Teacher Profile: Michael Dzambasow

About Michael Dzambasow

Mike Dzambasow is an experienced pianist, guitarist, and songwriter with almost 20 years of piano playing experience. He began taking piano lessons at age 7, studying mainly classical piano under Dr. Christopher Dillon of Towson University. He eventually developed an interest in commercial styles after discovering Billy Joel and Elton John piano transcripts in his parents music collection. This lead Mike to become fond of commercial styles of piano, improvisation, composition, and eventually go on to obtain a Bachelor’s of Music degree in Commercial Piano at Belmont University in Nashville, TN.

At Belmont, Mike took lessons with Dr. Bruce Dudley and studied many commercial styles of piano that include Jazz, R&B, Country, Rock, and Blues. Shifting his focus towards Jazz in the latter years of undergrad, Mike became active in many Jazz ensembles at Belmont and played piano for the Jazz String Septet, The Jazz Small Group II, and the Jazz Band I. He also was involved in performing with his colleagues for their senior recitals, playing keys for studio production projects, and playing professionally throughout the city of Nashville with friends and even American Idol’s top ten contestant Naima Adedapo. After graduating, Mike moved to Portland, OR and began his teaching career while staying active as a performer playing for high school musicals, nursing homes, wineries, and accompanying school choirs and orchestras. He is also very active in creating and performing his own original music and has experience in production as well.

Mike is equally passionate about teaching as he is performing. With his experience as a private piano instructor, Mike has taught all age levels and firmly believes that it is never too early or too late to begin lessons. With a background in classical and commercial styles, Mike is able to cater more to his students’ musical interests and wishes for his students to learn the songs and styles they are most interested in learning. Mike believes music has the ability help people truly understand themselves at a deeper level and encourages personal growth in his lessons. Now Mike currently resides in Arlington, VA and wishes to continue sharing his passion for music and showing how enriching music can be for ones life.