Mike Krause has been teaching music professionally for over thirty five years and is a co-founder of Cary Guitar Lessons. A selection of press on the studio:
Cary Guitar Lessons Instructors See Payoff With Student Success - Raleigh News & Observer
Hitting Its Stride - Walter Magazine
We Looked At 106 Guitar Teachers Serving Raleigh And Picked The Top 14 - Expertise.com
Background
Originally a percussionist, Krause began the study of drums and mallet percussion along with the disciplines of reading, rudiments, technique, jazz, rock & classical repertoire when he was eleven years old at the Settlement Music School of Philadelphia’s Mary Louise Curtis and Germantown Ave branches. Krause continued to study classical percussion and drum set at the The Music Settlement in Cleveland, OH with Henry Avellone before receiving a scholarship to attend the Performance program at the Berklee College of Music in Boston.
To expand his musical awareness further, after arriving at Berklee Krause studied vibes as his elective instrument with Ed Saindon during his first year while simultaneously pursuing drum instruction off campus with well known Boston pedagogue Bob Gullotti. After Berklee he was fortunate to study drums with legendary master percussionist/educator and former original Berklee Percussion Department chair Alan Dawson. His studies with those teachers covered many different styles including jazz, rock, R&B, big band and latin music.
Krause’s studies with Alan Dawson were especially influential. Alan’s teaching methodology focused on music as a whole: rhythm, melody & harmony, learning the various aspects of popular song form, most effectively through tools he devised such as soloing through a tune’s complete structure while singing the melody, and forging a balance between the development of technical skills and creative musical expression. Though his technical ‘chops’ were prodigious, Alan primarily taught people to play music; the instrument itself was secondary. He felt very strongly about drummers knowing the melodies and forms of tunes in order to better fulfill their role in accompaniment. Kause’s studies with Alan were invaluable to his development and in shaping the musician he is today.
Krause’s transition into guitar was aided by an inherently sharp ear. At first playing the game of identifying intervals and implied harmonic content by singing horn parts on his favorite small group jazz and later big band recordings, as a budding guitarist he proceeded to spend an average of three to four hours daily for several years pulling his favorite licks and parts off recordings by his favorite players. Like the legendary guitarists of yore (who kept ‘dropping the needle’ over and over again on their mentors albums to pick up everything they could), he cultivated the advanced ability to grasp, in real time, the elements that comprised the arsenal of techniques used by legendary players across many genres of music.
Having delved into transcribing advanced musicians during his Berklee days; from the birth of the modern jazz era (Charlie Parker) to advanced modern composers (Frank Zappa) and numerous drumming heroes (Philly Joe Jones, Max Roach, Art Blakey, Tony Williams, Chad Wackerman, Phil Collins (Brand X era), etc then later with various world class guitar players like Albert Lee, Brent Mason, Chet Atkins, Jerry Reed (and too many more to mention), Krause’s well developed ear and playing experience have combined to allow him to produce musical transcriptions that stand out for their high level of accuracy and detail.
The combination of Krause’s educational background with his multi-faceted work as a veteran multi-instrumentalist/bandleader has also helped form the bedrock for the skills he’s developed as an experienced teacher. He has additionally taught group workshops, co-designing and teaching the 'How To Play With A Rhythm Section' weeklong workshop at 2112 Percussion in Raleigh, NC.
Krause’s approach to teaching is focused on the individual’s needs, not a ‘one size fits all’ agenda. Musical goals, however humble or great, along with the motivation to play must come from the student themselves. With self motivation as the foundation, the student’s aspirations are continually fostered, supported and infused with the necessary ingredients of musical fundamentals, fingerboard knowledge, an unhindered/relaxed technique, ear development and the augmentation of those acquired skills with an awareness that music is an infinite path.
