeps notes on what we work on from week to week. My reading skills have improved by leaps and bounds working with him. My technique has improved tremendously as well. Mike’s depth of knowledge keeps me humble.” – Gary Allen, musician, composer, drums
“As a musician who has only ever played monophonic instruments (mainly brass), Michael has been an invaluable asset in my musical education. I’ve been able to use his lessons more as a musical theory class centered around a guitar, rather than “just” taking guitar lessons. I’m learning to comprehend some of the reasons behind how music works in addition to tackling this new world of stringed instruments.” – James C. Kling, Lead trumpet, Church Street Jazz
Morrisville, NC
“Michael has expanded my understanding of music and provided me with a new perspective on how one studies to become a musician. I played guitar starting in my teens and spent some years studying saxophone later in life. Studying with Michael has opened me up to an entirely new way of thinking about music. He offers more than a process or method; instead he provides a total approach that includes musical thinking, technique, and expression of musical ideas. Each lesson is thoughtful, building upon what has been learned, introducing new concepts, and demonstrating work. Michael provides me the tools to build my musical understanding and the ability to express musical ideas. I’ve studied with some very talented and accomplished musicians prior to Michael, but this is the first time I am beginning to truly understand music and musicianship.”
Robert Alinovi