TUITION
Michael is currently available for individual and group lesson in Term 4 of 2018. For more information click the contact button. |
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New!
GROOVE MASTERS
Multimedia iBook
for Drummers, Percussionists & Educators
Click on image above to purchase.
Groove Masters is designed to be used by drummers, percussionists and educators during the first two years of lessons. With a focus on rock rhythms & patterns, students are introduced to the core elements of music which they will encounter every day in their musical life.
Includes:
Download into iBooks to use on your iOS device.
Includes:
- Video
- Audio
- Notation
- Text
- Extension activities
- Theory quizzes
Download into iBooks to use on your iOS device.
EDUCATOR
Michael extends his life long passion and dedication to music as an educator & mentor to students. While touring the world he sets up sessions alongside his live dates, passing on his vast knowledge to young aspiring musicians wherever he can. He also encourages other musicians with whom he is associated to take part on these journeys with him. This activity plays an essential part in his career, while also providing a constant reminder of the passion of youth, through the global connection & language of music |
Click above to see & hear music for Percussion Ensemble, Concert Band, Drumset & Double Drumset.
Includes audio and video links, score & parts excerpts as well as synopses. |
Above: Michael with Jazz at Lincoln Centre Artists Ulysses Owens Jnr, Matt Rybicki, Christian Sands, Dominick Farinacci and QMA students during workshops at Qatar Music Academy.
Supporting and inspiring up and coming musicians is a passion for Michael. Music education is an important part of his professional life for around 20 years. Michael has a Bachelor of Music (Jazz Performance - Percussion) from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts and a Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Secondary & Instrumental Music) from the University of Southern Queensland. Prior to this, his individual and group percussion teaching culminated in the publishing of 21st Century Drumming (2006) for drummers and percussionists in their first year of learning.
At present, outside of his teaching activities, Michael is preparing two multimedia e-books using the iBooks Author platform. The e-texts combine text, notation, audio and video content in order to create a differentiated, graded, interactive and holistic system which balances relevant and fun activities with educational rigour in group settings. In 2014 Michael was the key liaison for Jazz at Lincoln Centre (New York) artists for over 50 hours of focused masterclasses for students at the Qatar Music Academy (QMA) in Doha, Qatar. Prior to QMA, he taught Music Theory (with composition) and Music History courses at the School of Audio Engineering (SAE) in Dubai. Michael constructed these courses in consultation with my then line-manager ensuring that relevant competencies were taught and examined. They are at an equivalent level of Year 11 and 12 IB Diploma composition, theory/musicianship, and history. Michael has undertaken a range of private study with artists such as (in the USA) Jeff Hamilton, Peter Erskine, Ed Soph, Winard Harper, Zack Danziger, Duduka Da Fonseca, John Clayton (arranging) - (in Australia) Paul Grabowsky and Graeme Lyall (arranging), Frank Gibson Junior and Gary France.
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"Michael flawlessly executes performance and educational projects and has the ability to reach people across all ages and demographics" |
21st Century Drumming - BOOK 1- Now Available in QATAR
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21st Century Drumming - Book 1 is a text for drummers and percussionists which includes graded exercises, duets, theory quizzes, solos and play-along CD, suitable for exams and performances. This method is intended to be a fun and effective system for both student and teacher where results can be easily and regularly monitored.
One of the core elements of this book is the exploration of a range of tempos and styles. As you will notice when you listen to the various accompaniments on the CD, many have been recorded at five different speeds. By doing this students can develop confidence across a variety of tempos which is one of the main challenges for any drummer. So, while it is impossible to prepare students for every musical setting they will encounter during their musical life, I have endeavoured to provide a balanced and comprehensive foundation that will stand them in good stead for all their musical experiences. Interaction is a key element of music and it is explored thoroughly in this book. Many concepts that are hard to grasp whilst playing alone, become obvious when we perform with another musician or perhaps play along with a recorded example. The diverse range of duets and accompanied solos will allow a quicker development of aural skills necessary to play effectively in a group setting. Please email for more details |
MALAYSIA November 2016
In November, 2016, Michael returned to Kuala Lumpur for both performance and education events. Michael worked with students at Kuala Lumpur International School. Michael arranged a special adaptation of the aria E Susannah non Vien from the Marriage of Figaro from the JAZZ MEETS MOZART project. It was performed by a mixed ensemble of strings, woodwind and brass with featured solo for clarinet in Bb. The performance took place on Saturday November 26.