Krause’s teaching skills and modalities cover a wide array of musical styles including Rock (classic/modern), Blues (Ragtime, Delta, Chicago styles and beyond), Country (classic/modern), R&B, Introductory Jazz and Classical, Acoustic Music (contemporary, old time and bluegrass) along with picking techniques (flatpicking, fingerstyle and hybrid picking), improvisation, music theory (diatonic and non-diatonic concepts, practical application/real world use of triads, arpeggios, scales/modes, fingerboard mapping, etc), alternate tunings, reading and ear training. A custom transcription service with the option of either standard notation or tablature is also available.
Krause offers instruction in guitar in person or online via Skype, Zoom or FaceTime. Beginners are welcome! For inquiries about guitar instruction please email: mlk (at) mkrause.com.
Education
1989 Private instruction in drums with Alan Dawson, Winchester, MA
1984-1986 Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA. Performance Scholarship award recipient.
1984-86 Private instruction in drums with Bob Gullotti, Waltham, MA
1984-85 Private instruction in vibes with Ed Saindon, Boston, MA
1983-84 Private instruction and recital performance in percussion with Henry Avellone, The Music Settlement, Cleveland, OH
1975-77 Private instruction in percussion at the Settlement Music School, Philadelphia, PA
Teaching Experience
2012-Present Co-Founder/Director, Cary Guitar Lessons, Cary, NC
2000-2012 Guitar Instructor, Fat Sound Guitars, Cary, NC
2002 Music Director, 'Playing With A Rhythm Section' Seminar, 2112 Percussion, Raleigh, NC
1995-2000 Guitar Instructor, Home Studio, Raleigh, NC
1983-1984 Drum Set Instructor, DiFiore’s Music, Cleveland, OH
1981 Music Teacher, Designed And Taught History Of Twentieth Century Popular Music course at Carolina Friends School, Durham, NC
Teaching Curriculum
Fundamentals, Theory & Technique
Guitar Basics/Fundamentals
Guitar Techniques: Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced
Music Theory: Harmony, Diatonic and Non-Diatonic Concepts, Practical Application/Usage Of Scales/Modes, Arpeggios, Chord Theory, Fingerboard Mapping, Etc.
Berklee College Of Music Guitar Method: A Modern Method For Guitar, Vol. 1-3 by William Leavitt
Picking Technique: Flatpicking, Fingerpicking and Hybrid Picking
Ear Training
Music Reading
Improvisation: Multiple Genres
Alternate/Open Tunings
Introduction To Slide Guitar
Genres & Styles
Acoustic Guitar - General: Carter Family (1920’s) Up To Present
Acoustic Guitar - Flatpicking/Bluegrass: 1) Technique/History 2) Repertoire
Blues - Classic Blues/Roots Music: Early (1930’s) To Chicago Electric Blues Era (1950’s) Up To Present (Acoustic/Electric)
Bossa Nova/Brazilian - Introduction To Bossa Nova: 1) Technique 2) Repertoire
Classic Rock To Modern Rock - 1950‘s Up To Present (Acoustic/Electric)
Classical Guitar - Introduction To Classical Guitar - 1) Reading 2) Technique 3) Repertoire
Country/Telecaster Style - All Era’s/Players: Nashville (Brent Mason, Vince Gill, Albert Lee, Brad Paisley, Ray Flacke), West Coast (Roy Nichols, James Burton, Clarence White, Jimmy Bryant), Western Swing (Eldon Shamblin, Junior Barnard, Tiny Moore)
Easy/Beginner Songs (Acoustic/Electric)
Fingerpicking - General Styles (Acoustic/Electric)
Fingerpicking - Blues/Country Blues (Early To Modern)
Fingerstyle - Chet Atkins, Merle Travis, Doc Watson, Jerry Reed, James Taylor (Acoustic/Electric)
Guitar Instrumentals - The Shadows, The Ventures, Dick Dale, Etc.
Jazz - Introduction To Jazz Standards
Jazz - Introduction To Styles: Charlie Christian, Wes Montgomery, Ernest Ranglin, Hank Garland, Etc.
