Michael New

BM in Guitar Performance   Kennesaw State University, 2007

MM in Guitar Performance   University of Texas at San Antonio, 2007-2010 ABD

I grew up in Atlanta, GA and began playing guitar at age 12.  In my late teens, I played in a variety of rock and jazz groups and began to take interest in classical music.  In 2003, I started studying classical guitar and soon after enrolled at Kennesaw State University to pursue a degree in music. While at KSU, I was afforded opportunities to work with both small and large ensembles including performances with the KSU Orchestra and Wind Ensemble, the Cobb Symphony Orchestra, and the Atlanta Symphony Chorus.  As an undergrad, I received eight scholarships in music and was awarded the 2006 Music Teachers National Association StAR award.   

I began teaching privately in 2005 for a local music academy in Atlanta.  Since then, I have taught for a variety of music schools including military, college prep, and Montessori programs.  Although guitar is my primary instrument, I also play and teach piano, bass, ukulele, and banjo.  

In 2007, I was awarded a double assistantship in guitar and music theory at the University of Texas, San Antonio, where I pursued graduate studies.  While there, I tutored undergraduate students and taught courses in music theory.  In 2009, I received the UTSA Teaching Recognition Award.  From 2009-10, I was adjunct instructor of guitar at The University of the Incarnate Word, where I taught courses in Beginning Guitar and Guitar Repertoire.  I also served as substitute instructor of guitar and theory at St. Phillips Community College.  During my stay in Texas, I was a member of Duo Vaso, a guitar duo with Jesus Gachupin.

I have participated in masterclasses for guitar, composition, and conducting.  Artists that I have performed for include Rodney Eichenberger, Ana Vidovic, Paul Galbraith, Roland Dyens, Michael Chapdelaine, and the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet.

I relocated to Las Vegas in 2011 and have since been teaching privately with a studio average of 45 students.  I perform occasionally in jazz ensembles and other small ensembles, but my primary focus is teaching.  I have previously served as adjudicator for events like the NVMEA guitar ensemble competition and continue to be active in the music community.

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GUITAR

My goal with guitar students is to ensure they have the right perspective and technical foundation to be able to approach any style of music.  I study and perform a variety of music from Classical to Jazz to Tango and I encourage my students to do the same.  

I have 12 years experience teaching guitar to all ages and skill levels, including college level performance majors.  While my degree is in classical guitar, I am well versed in all styles including jazz, rock, blues, etc.

I try to instill in my students that WHAT you practice and HOW you practice are equally important; and that a relaxed performance experience is achieved through proper practice techniques.

THEORY

My goal when helping others understand music theory is to reduce concepts down to their simplest form and provide solutions for practical application in the real world.  I incorporate ear training whenever possible and encourage students to use their instrument and/or voice to fully realize their theory studies.

Whether you are an amateur musician looking to understand the basics of theory or a college music major undergoing more intense musical study, I can help you in your endeavors.  In the past, I have tutored musicians in species counterpoint, Tonal Harmony, 20th century music, jazz, and contemporary theory.  I can also help with composition and arranging for any style of music.