Mike started playing guitar at the age of 14, fueled by a love of all types of music, including jazz, R&B, funk, and soul. This led him to pursue a career in music, attending Bridgewater State University where he obtained a BA in Music.
During his time at BSU, he studied jazz and classical guitar and performed in the BSU Jazz Band. Later, he formed and led an eight-piece jazz band that performed at weddings and other private functions. Through the years has worked on different projects with several singer/songwriters, and the skills and knowledge he's gained from these collaborations allow him to play in a variety of settings, including performing solo, as well as duo and trio band projects. Most recently, he led the trio McHugh Clemons Jacobs, who performed all over the south shore.
He devotes his life as a full-time musician and teacher and prides himself on having a diverse, eclectic setlist that you won't hear anywhere else.
Mike has turned diversity into his specialty. Rock, soul, funk, blues, jazz, classical, he loves it all and plays it well.
Mike translates what he's learned over the years to encourage his students and help them to grow. Mike believes that a student's exposure to a wide range of musical styles can help spark their own ideas to develop their own style. He lends his expertise not only to his roster of private students but also through leading a number of in-house student bands here at MockingBird.
"I love teaching guitar. My favorite moments are when things start clicking for my students".
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You can catch Mike in action on stage with his current solo show at venues across Southeastern Massachusetts.
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Experience and Credentials
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Bachelor of Music at Bridgewater State College
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Active, professional, gigging musician
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Bandleader
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Creative singer/songwriter
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Accomplished flat-pick and finger-style acoustic guitarist
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24 years of experience on guitar
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12 years of experience teaching 1:1 and in group settings.
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Studied classical and jazz harmony and theory
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Knowledge of a wide variety of genres and techniques associated with them
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Currently directs 3 ensembles at MockingBird
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A few notable ensembles of the past have included...
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Mockingbird Jazz Ensemble
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Beatles tribute band
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R&B tribute band
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50's Rock Band
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80's Pop Band
Has performed with singer/ songwriter recording artists including:
Mieka Pauley, Jeannine Hebb, & Suzanne McNeil
Website: