About
Hi, I’m Michael Preston, also known as Presto! I’m a music educator and audio engineer with over eight years of experience in the music industry. Based in Washington, D.C., I teach students of all age... s—from beginners to advanced learners—lesons in guitar, piano, bass, and audio engineering.
My teaching approach is hands-on and tailored to your goals, whether you want to master an instrument or explore music production. With real-world experience performing in jazz, rock, and pop bands, I bring practical insights to each lesson. I’m a graduate of Omega Studios’ School of Applied Recording Arts and an Avid Certified Pro Tools User.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to refine your skills, I’m here to help you achieve your musical goals. Let’s make learning music fun and rewarding!read more
Experience
Owner, Audio Engineer and Music Producer
Produced By Presto
Mar 2016 - present
Delivered exceptional and professional-quality productions for each song, utilizing extensive experi... ence and access to superb studios nationwide. Captured and highlighted the unique character and emotion of each track, pushing boundaries and taking the music to new heights. Collaborated closely with artists, translating their vision into an outstanding sonic experience through meticulous attention to detail and profound music production knowledge. Took pride in shaping the mix, fine-tuning arrangements, and adding creative touches that resonated with listeners and left a lasting impact. Dedicated to helping artists realize their musical vision and achieve their artistic goals, leveraging expertise, dedication, and a passion for exceptional music production.read more
Music Teacher
Bach To Rock
Nov 2023 - present
Led private and group music classes for a roster of over 40 students, offering instruction in guitar... , bass, piano, band, music production/DJ-ing, and early childhood classes
Excelled in fostering a dynamic and supportive learning environment that encourages young learners to embrace challenges and pursue growth
As one of the primary audio engineers, assisted in running the school’s recording studio, overseeing setup, mixing, and troubleshooting to ensure quality results
Specialized in guitar and piano, tailoring lessons to diverse needs and skill levels to enhance musicality and technical proficiency while utilizing the school’s curriculumread more
Audio Engineer and Producer
Asparagus Media
Jul 2018 - Dec 2020
Provided essential technical expertise and support to artists and clients, ensuring smooth operation... of the studio. Utilized top-notch facilities and equipment for personal work, leveraging high-quality resources for optimal results. Maintained a clean and safe environment, prioritizing the well-being of everyone accessing the studio. Dedicated to creating a positive studio experience, upholding audio excellence, and facilitating a seamless creative process for all users.read more
Bassist and Executive Producer
Hungry on Monday
Aug 2016 - Jan 2020
Provided a solid foundation and melodic support to our energetic pop-rock sound as the Bassist. Assu... med additional responsibilities as an executive producer and recording engineer, overseeing all project aspects and ensuring the best possible results. Played a key role in managing the band's booking process, securing performances and opportunities to showcase our talent. Contributed to the success and growth of Hungry on Monday through diverse on-stage and behind-the-scenes contributions.read more
Chief Engineer, Studio Manager, and Producer
M80 Recording Studio
Aug 2017 - Jul 2019
Orchestrated equipment servicing and implemented comprehensive studio upkeep procedures to ensure se... amless operation and equipment longevity. Ran precise recording sessions, optimizing artist performances and capturing exceptional music productions. Spearheaded the ongoing success of M80 Recording Studio, maintaining a professional and creative environment conducive to outstanding music production.read more
Producer, Engineer, and Studio Manager
Wander Collective
Nov 2018 - Apr 2019
Led a talented team of engineers and artists, ensuring a seamless operation of the studio by coordin... ating schedules and optimizing resources. Delivered high-quality recordings, leveraging expertise in production and engineering to facilitate successful artists' projects. Provided valuable guidance and support, strengthening a collaborative and creative environment for team members to thrive. Contributed to the studio's reputation as a premier destination for top-tier music production, exceeding client expectations with exceptional results.read more
