Watch interviews with top jazz masters unlike ANY you'll find online.

"It really feels like they are giving up their most cherished secrets.

Totally fascinating." - Ray B.

Enjoy a free selection of full interviews and previews that will educate, entertain, and inspire. Upgrade to Full-Access and watch everything!

About me

My name is Michael Lake and I am a Grammy-nominated trombonist, writer, electronic musician, entrepreneur, and Dad to two fascinating teenage boys.

I am hopelessly curious and love to share what I've learned in order to help musicians. My passion is to guide musicians in how to think better about improvisation and the ability to connect their creative musical voice to their instrument, no matter which instrument they play.

The secret I share in my books, videos, courses, and talks is that the music is already inside you. Amplify it through your instrument by getting out of its way. If your improvising or musicianship is not all you wish it were, it's likely because you've been convinced that the music originates in your instrument or can somehow be manufactured through your analytical reasoning.

The music inside you will flow from your instrument once you confidently connect your instrument to your musical mind. THAT'S where your music originates and THAT's your state of flow. I've helped many musicians get much closer to that and I'd like to help you.

Mike

The Best of Music Savvy

Improvisation Savvy box and shadow smaller

Improvisation Savvy course

If scales, licks, and patterns aren't turning you into the improviser you imagine you can be, try something different.

Here is an online course that shows you how to be a better improviser - THROUGH YOUR EARS. Discover all you have inside!

Check out the course

Books unlike any you've seen

This jazz bookstore will satisfy what you want to learn.

You will find originally published books with Dave Liebman, Richie Beirach, and Dr. Rodney Brim as well as method books on trombone, ear training, rhythm strengthening, beginner piano comping, and more.

Find YOUR book

Jazz Master Interviews

This collection of 60+ interviews is called Jazz Master Savvy.

Listen as I pull from Ron Carter, George Cables, Dave Liebman, Randy Brecker, Toshiko Akiyoshi and others their deep wisdom and vast knowledge in these very unique conversations.

Check out Jazz Master Savvy

Praise for Music Savvy

This is not your father’s method book. Alto Trombone Savvy is a thoroughly 21st Century production by a master of the art and the instrument.

Stan Pethel, Professor of Music Emeritus, Berry College

Michael's book is as comprehensive as it is insightful and practical. I highly recommend this book for all levels of trombonists and improvisers alike.

Steve Davis, trombonist, composer, educator

I firmly believe you are on to something great and in the process, reinventing how people learn to improvise.

Dr. Rodney Brim, Psychologist, Performance Improvement Executive, and Musician

The Art of Skill is a beautifully-designed book that chronicles and showcases Dave Liebman’s pursuit and attainment of living life as art. Read him and listen to him … you’ll be the better for it.

Peter Erskine, drummer, educator

Richie Beirach lays out such a well-thought out process regarding the way you can develop as a musician just by utilizing your own talents and assembled knowledge. Pay careful attention - this man knows what he is talking about.

Randy Brecker