NJA Teacher Profiles

Meet Your New Jazz Piano Teacher

We'll help pair you with the right coach who will help you to:

-Create a lesson plan that fits your goals

-Nurture your talent based on your strengths

-Attack your weaknesses head-on

-Adapt to your learning style for maximum improvement

Learn More

What We Look For In Coaches

I (Noah) have a stringent process that I go through before choosing someone to work as a coach at this program. I start by personally interviewing each coach myself, looking for specific criteria which extend far beyond just their playing ability. Then, each coach generally works with me for several months, learning my teaching methods before becoming an official Neo Jazz Academy coach.

What makes a great coach?

These are the reasons these pianists have become coaches here:

Teaching Skill

A great player does not necessarily make a great teacher. When I work with coaches, I like to see that they are kind, open-minded people who are also hard-working and organized. A great teacher is dedicated to each student's needs and organized enough to help each student put together the right resources and action plans.
Knowledge

It goes without saying that our coaches are extremely knowledgable about jazz piano and improvised music in general. They know my methedology, and also have vast knowledge about other jazz education techniques as well.
Adaptability

I could never work with a teacher who had a "my way or the highway" attitude. We like to adapt to each student's specific learning style. If you like someone who guides you in the right direction and keeps you on track without being overbearing, we can do that. If you like a hardcore teacher who will keep you on your toes and make sure you do your work, we can do that too.

MEET THE COACHES

Matt Tabor

Originally a drummer and percussionist, Matt Tabor began pursuing piano at age 18 at Portland State University under the tutelage of renowned pianist Darrell Grant. After receiving his Bachelor's in Music Matt made a name for himself in the Portland jazz scene leading his own trio and playing as a sideman with a host of local and national acts including Jackie Ryan, Kamasi Washington, Ralph Bowen, Devin Phillips and Chance Hayden. Matt has also had the opportunity to work extensively in the theater world serving as musical director and composer for a number of projects with acclaimed director Kevin Jones at Artists Repertory Theater and Portland Playhouse, and collaborated with his father, playwright Christopher Tabor on the Portland Area Musical Theater Award-winning musical, Recognition.

In June 2021 Matt received his Masters in Music from PSU and relocated to the Kansas CIty area to accept new performance opportunities in the vibrant KC jazz scene. In addition to his work as a pianist Matt is licenced in Body Mapping, an injury-prevention technique for musicians. He has studied this field since 2006 with internationally-known teacher Lisa Marsh.

Listen to Matt's music here.

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Michael Severson

Michael Severson is a versatile multi-instrumentalist and band leader based in Atlanta, Georgia. He grew up playing guitar and singing in choir, but his interest and love for harmony eventually led him towards the piano. His formal training began at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, where he studied with Grammy-nominated jazz pianist Randy Porter.

After graduating in 2016 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance, Michael began working as a conductor, pianist and arranger. He performs locally with jazz singers and small ensembles, and enjoys working as a pianist and band leader for the American Queen Voyages cruise line. He also continues his deep love of teaching and is always excited to work with students of all experience levels. With contagious passion and enthusiasm, he is eager to help others become expressive and well-rounded musicians.

Listen to Michael's music here.

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Justin Highland

Justin is from Denver, Colorado and has been playing piano since age 7 and guitar since age 12. Originally entering college as a Classical Piano Performance major, a year in he made the switch to jazz, graduating with a BA in Jazz and Classical Piano Studies from MSU Denver. He has over 28 years playing and over 10 years of seasoned teaching experience, teaching all levels and all styles including Classical, Jazz, Rock, Pop, Blues, Gospel, Latin/Brazilian and Contemporary piano styles. He strongly believes in helping students have fun and realize their fullest musical potential, with a laid back approach and lessons being tailored to the individual. Blessed with perfect pitch, he specializes in ear training, transcribing, improvisation, modern piano styles and advanced music theory.

Justin mentored with Classical pianists Tamara Goldstein and Peter Friesen, along with critically acclaimed jazz piano greats Art Lande, Eric Gunnison, Peter Stoltzman and keyboardist extraordinaire Dennis Hamm from the grammy-winning band Thundercat. His originally composed jazz EP received world-wide radio airplay on Denver’s own 89.3 FM KUVO jazz radio station. He also teaches Beginner acoustic and electric guitar. Having spent time in both the Denver and Los Angeles music scenes over the years and being involved in multiple bands and recording projects, Justin is a versatile and adaptable keyboardist, composer and educator who loves teaching students of all ages and levels.

Listen to Justin's music here.

Get Started With Lessons

What Students Are Saying

We know it's important to hear about the experiences of others! That's why we've got some testimonials here from other folks who have worked with the above teachers.

"I've always enjoyed Noah Kellman's videos. One day he posted one dedicated to pianists' injuries. He was offering a free consultation for private lessons. I explained at the interview that I was interested in someone who could shed some light on healthy piano technique. Matt Tabor was recommended. As well as being an excellent, dedicated pianist, he has an understanding of how the body should move as applied to piano technique. He is one in a thousand. I've been studying with him for about a year.

He has gotten me out of chronic pain."

Ralph Pritkin

Student of Matt Tabor

"It has been my exceptional pleasure to have worked with Michael over the past year. Michael is a consummate musician with a stunning and enviable mastery of both theory and technique. Michael genuinely wants his students to excel, and to progress.

And at least for me - Michael’s perpetual enthusiasm and the sincere pleasure that I see he derives from watching my small gains - compels me to apply myself that much more rigorously (AND JOYFULLY)."

Mark Finckle

Student of Michael Severson

"In addition to being an all around cool guy, Justin's teaching style is organized and methodical - always finding exercises that will sufficiently challenge you without being too much. I needed a teacher who could figure out what I was missing in my playing and he was very quick to fill in the gaps.

I've never improved so quickly and can't recommend him enough - whether you're an absolute beginner or an advanced player."

Yitz Shapiro

Student of Justin Highland

Plans & Pricing

Find the plan that’s right for you.

1-Lesson

a-la-carte

Once you sign up, we'll chat with you and make sure you are set up with a coach who matches your goals.

$90

$90 per lesson

one-time payment

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Bi-Monthly

2 lessons per month

Once you sign up, we'll chat with you and make sure you are set up with a coach who matches your goals.

$160

$80 per lesson

monthly subscription

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Weekly

4 lessons per month

Once you sign up, we'll chat with you and make sure you are set up with a coach who matches your goals.

$280

$70 per lesson

monthly subscription

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