LASALLE College of the Arts Singapore
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A wonderful experience with Lasalle College of the Arts students (Singapore) sharing ideas & insights on approaches to music arranging & the influence of Arab music on my compositions, especially in regard to the music of The Awakenings Ensemble. The arranging component of the masterclass examined approaches for interpreting standard jazz repertoire in small group contexts, particularly through a rhythmic lens. Tracks from Michael's quartet album Au Privave (ft. Matthew Jodrell, Philip Kuehn, Chris Pattishall) provided a starting point for discussion reinforced by performance components involving the students, Michael and Dr. Timothy O'Dwyer (Head, School of Contemporary Music). Michael's compositions for The Awakenings Ensemble provided some insights as to some of the ways Arab & Oriental music can influence composers & arrangers from other stylistic backgrounds, particularly jazz. During this segment he examined the core elements of texture, harmony, ornamentation & rhythm. Finally the lecture touched on the importance of audio production knowledge in order to be able to plan and write effectively, particularly with other artists from other backgrounds such as electronic musicians, DJs & producers. Michael's experience with the recording of my album Les Trois Scènes provided a backdrop for this.
Tailoured Compositions
Michael is frequently commissioned to compose for specific school ensembles. The video below is a great example of the creation of a work that balances factors such as student musical interests and abilities with geographical location, school curriculum and history. Arabesk Drumline brings all these factors together within the a piece that is both challenging and fun to play. It, along with a selection of other school ensemble music, is available for purchase via the Featured Products page of this site.
"Michael's musical abilities as a percussionist, composer and music workshop facilitator are exceptional. I can highly recommend him for any school wishing to enhance and enrich music, composition and music technology. Michael provided performances, workshops and detailed technical support for the development of music technology at the British International School, Abu Dhabi."
Stuart Dennis, CEO and Founder, Compton Education
The Rhythm Explosion I
The first edition of this event, held at the American School of Doha, Qatar, was the culmination of workshops with Middle and High School music students at one of the country's most established international schools.
Michael worked primarily with percussion students but also with some advanced brass students to present a 100 minute concert event in two halves called Rhythm Explosion. The event as well as the connected workshops were coordinated with ASD music specialist Mark Seay and specifically for the abilities of the students involved.
The concert program featured compositions written by Michael specifically for student only groups through to performances that saw students performing with the renowned The Awakenings Ensemble led by Michael. In addition, Rhythm Explosion included the 2nd performance of Aurora by up and coming ASD student composer Ben Lemoing. Aurora features
As an added bonus leading European drummer and percussionist Israel Varela was special guest for the performance. Michael and Israel presented a number workshops and performances in the final days leading up to the performance and also premiered a new double drumset piece recorded during Israel's visit.
Rhythm Explosion is a percussion focused project that builds on the inherent strengths already present in a school. In consultation with the school music specialists, Michael tailors a program of workshops and performances to compliment and extend existing activities.
Michael worked primarily with percussion students but also with some advanced brass students to present a 100 minute concert event in two halves called Rhythm Explosion. The event as well as the connected workshops were coordinated with ASD music specialist Mark Seay and specifically for the abilities of the students involved.
The concert program featured compositions written by Michael specifically for student only groups through to performances that saw students performing with the renowned The Awakenings Ensemble led by Michael. In addition, Rhythm Explosion included the 2nd performance of Aurora by up and coming ASD student composer Ben Lemoing. Aurora features
As an added bonus leading European drummer and percussionist Israel Varela was special guest for the performance. Michael and Israel presented a number workshops and performances in the final days leading up to the performance and also premiered a new double drumset piece recorded during Israel's visit.
