Piano, Drums, Banjo, Ukulele, Voice
Rock, Blues, R&B, Soul, Funk, Jazz
Mike comes a varied and vast array of musical experiences. He has been playing percussion for twenty years, drum set for fifteen and piano for eleven. He has a bachelor's of music in jazz studies from UNC Wilmington and a Masters of Music in Jazz Studies from the University of Maryland. During his time in school, Mike performed in a number of different groups. He has played in situations as varied as Orchestra, Big-band, African Drum Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Combo Jazz Groups, Gamelan Orchestra, Afro-Cuban Ensembles, and Mallet Ensembles. He has also performed in freelance rock, jazz, jam, and improvisational groups.
Since graduating, he has toured the country and abroad in several working groups that have played large festivals, clubs, venues, and most notably the Presidential Luncheon. It is this experience, that gives Mike an edge and understanding of what it takes to not only succeed in an academic setting but also in a 'real world' situation.
Studying under great teacher
I’m fun to be around and kids seem to resonate with that. We make sure to progress on the instrument while still making it about playing and enjoyment. Teaching for over ten years now to all ages has helped in being able to design a unique lesson based on each individual.
The Band, Phish, Prince, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan, The Who, Wilco, Jayhawks, James Brown, Parliament Funkadelic, John Coltrane, Jack DeJohnette, Tony Williams, The Beatles, Avett Brothers, Mumford and Sons, Talking Heads, Grateful Dead, Elvin Jones, Miles Davis, Brian Blade, Art Blakey, Gogol Bordello, Slavic Soul Party, Flogging Molly, Pearl Jam, Nirvana, and on and on ...
New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Belize, and All Around the Country.
“He makes sure he introduces my son to music he enjoys. Usually early, and never late! Mike is wonderful and peasant. He has made my son love playing the piano!!!!! Mike O rocks!!!!”
Vanya
The lesson was great. Thanks for checking in. We look forward to the next lesson next Tuesday.
Gretchen
The lesson was great and Mike seems very patient and great to be around! Thanks again for everything! Such a great team to work with! :-)
Leila T.
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