GETTING STARTED WITH LESSONS

Are you ready to commit to your improvement?

We'll help pair you with the right coach who will help you to:

Create a lesson plan that fits your goals

Nurture your talent based on your strengths

Attack your weaknesses head-on

Adapt to your learning style for maximum improvement

If it feels helpful, you can book a free consult call. It’s an easy, no-pressure way for us to get to know you and talk through which option might fit your goals best.

Schedule your call

Lesson Types

2 Lessons per Month

Weekly Lessons

Single Lesson Monthly

One-Off Lesson

Learn with one of our teachers every two weeks. Great for spacing things out if you have limited practice time.

Learn with one of our teachers every weeks. People love this option because it keeps a strong, weekly check-in and consistent improvement.

An excellent option for students with either limited time or a limited budget, particularly if you are self-driven.

Students who need help with one specific concept, project, or have an event to prepare for, often choose this single-lesson option.

$180

$300

$95

$100

What we look for in our teachers:

I (Noah) have a stringent process that I go through before choosing someone to work as a coach at this program. I start by personally interviewing each coach myself, looking for specific criteria which extend far beyond just their playing ability. Then, each coach generally works with me for several months, learning my teaching methods before becoming an official Neo Jazz Academy coach.

Here's what I look for:

Teaching Skill
A great player does not necessarily make a great teacher. When I work with coaches, I like to see that they are kind, open-minded people who are also hard-working and organized. A great teacher is dedicated to each student's needs and organized enough to help each student put together the right resources and action plans.

Knowledge
It goes without saying that our coaches are extremely knowledgable about jazz piano and improvised music in general. They know my methedology, and also have vast knowledge about other jazz education techniques as well.

Adaptability
I could never work with a teacher who had a "my way or the highway" attitude. We like to adapt to each student's specific learning style. If you like someone who guides you in the right direction and keeps you on track without being overbearing, we can do that. If you like a hardcore teacher who will keep you on your toes and make sure you do your work, we can do that too.

Our teachers are all highly-experienced and knowledgable about my methods. Our students love them and I trust them. They are wonderful teachers, and wonderful people.

MEET your TEACHER

Matt Tabor

Originally a drummer and percussionist, Matt Tabor began pursuing piano at age 18 at Portland State University under the tutelage of renowned pianist Darrell Grant. After receiving his Bachelor's in Music Matt made a name for himself in the Portland jazz scene leading his own trio and playing as a sideman with a host of local and national acts including Jackie Ryan, Kamasi Washington, Ralph Bowen, Devin Phillips and Chance Hayden. Matt has also had the opportunity to work extensively in the theater world serving as musical director and composer for a number of projects with acclaimed director Kevin Jones at Artists Repertory Theater and Portland Playhouse, and collaborated with his father, playwright Christopher Tabor on the Portland Area Musical Theater Award-winning musical, Recognition.

In June 2021 Matt received his Masters in Music from PSU and relocated to the Kansas CIty area to accept new performance opportunities in the vibrant KC jazz scene. In addition to his work as a pianist Matt is licenced in Body Mapping, an injury-prevention technique for musicians. He has studied this field since 2006 with internationally-known teacher Lisa Marsh.

Listen to Matt's music here.

MEET YOUR teacher

Michael Severson

Michael Severson is a versatile multi-instrumentalist and band leader based in Atlanta, Georgia. He grew up playing guitar and singing in choir, but his interest and love for harmony eventually led him towards the piano. His formal training began at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, where he studied with Grammy-nominated jazz pianist Randy Porter.

After graduating in 2016 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance, Michael began working as a conductor, pianist and arranger. He performs locally with jazz singers and small ensembles, and enjoys working as a pianist and band leader for the American Queen Voyages cruise line. He also continues his deep love of teaching and is always excited to work with students of all experience levels. With contagious passion and enthusiasm, he is eager to help others become expressive and well-rounded musicians.

Listen to Michael's music here.

MEET THE TEACHER

Jacob Hurlock

Jacob is a jazz pianist, composer, and producer from New Jersey. Their lifelong dedication to music began early, growing through high school jazz studies and later expanding into music production, which they taught themself during the pandemic. They earned their degree in Jazz Piano from Rutgers University, where they studied under Orrin Evans.

During their time at Rutgers, Jacob explored a wide range of musical avenues as both a performer and a composer. Their experience includes performing in big bands and small groups, leading their own gigs, forming a jazz-funk ensemble, and working in Latin jazz and avant-garde settings.

They have produced original music, scored student films, and composed for small group formats as well as full big bands.

Jacob is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Music Technology at Temple University. They continue to develop their upcoming recording projects, perform throughout the New Jersey tri-state area, and teach piano and music production online through Noah Kellman’s Neo Jazz Academy.

Listen to Jacob's music here.