What Makes Music

Truly Sing?

Master The Art of Musical Phrasing with Mike Vaccaro

Why does phrasing matter for musicians?

Phrasing Is The Heart of Musical Expression

It’s what turns notes into a story, technique into emotion, and playing into artistry. Whether you’re preparing for an audition, refining your performances, or teaching others, understanding phrasing can transform the way you approach music.

Play with Confidence and Clarity

When you understand phrasing, difficult passages become easier to play—because you’re no longer just hitting notes; you’re communicating meaning.

Breathe Music to Life

Learning to shape phrases with breath, tone, and dynamics lets you express the full emotional depth of a piece—connecting more deeply with audiences and with yourself.

Stand Out as a Performer

Strong phrasing sets great musicians apart. Judges, teachers, and listeners notice when a player tells a story—not just when they play the right notes.

Deepen Your Musical Insight

By examining composer intent, edition choices, and cultural approaches to teaching, you gain a deeper understanding of the music—so you can make more informed and authentic interpretive decisions.

Engage in Thoughtful Musical Dialogue

Mike doesn’t just lecture—he invites you into a conversation. You’ll have a chance to explore your own thoughts about music, performance, and expression in a supportive and stimulating space.

Music Students

Music Teachers

Music Performers

"Mike gave me immense confidence"

"I studied with Mike for five years, and he taught me everything I needed to know about the language of music. Whether I was playing oboe or saxophone, classical or jazz, he was a master at teaching me how to play it right.

When I first started lessons with Mike, he established my musical foundation by providing the necessary exercises for mastering my technique. Once I had the dexterity to play serious music, he knew exactly how to teach me every piece I brought to him. Above all else, Mike showed me how to sing through my instrument and make sense of any phrase. He also provided a hands-on approach to the craftsmanship that comes with being a wind player through his own workshop where he built equipment and made reeds.

As a performer, Mike gave me immense confidence through his sincere encouragement. I lean on his wisdom during my performances, and I credit my success as a professional musician to his mentorship."

~Will Stevens

"I am now able to participate with various wind bands

"I had been away from playing my clarinet for close to 40 years when I decided to return to playing again. With only a high school education and never taking lessons, a friend recommended Mike Vaccaro for private lessons to get me up to speed. After meeting Mike and starting to take lessons, I discovered that all I had to offer was the will to work hard. My knowledge of the clarinet was next to nil. After working with Mike for four years and receiving a sound foundation about the instrument I held in my hands, I have reached the next step in my venture to conquer the clarinet.

"Because of his knowledge of woodwinds and his unending patience I am now able to participate with various wind bands and contribute as an asset by playing music not just playing notes. In short, Mike teaches you the basics of your instrument and how to unite every part of your body with the keys on your horn to make what the audience desires to hear, beautiful music. He can guide you to reach the limits and the goals you set for yourself."

~Manuel Flores,

clarinetist

"I wish I hadn’t waited so long"

"After many years of playing in community groups, I had still been struggling to be a better player. After working with Mike, I now understand why: he immediately looked at my approach and put some fixes in place. I am glad about this because, after all these years, I now know what to do.

Having these lessons has been a great experience.

I wish I hadn’t waited so long. I very much recommend his instruction. All the experience he has given him real wisdom and the musical interaction is very rewarding.

"I now feel very motivated to practice and to move forward and am very grateful for the experience with him."

~Kevin Oviatt

"Mike teaches both the love and joy of playing."

"Mike Vaccaro is the perfect embodiment of the word maestro. More than simply teaching the language of music, he teaches motivation and life guidance. My thirteen-year-old son is excited to go to his ‘lessons.' The boy is motivated to make his teacher proud. This is what a teacher should do: both motivate and inspire. How wonderful to have a hero such as Mike Vaccaro! How wonderful it is to be able to recognize his work and his musical voice while watching our favorite movies. Mike requires 'one' minute of practice per day because within that minute a flame will ignite the passion and desire to play. It’s not about scales, posture, embouchure, or tedious exercise. Mike teaches both the love and joy of playing. He is a fountain!"

~Dennis Justice

MEET Your Instructor

Mike Vaccaro!

Mike Vaccaro has spent over 40 years performing, recording, and teaching music across classical and commercial worlds. He’s known not just for his artistry, but for helping musicians grow in both skill and confidence.

He’s the author of Music and Life: Thoughts on Music, Phrasing, Woodwinds, and This Modern World.

In this Zoom class, Mike brings together decades of experience to help you unlock the power of phrasing—so your playing becomes more expressive, connected, and uniquely your own.