Proficient with four of the most common brass instruments (Trumpet, Trombone, Horn, and Euphonium) 18 years of real world experience playing brass and 10 years of expirence teaching it to students of all age groups

Expert in Functional Jazz Harmony & Analysis Specialist in Melodic Development & Improvisation Composition & Arranging for Jazz Ensembles

Expert in Contemporary Songwriting & Lyric Structuring Specialist in Vocal Production, Editing, and Processing Professional Music Production & Mixing Techniques

That answer is always changing for me but at the moment I'd love to play with either Stevie Wonder, Arianna Grande, Leon Bridges, or Tori Kelly

Sooo many but if I had to name one I would say Go Ichinose since music just leaves a profound impression when you're a kid

My favorite thing to teach on any instrument is musical interpretation. Since I work in so many different facets of music, it gives me a unique perspective to understand and perceive songs and compositions in a manner that might not be a clear to someone who is strictly an instrumentalist.

Like many others, I started in band class with no prior experience. I was very bad until about 8th grade, when something clicked and I started taking music more seriously and practiced regularly. I listened to CDs from various genres, practiced reading classical repitoire, and practiced learning pop songs by ear just for fun.

Nothing. There isn't anything particularly special about any of my gear. I took good care of it and perform regular maintenance, however you can by the same gear online with 2-day shipping. Now the places my gear has been and the stories they would tell if they could talk is a whole different conversation. I believe that I play them with a particular love because of all the memories I have with them, not because of any special upgrade.

When teaching children, my philosophy is rooted in patience and understanding. I recognize that learning music can be challenging for young minds, so I prioritize creating a safe, encouraging environment where mistakes are simply part of the process. I focus on breaking down complex concepts into fun, manageable steps to ensure every student feels supported and excited to learn

All across the board! Contemporary Instrumental, Global Music, Pop, RnB, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Big Band Swing, Classical, Film Scoring, Orchestral, Game Music, Latin Music, Reggaeton, J-Pop, K-Pop, and many more!

Any and all levels! I have taught students with absolutely no experience and also students with college degrees in music.

English and Spanish (Latin American Spanish pero los españoles siempre son bienvenidos también 🙂)

Genuilely no preference! I find a specific differing joy in each in every age group

https://www.michaelvanbodegomsmith.com/

I have played in on many projects in my day including but not limited to: Star Wars Outlaws Cantina Band (Trumpet & Trombone), Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake (Trumpet), Marvel's Ironheart (Score Producer), Apple TV's Murderbot (Trumpet & Trombone), and Shondaland's Black Barbie (Additional Music Composer)

I love making my own original music and I am making music for myself whenever I have some downtime. Check it out if you'd like! https://open.spotify.com/track/3SbqH4qvyJNqyPzL8FZ3VG?si=46edb1ba24bf4e13 I wrote, produced, and sang on it 😃

I have quite the closet of gear but my favorites these days are my Roland A-88MKII MIDI Keyboard Controller, my Bach Stradivarius Trumpet, Jupiter Rose Gold Trombone, and my Yamaha Upright Acoustic Piano.

Failure, without a doubt. It took me years of failing and embarrassment to make my way to playing trumpet concertos with an orchestra behind me. Once I pivoted into Jazz, I failed my way into dozens of Chicago clubs before finally getting a grip on improvisation. These life lessons have stayed with me everyday and it has given me confidence both as a musician and as a person.

I have many accolades to be grateful for, including a Grammy Nomination for the 2026 awards, however I am most grateful to be a proud member of the following organizations: Society of Composers & Lyricists Composer’s Diversity Collective Asians in Animation Alliance of Women Film Composers (Spotlight Committee Member) The Recording Academy Television Academy

Many! I am a dedicated practitioner of Mixed Martial Arts, specializing in No-Gi Ju-Jitzu and Muy Thai. I have an aquarium that is full of life which I care for every day, and I love spending time with my wonderful girlfriend, my friends, and my family.

mdvs@michaelvanbodegomsmith.com

Michael Van Bodegom Smith

October 25th, 1998! (Same as Katy Perry and Pablo Picasso)

Piano (Intermediate Classical-Advanced, Jazz) Trumpet (Advanced) Trombone (Intermediate) French Horn (Beginner) Music Composition (Advanced) Music Production (Advanced) Music Theory (Advanced)