About Us
Faculty Members
Michelle Van Handel
Voice and Piano
Vocalist & Pianist, Michelle Van Handel loves sharing her passion for music with her students. She has been part of the Central Oregon music scene for 25 years; is a graduate of the University of Oregon Music School as well as holding a B.S. in Psychology.
Piano: Michelle began formal piano lessons at age 6, adding guitar and singing along the way. Her recent continuing education includes completing a rigorous course in elementary piano pedagogy through the Royal Conservatory of Music & studies in the summer Contemporary Commercial Music program at Shenandoah University.
Michelle is a songwriter with 2 CD's of original music.
Michelle enjoys guiding beginning piano students through the exciting world of music through piano. Her approach to teaching reinforces musical concepts, theory basics, hand structure & posture, improvisation and composition all with fun and engaging music.
Michelle plays keys in the local funk/boogaloo band The Cutmen; piano for the Tower Swingin' Christmas band and is the accompanist for the jazz vocalists in her CSM Jazz Vocal Solos class.
Vocals: Michelle performs primarily jazz, but loves coaching singers of all ages in a wide variety of styles. She has sung in choirs & as a solo performer. She loves helping students find their own unique voice while reinforcing healthy voice habits, breath support, ear training, rhythm reading & microphone technique.
Visit MichelleVanHandel.com to read & hear more about Michelle's music.