Title: Guitar Theory Teacher, Recording/Production Basics (Ableton)
Skill level: Beginner through Advanced
Ages: 12 through adult
Genres: Blues, Jazz, Funk, Rock/Pop, Calypso, Soukous Congolese & Classical
Availability: Virtual. Email Mike for details and availability.

I was gifted my first guitar on my 14th birthday and joined my first garage band in 1991. That was over 30 years ago—and I’ve been playing ever since. Over the decades, I’ve traveled, lived, and studied across North America, working as a session guitarist in both studio and live performance settings. My journey has taken me into classrooms as a guest resident, and into homes as a private instructor—most recently in Harrisburg, PA and Albuquerque, NM.

My teaching style is rooted in music theory and the art of improvisation. My goal is simple: to give you the confidence and tools to write, improvise, and truly speak through your instrument. I want you to understand why things sound the way they do—what a Gm7b9(add7) really means, why it’s called that, when you might play it. What is a ii–V–I, and how can you solo over it? This is the language of music, and my job is to help you become fluent.

Currently, I perform regularly around the Harrisburg area, playing solo guitar for corporate events, private gatherings, and local restaurants. I also stay active in the local music scene, often jumping in with other bands and solo artists.

Recent projects include:

• Guitar in Surface Noise – a Harrisburg-based ambient/post-rock group focused on texture, and experimental soundscapes

• Guitar and percussion in The Greatest Funeral Ever (Eclectic fusion of funk, jazz, rock, Latin, and R&B influence)

• Bass in Brave the Day (country-folk)

• Solo guitar (jazz, classical, bossa nova)

• Acoustic guitar in Gingertheory (instrumental violin and guitar duo)

Beyond the guitar, I’m offering classes or advice on Ableton, Live looping, MIDI programming, and hand percussion. I also love restoring vintage gear—bringing the old back to life and into the modern mix.