Jazz - Introduction To Chord Melody
Rockabilly/‘50’s R&R - Original Era (Scotty Moore, Carl Perkins, Cliff Gallup, Eddie Cochran, James Burton, Grady Martin) Up To Present (Brian Setzer)
For inquiries about guitar instruction please email: mlk (at) mkrause.com.
Testimonials
“I’ve been playing guitar for a little over two years now and playing under Mike's guidance for the last few months. I was really intimidated seeking out lessons initially but that went away the moment I sat down in the studio. The lessons are always structured to my goals and Mike goes above and beyond with the emails he sends out post lesson (recordings from the lesson, PDF's of tabs/articles, etc). Highly recommended if you're looking to take your playing to the next level.”
“I wasn't sure what to expect when I signed up for lessons 25 years past my last music lesson as a kid. Mike's teaching style has just blown me away. He tailors the lessons and content to my musical preferences, doesn't allow my perfectionism to stop my progress, and is a walking encyclopedia of music theory. I look forward to our sessions every week. I highly recommend!”
“Mike is a wonderful instructor. I moved here from CO in March and was looking for an instructor right away. Mike was able to get me on the schedule and provide a lesson time that matched my work schedule perfectly. When I started taking lessons with him I was in an intermediate rut and since then I have made huge developments technically and in guitar theory. I have nothing but great things to say about Cary Guitar Lessons.”
“I’ve learned more than I could have imagined. Mike makes the lessons very personal to my music preferences and is very attentive to abilities. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!”
“I have taken lessons from Mike for several years and have nothing but good to say! He is infinitely patient with his students. He is the rare person that can play AND teach. Mike understands when to challenge me and when to give me more time to absorb the material, which keeps me from getting frustrated or bored. Commitment to practicing is much easier under his tutelage.”
“Mike is awesome! I have been a student of his for almost three years and came with little to no knowledge of how to play guitar. He is very flexible and works with you to learn what interests you whether it is theory or a particular song. I can’t say enough good things about him and his teaching technique!”
“I’ve been taking lessons with Mike for a little over a year now, and it has been a great experience. He will incorporate any song you would like to learn into lessons and tailors his approach to your learning style.”
“I am a big fan of Michael's instruction and playing, I'd played for 20 years and found myself in the “boxes” rut playing the same minor pentatonic runs. Mike helped me break out of my pentatonic riff patterns and got me thinking modal, more importantly it got me thinking about how chords and chord tones fit together. It is always fun to watch him flip his guitar over, grab a piece of paper and write out a run for you to work on. He is never at a loss for material.”
“I've learned more from Mike in the past 3 months than I have in the past 10 years of guitar playing.”
“I've had the pleasure of taking lessons with Mike a few years back. I played 'stump the guitarist' where I'd bring a tune on CD and ask him to show me 'how to play it' and there wasn't anything he couldn't play and so he taught me to play! Fantastic teacher. Fantastic guitar player! Unfortunately a contract software job commitment made it so I didn't have free time to practice practice practice! And that is essential to learning to play ANY instrument! I am hoping to get some free time soon to once again crank back up some lessons with Mike and learn to master the guitar and play all the tunes I want to learn to play!”
“I’ve been taking lessons with Mike for about a year and it’s been a wonderful experience from day 1. Mike is very knowledge, patient and tailors lessons into the style of music you want to play. I have learned to play several of my favorite Farsi (my first language) songs as well as English songs. He teaches you the tools and techniques to become the guitarist you want to be. Not only is he an amazing teacher and player, he is a great mentor and friend too.”
“I have been playing guitar for over 30 years and am a pretty decent guitar player that plays in a local band. Because of my history, finding a teacher that can help me advance my playing has always been a challenge. What I like about Mike is his incredible versatility and ability to pinpoint specific aspects of my technique to work on. There is pretty much nothing I can't throw at him - alternate picking, hybrid picking, rockabilly, theory, straight up rock - you name it. He can teach it all and can always point to tangible ways to improve my playing.”
