Growing up just outside of Chicago, Mike was immersed in the city’s vibrant and diverse music scene. From early encounters with Maxwell Street blues performers to coming of age during the alternative rock explosion, Chicago provided an extraordinary backdrop for his musical development. “I remember my parents taking me into the city as a kid, exposing me to incredible live street performers and legendary recording artists,” he recalls.
Mike picked up the guitar and started singing at just six years old, and by the age of 10, he was performing for large audiences. In addition to being an accomplished guitarist and vocalist, Mike developed himself as a talented pianist, a skill that would later lend itself greatly to his inaugural album. Over the next several years, he honed his craft as a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, laying the foundation for a lifelong journey in music, recording in places like Chicago Recording Company, Robert Lange Studios, and Studio X. Mike is recognized in the pro audio industry, with artist agreements with Neve Designs, Burl Audio, Solid State Logic, and Focal.
As a seasoned recording artist and mix engineer, Mike has collaborated with legendary talents, including Eddie Kramer (renowned for his work with Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, and The Beatles), as well as other gifted musicians and producers. His album Break to the Grey exemplifies his artistry and technical expertise. Featuring contributions from notable artists such as drummer, Matt Walker (Morrissey, The Smashing Pumpkins), multi award-winning orchestral arranger, Andrew Joslyn (Nancy Wilson, Kesha) and singer/songwriter/musician, Pat Sansone (Wilco). Mike was also featured at the 2019 Mix with the Masters / AES showcase.
In his early adulthood, Mike’s curiosity extended beyond music to the skies. Drawn to the precision and discipline of aviation, he pursued a degree in Aviation, earning both his commercial pilot’s license and instructor certifications and taught flying lessons in south Florida. He found a parallel between flying and music: both require precision, multitasking, passion, and intuition.
However, it was during this time that the seeds for Break to the Grey began to take root. Tracks like “Liar's Son” and “Devil Below” reflect the introspection and challenges Mike faced while navigating a career outside his first love in a quickly changing world. Ultimately, an oversaturated job market in aviation led him back to music, where he found renewed purpose and began writing deeply personal songs like “If You Give Me Your Love” and “Memories and Dust.” Mike then returned to Chicago’s North Shore and reignited his passion for teaching guitar and began recording tracks and bringing his songs to life.
Determined to create opportunities for fellow musicians, Mike founded The Music Teachers Network, an initiative that has helped thousands of music educators connect with students across the United States. His vision transformed the way music is taught, empowering instructors to share their expertise with kids and families nationwide. Today, The Music Teachers Network operates in over 36 cities to facilitate direct connections between teachers and students seeking personalized music instruction and academic tutoring.
Mike’s multifaceted career—from a young guitarist inspired by Chicago’s music scene to a nationally recognized music educator, recording artist, and mix engineer—reflects his lifelong devotion to the spirit of rock and roll and his entrepreneurial pursuits. You can find Break To The Grey on Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music and other major streaming platforms.
