Teaching

Teaching History

Manoff started teaching guitar and piano as a teenager and later theory, composition, ear training and keyboard harmony at the Manhattan School of Music Preparatory Division and the Third Third Street Music Settlement. He taught music history at the University of Oregon and an honors courses in Music in World Culture and in Music and Ancient Religions.

Coaching

Manoff has coached professional musicians in New York, Germany and Paris. Although these sessions target professionals, he also works with any earnest amateurs. Known especially for freeing up interpretation, many musicians have come to him privately for coaching. He brings to coaching his many years as a music critic and teacher.

Composers

He has a special interest in helping young composers find a language of music that is honest and authentic for our themselves and our time. Manoff says that it is important for his students to think of him not as a music critic but a musician and composer who. like many, has struggled with finding authenticity in contemporary idioms.

Music of Bach

All Manoff students learn some Bach, the amount dependent on their circumstance. There is no such thing for a Manoff student as “I don’t like Bach.”

Rates

Manoff’s rates are reasonable within the general price professional charge in a particular city. Thus a coaching lesson in New York is likely to be more expensive than, say, Jackson, Mississippi, though the same level and attention from Manoff will be forthcoming.

Manoff accepts certain students at reduced rates. He will not turn away a young talent because of money.

Master Classes

Manoff offers master classes for performers and composers. These are usually arranged through a college or other institution.

Lectures

Manoff gives several lectures. Of particular interest these days:

Forget the Word “Multiculturalism” for Music, it’s a Ghetto .

History of Music and Mythology in Ancient Civilizations

Firsthand History of the Civil Rights Movement in Canton, Mississippi 1964 -65 by a CORE worker. Includes the discussion of the transition from non-violence to self-defense in 1965.

The Protestant Hymn from Luther to Bach and Beyond. Tracing the Chorale -Hymn Tradition from Martin Luther to J.S. Bach through to American Spirituals

Conducting

Trained as a conductor at Manhattan School Music, Manoff has extensive experience as a choral conductor, often with orchestra. He can guest conduct any size choral or instrumental ensemble. Such engagements can include entertaining talks from the podium relating the music at hand.

More information contact Tom or his agent, Adrea Fox.

Tom Manoff [email protected]

Andrea Fox [email protected]

406 – 360 – 9209