Rhythm Explosion is a percussion focused project that builds on the inherent strengths already present in a school. In consultation with the school music specialists, Michael tailors a program of workshops and performances to compliment and extend existing activities.
"Words can hardly express the sincere appreciation and thanks I am able to offer you for the wonderful, truly outstanding and absolutely professional experience you presented with the staging of Rhythm Explosion on Sat., April 9th here at The American School of Doha."
Mark Seay, ASD Music Specialist
“We expected that we would enjoy the Rhythm Explosion, but we were quite frankly blown away by the talent and the overall production! Very impressive.” (parent email)
“Full credit to you and your team for the wonderful performance yesterday. What a treat and for a great cause too.” (parent email)
“I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the concert yesterday. Thank you for arranging this. The kids are very lucky to have these opportunities.” (parent email)
“In April I performed with Mike Pignéguy in the Rhythm Explosion concert with the Awakenings Ensemble. We performed Aurora (a composition written by B. L.) along with many other jazz-type pieces. This concert greatly improved my knowledge of jazz music and playing keyboard.” B. L. (gr 10)
“I spent multiple hours practicing pieces in preparation for the Rhythm Explosion concert. It is always great to work with Mr. Pignéguy as he is a gifted percussionist and he helps us grow and become better musicians. We always spend a lot of time playing Mr. Pignéguy pieces so that we can play them perfectly (also because they can sometimes be challenging at first!)” H. P. (gr 9)
“….working on the Rhythm Explosion performance pieces was a good challenge in which it was necessary to learn several challenging pieces for a professional level concert with Michael Pignéguy’s Awakenings Ensemble. We worked on four new pieces, as well as one that was performed last year, and performed them with a group of professional musicians. This escalated my skill as a musician both through giving me more experience in performance, and better ability to learn and perform challenging pieces.” R. B. (gr 9)
“For Mike Pignéguy's Rhythm Explosion performance we were under a lot of stress due to the several hard pieces. In addition we were expected to play it perfectly due to the presence of our professional musician colleagues.
… although some mistakes were made, the performance was astonishing!. Especially for me, playing alongside one of the best drummers in Europe, Israel Varela, was an irreplaceable experience. I learned a lot about playing from this concert and I hope to work with musicians of this caliber sometime in the future.” F. G. (gr 11)
Michael Pignéguy presents ISRAEL VARELA!
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In April 2016, in collaboration with Fifty One East Qatar, Michael presented a special Masterclass and clinic by leading drummer Israel Varela at the Music Square at Zig Zag Towers in West Bay, Doha.
Israel's presentation combined inspiring performances with clearly articulated descriptions of his unique approach to music and drumming. Students were encouraged to participate during sections of the masterclass and many were more than happy to take up the offer on the second drumkit that was provided. Discussions were wide ranging but often focused on how to approach challenges on the drumkit in the most musical way possible. Israel has performed with some of the world's leading musicians including Pat Metheny, Charlie Haden, Bireli Lagrene, Diego Amador, Bob Mintzer, Mike Stern, Yo Yo Ma and many others. These experiences have enabled him to absorb so many valuable musical insights that he was more than happy to pass on. This will hopefully be the first of many clinics presented for drummers, percussionist and other Qatar based musicians by resident or visiting musicians. Watch this space for details! |
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Elementary School Interactive Performances
During Israel Varela's visit to Doha, Michael and Israel took time out to do a special interactive performance for around 300 elementary school students early one morning. The pair combined tuned and untuned percussion, call and response activities across a range of different styles. The students, teachers as well as Michael and Israel had a ball!!
'Drum Stories' at Compass International School
In September of 2016 Michael did a short series of musical stories that students at Compass International School could interpret and respond to. Michael used changes in texture, dynamics, form and melody as well as rhythmic ostinatos to allow students to discuss how stories and ideas can be communicated through non verbal means on musical instruments.