"Michael Krause is like no teacher I've ever experienced. Anyone who has seen him play knows his virtuosity. But, many monster players don't have the teaching empathy, patience or skills to transfer knowledge. Michael has all three and more: an innate sense of where you want to go and how to help you get there. In the course of nine years, Michael has helped me pursue music at a level I'd only dreamed of before. During that time, he has gladly transitioned among ever-evolving roles as mentor, teacher, listener, collaborator, transcriber and sounding board. Taking lessons from Michael has not only improved me as a player, singer and songwriter, it has enriched my life.”
“I've been taking lessons from Mike for the past eight months and my guitar playing has improved significantly. As an adult student, I had difficulty finding the right instructor to meet my needs. I always say being a great guitarist does not make you a great teacher. After just two lessons with Mike, I knew he was both. He was also the right instructor to help take my guitar playing to the next level. Mike incorporates the right amount of theory with his lesson and is spot on when breaking down songs. His audio attachments to the lessons are extremely helpful when practicing at home. I plan on continuing with Mike for a very long time.”
“I've been taking lessons with Mike Krause for three years. I started as a complete novice who had played 3 chord songs for years but really didn't know what I was doing. Mike has taught me proper technique, patience, and improvisation - tools that have allowed me to be able to play along with most songs I encounter. He has great knack for being able to take any song and translate it into understandable chord progressions, picking patterns and solo riffs that a student like myself can use to build skills. Mike has given me the building blocks to develop better technique and confidence that I will continue to develop through my lessons with him.”
“Mike is a great instructor. Lessons are challenging, but not so tough that they will frustrate you. If you practice daily and follow Mike's teachings you will be playing guitar.”
“I am an adult, on-again off-again, "recreational" guitarist and have studied with many teachers over the span of 40 years. After meeting/working with Mike Krause four years ago, I can say he is, hands down, the best instructor that I've ever worked with. Music is a language and many gifted musicians have trouble translating that language in a way that makes sense to novice and intermediate players. Mike's gift as a teacher, beyond his obvious musical talent, is his ability to change his delivery to meet the level of the student. His patience, encouragement, and laid-back demeanor add to the experience. I highly recommend Mike for students of all ages and all experience levels.”
- Rick Pro
“I would like to thank you for teaching, inspiring and mentoring Ricky these last few months. He has learned a tremendous amount from you and has developed quite well. I know that Ricky looks forward to resuming his lessons with you next year. I will talk to you again soon. Again, thank you!"
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-RG
"Aloha Michael, one more time I feel very blessed, privileged to have been able to study with you a bit and I very much appreciate that you are willing to stay in touch if i've some questions. Good luck with your new life's phase and come back... Just to visit!"
- NK
"We appreciate your work with Christian! He thinks the world of you. Last night he was so excited about this lesson. I think he also believes in guitar as being maybe his "thing" in life that he may be able to excel at. Except last night, he mentioned how you often play all of these pieces so flawlessly, and he wonders if he will ever be as great as "Mike Krause". And I thought Hendrix, Gilmour and Page were role models!"
- JA
“This man showed me how to Travis pick in about 5 minutes.... I need to start practicing that again!”
- David Gresham
“Matt told me he would never want anyone else to give him lessons but you. I am so glad I put him in good hands from the start! He really respects you and appreciates how knowledgeable and experienced you are! It's always been amazing to me that in all these years he has never complained about going to guitar lessons... Usually he doesn't like being taught anything as he "already knows everything” or “can figure it out on his own". Props to you once again!!”
- Karen Mason
"I would really like to thank you for helping me on my journey to become a better lead player. You are a Monster player with the ability to teach as well. I have not always found that to be the case with great players. You explain and demonstrate things in a way that makes sense to me. I look forward to every Friday and learning something new.”
- ME
For inquiries about guitar instruction please email: mlk (at) mkrause.com.
