Testimonial
"I cannot say enough good things about Michael Lamond as a musician, teacher and mentor. He taught our son to play the bass guitar, and to appreciate many different genres of music. Along the way, he offered up positive reinforcement and taught my introverted son that he is part of a wonderful community of people who care about his well-being and want him to succeed. Michael is a very talented musician, and he brings his joy to every single lesson."
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-Jen Giersch
"Highly recommend Michael. Not only taught our son to play the instrument, but went above and beyond to instill a love of music. Because of Michael, our son played in college - and still loves to play for fun & friends today. Thank you Michael!"
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-Elizabeth Woodcock
"I had a big ask of Michael. I needed to be able to play the snare drum competently with folks who’d been playing 10, 15, 40 plus years, and I needed to learn at least 80 songs. I was starting as a beginner. Michael was eager to teach me. He was consistent, on-time, prepared, extremely knowledgeable and supportive. He taught technique, theory and practical short cuts for quick learning. I had a blast as his student and I made it. I play music all over town."
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-Jen Tucker
"Michael Lamond is an amazing instructor! There isn’t any instrument he can’t teach! He has worked with all three of my kids at various times over the last 15 years and I cannot recommend him highly enough!! He’s patient, he listens and he meets them where they are. We will miss having him at our house on Wednesday afternoons."
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-Jane Hight
I was recently honored to be the subject of a long-time student's entrance exam essay for college. It reflects my impact on students and the importance of education and mentorship.
-MSL
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"Michael Lamond might be the coolest guy I have ever met, and that’s before you discover he travels the world playing bass guitar in an Elton John Tribute Band. My brother is a piano prodigy, so my parents confidently signed me up for bass lessons with Michael. But I did not inherit my brother’s gift; in fact, I was pretty awful. That should have ended my bass-playing experiment, but surprisingly, I looked forward to my weekly lessons. Michael ignored my musical flaws and simply listened and let me talk while we sat in my basement eating Doritos surrounded by forgotten toys and boxes of Christmas decorations. I was so grateful for how he spoke to me, with respect like a peer, not just his Wednesday afternoon lesson. At some point, we stopped practicing bass and talked about topics we were interested in, like music, video games, and Better Call Saul. I discovered that what is most important to me is the lasting impact a one-on-one connection can have on another person.
The patience and compassion that Michael showed me inspired me to begin tutoring underserved second graders at the Agape Youth & Family Center starting my sophomore year.
I remembered what Michael showed me, and instead of speaking down to them (literally), I asked them what their favorite shows were and what video games they like to play, bribing them with candy each week to finish their math homework. Over the next two years, I gained their trust and respect (and vice versa). During our breaks, I showed them funny filters on my phone, and they showed me their favorite Pokémon cards. Much like the relationship Michael and I developed, the kids and I became equals, not teacher and student.
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I am forever grateful for the lessons, both bass and life, that Michael gifted me. And while I will not be looking for a career as a bass player anytime soon, I do believe that my ability to deeply connect with others was encouraged and cultivated sitting in that basement talking about nothing and everything. I am grateful to understand what an impact I can
have when I truly meet someone where they are and hear their voice."
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-WATSON HIGHT, Entrance Essay For NYU (2025)