Vocalist and 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; she 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 and 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 and 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 and as a solo performer. She loves helping students find their own unique voice while reinforcing healthy voice habits, breath support, ear training, rhythm reading and microphone technique.

Visit MichelleVanHandel.com to read and hear more about Michelle's music.