Private lessons // Worcester, Massachusetts
Learn to play.
Make it your own.
Bass and beginner-to-intermediate guitar lessons for curious, motivated musicians.
Build the skills to understand the music you love, develop your own ideas, and keep growing independently.
Bass & beginner-to-intermediate guitar
Become an autonomous musician.
Learn to improvise, create your own parts, and understand what is happening in the music you play.
I especially enjoy working with curious, motivated students who are hungry to learn and ready to put new ideas into practice. Lessons connect three areas, with plenty of playing throughout:
Theory
Understand how notes, chords, scales, and harmony relate, then put that knowledge to work on your instrument.
Technique
Build the control, coordination, and confidence to express your musical ideas.
Song analysis
Explore the songs you want to learn, alongside essential repertoire I introduce to broaden your experience.
Your first lessons.
Before your first lesson, complete the new student questionnaire about your experience, goals, interests, and musical influences. Our first lesson explores where you are in your playing and sets a few achievable short-term goals. Complete beginners are welcome.
Written reference material and practice guidance are included. Students receive an early version of the relevant module—The Autonomous Bassist or The Autonomous Guitarist—to support their work between lessons.
I recommend weekly lessons to review progress, address challenges, and maintain motivation. Regular sessions help keep practice a focus when life gets busy.
The lesson space.
A look inside the music room at my home in Worcester, with comfortable seating for a parent or guardian.
Included learning materials
A companion to your practice.
The reference content and practice tips in The Autonomous Musician are ready to use. Students receive an early version of the relevant bass or guitar module while final book design and packaging are completed.
Meet your instructor.
I attended Berklee College of Music from 1987 to 1991, studying songwriting with an emphasis on performance. I bring four decades of playing experience and six years of teaching, and currently perform as bassist and vocalist with the Below Deck Tribute Band throughout New England.
From students and parents.
“Michael is a great teacher. He always let me choose my own songs and made me feel connected to the lessons while also teaching me valuable skills and techniques.”
“Michael’s lessons kept me motivated to continue playing my instrument. He helped me develop a basis of musical knowledge, skills, and confidence to play with other musicians. My favorite lessons were the seven modes, which have been an extremely helpful tool for live jams and writing songs.”
“My daughter took lessons with Michael for four years, and I am so grateful for the day we found him as a teacher and mentor. Not only did he teach her valuable guitar skills, but his easygoing teaching style and encouraging personality also gave her the confidence she needed to make important decisions and push herself through some of life’s challenges.”
MICHAEL BILOTTA
BASSIST
Groove-driven performance, original music, and instruction.
SELECTED PERFORMANCE
Live performance, studio work, and original music—anchored by feel, time, and the bass line.
THE AUTONOMOUS MUSICIAN
A practical, modular guide for musicians building a creative life on their own terms.
The book and individual learning modules will be available here as they are completed.