Instructor Spotlight: Michi Egger

How long have you been teaching at Garden Street?

Since June 2012!

What is your favorite thing about the students at Garden Street?

My students are AMAZING. They are some of the most inspiring people I know. I have some of the most hardworking kids you'll ever meet. Some of them have even been here at Garden Street with me since 2012. These kids amaze me every day. They always come in prepared and excited to show me what they've been working on, and some have gone on to be accepted into high schools specializing in music, booked really cool auditions, written amazing original music, and a few have even started performing their original songs and favorite cover songs at cafes and open mics. I have so much love and respect for my students. They are so talented.

What initially drew you to singing, playing guitar, and playing piano?

My dad is a professional drummer, so I've been around music my whole life. I started studying my first instrument at 5 years old.

Are you currently learning any other instruments?

I wish! I learned to play a bunch of different instruments over the years, but I'd love to pick up violin at some point.

How do you maintain a busy performance schedule with teaching?

It's really hard sometimes. I try to manage it the best I can. I play guitar for a number of artists, who not only perform in New York, but travel around the country and also tour in Europe. I also play a ton of shows performing my original music as a solo artist. I try my best to always make my teaching schedule work and flow with my performance schedule. There have been a few times where I have to cancel lessons to take on a really cool performance opportunity, but the amazing thing is, my kids are so supportive, and have the same dreams as me, and are so understanding.

Where are you from and why did you move to the area?

I'm originally from a small town you've probably never heard of in Central Pennsylvania. Haha. I was given an amazing opportunity through my old music manager to pick up and move to NYC in two weeks time. I had already finished high school early, and I thought.... why not? So, in June 2012, at only 18 years old, I packed my things, left my old life behind, and moved to the city!

What advice do you have for students for practicing at home?

Guys--- I know it's not the most fun thing in the world. Seriously, I do. Sometimes, practicing is INCREDIBLY frustrating. But, in order to achieve your dreams, whether that be music, or ANYTHING in life, you have to invest a lot of your time and work really hard. You'll grow and grow and improve over time, and I promise you it'll be totally worth it. It just takes.... time.

What would you do if you were not a musician/actor?

Haha, that's hard for me to even imagine... I guess I'd probably be a writer, since writing is a huge part of what I do. Or a photographer, since I take pictures of everything all the time.

What is one interesting or unexpected fact about you that most students do not know?

My kids probably have no idea I used to dance for about 8 years... and they'd probably never guess that ever because I'm literally the clumsiest person they know. Ha!