Qatar Music Academy
Michael has been a regular tutor and guest artist at Qatar Music Academy since 2011. During that time he has prepared students for ABRSM performance exams as well as many academy and public concerts. He has taught composition and facilitated student and group recordings. In addition he created a jazz combo ensemble program which saw the students introduced to a range of improvisation techniques that were then reinforced through visits and masterclasses by Jazz at Lincoln Center artists such as Jonathan Batiste, Dominick Farinacci and many others which were co-ordinated by Michael.
Student Workshops in Australia, UAE and Qatar
"Mike has been a passionate music educator for well over 15 years specialising in jazz, percussion and composition. He and I have worked on a number of projects in both the UAE and Australia. Through my project, the E<n>A band I commissioned Mike to write a suite for mixed classical and jazz ensemble which was premiered at Hale School in Perth, Western Australia"
Neil Barclay, Educator & Performer.
Senior Fine Arts Festival, Abu Dhabi
In February 2016, Michael helped mentor percussion students from around the region during the Senior Fine Arts Festival held at the American Community School in Abu Dhabi. The event was organised by Chris Ward, Director of Bands at ACS. During his visit to the UAE, Michael also spent time with Michael Oliver from the American School of Dubai and held some impromptu workshops with some of the High School music students.
Michael's Education Beliefs
I believe music is a form of language that can contribute to higher levels of literacy in students and I'm excited by the learning opportunities music education can bring. My goal is to help students increase their ability to be able to communicate through music in the realms of performance, theoretical and historical knowledge, as well as composition. Providing a nurturing learning environment where risk taking is supported is essential.
Students respond to high levels of expectation and an important part of my role is to create challenging goals that are scaffolded appropriately with clear and consistent feedback. Everyone has a voice and I aim to create the conditions for students to discover, develop and refine that voice. These conditions can include differentiated activities designed to achieve specific cognitive objectives, constructivist learning techniques and student led learning.
I believe one of the greatest demonstrations of understanding within music is the ability to create coherent and relevant works of art i.e., musical performances and compositions. These works must communicate to other human beings and therefore show an understanding of the human condition through the assimilation of appropriate techniques within relevant genres.
I see developing a deep understanding of my students as crucial to my effectiveness as an educator. This requires paying attention learning styles, specific abilities as well as factors relating to culture, religion, language and gender.
Some students will be considering careers in music. Part of my role is to expose them to many of the stimulating possibilities available to them while highlighting the established pathways within the tertiary realm.
Students respond to high levels of expectation and an important part of my role is to create challenging goals that are scaffolded appropriately with clear and consistent feedback. Everyone has a voice and I aim to create the conditions for students to discover, develop and refine that voice. These conditions can include differentiated activities designed to achieve specific cognitive objectives, constructivist learning techniques and student led learning.
I believe one of the greatest demonstrations of understanding within music is the ability to create coherent and relevant works of art i.e., musical performances and compositions. These works must communicate to other human beings and therefore show an understanding of the human condition through the assimilation of appropriate techniques within relevant genres.
I see developing a deep understanding of my students as crucial to my effectiveness as an educator. This requires paying attention learning styles, specific abilities as well as factors relating to culture, religion, language and gender.
Some students will be considering careers in music. Part of my role is to expose them to many of the stimulating possibilities available to them while highlighting the established pathways within the tertiary realm.
Workshop Feedback and Reactions from Year 5 Students
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Michael was joined by leading Australian jazz artists Jamie Oehlers (Saxophone), Tom Halloran (Piano) and Sam Anning (Acoustic Bass) for a series of concerts and workshops in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Michael, Jamie, Tom and Sam worked with senior school students on stage while presenting to Year 5 students. The focus of the workshop was using existing knowledge to begin to develop a vocabulary for and understanding of basic improvisation. The images on the right were presented to the artists following there afternoon concert and workshop at the British School Al Khubairat. The impact of the music and the way the musicians communicated with the students is clear to see. Michael regularly presents to students in Middle, Senior and Tertiary education environments. |
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