Raised in upstate northern New York, Mike's musical training began in the third grade by attending the Dealing School of Music, where he studied the piano and  trumpet.  Mike took up the guitar in  high school and continued study of the guitar by working with Karl Monobianco from Syracuse University, a  renowned educator and regional performer of the classical and jazz guitar. From there he toured with the Solid State Jazz Band pulling double duty by playing the trumpet and guitar.   Mike returned home after receiving his Bachelors degree from Oswego State University teaching privately and performing in New York area bands full time.

In 1989 Mike won the best guitarist award at the 1st annual rock music festival in Watertown NY.  Garnering rave reviews from his performances,  for the last several years he has been a performer at First Night Watertown as a featured classical guitarist.

Mike relocated to the First Coast a few years ago and  currently heads the music department at San Jose Episcopal Day School.   His focus is personal attention to each student's talents.  The SJEDS Wind Ensemble under Mike's direction has performed for the Independent Bands Festival and has received the highest accolades from the judges.  He is a guest performer from time to time at the San Jose Episcopal Church on guitar and trumpet and is currently the lead guitarist for the local Jax rock band Magoo and The Crew.