About Me
Mike Campese is a New York born guitarist starting at the age of 13, the youngest of the family, exposed to music around the household, his Father was a Virtuoso violinist and brother played guitar. Mike was heavily into Black Sabbath, Learning their music and began lessons with a Jazz guitarist. Mike was also heavily into Jimi Hendrix and other artists like Ozzy, AL Di Meola and Van Halen.
Mike was very obsessed with the guitar, he played it day and night, hours on end. When he was very young his Dad encouraged him to listen to Classical music and all types of music. He said, "if you want to be a great guitarist you must be open to all types of music". Mike began listening to Virtuoso violinist Niccolo Paganini, admiring his incredible speed and techniques. He was also listening to Beethoven, Mozart, Yngwie and Vivaldi.Mike was in bands playing clubs, writing and performing at a very young age. After high school Mike packed up and moved to Hollywood, California to attend one of the worlds top guitar school Musicians institute (GIT). Studying with many great players such as Paul Gilbert, Scott Henderson, Norman Brown, Keith Wyatt and many others. Attending this school opened up many new doors and exposed Mike to many styles of music. Mike graduated with top Honors.
Mike returned to New York to hone his skills, he began playing in one of the areas top band Mister Strange, which was formed when Mike returned from California. The band was touring the northeast playing in many known clubs CBGB's, Lomoure's etc. and releasing CDs and opening for many National acts. After Mike left the band he formed the group Jeckyl and Hyde, an all original project playing the northeast clubs.Mike began writing intensely for his own solo projects, forming his own band and recording his first album "Total Freedom." Mike got called to be the opening act for the band the B-52's, playing an all acoustic show to a sold out crowd and received a standing ovation. Mike released his second Cd "Full Circle" which incorporates several styles of music and was on NPR radio across the U.S.. Mike's music and his guitar playing was growing to fans overseas. Also, Mike continues to hone his skills by studying with guitar legend Stanley Jordan and has studied with NY guitarist Wayne Krantz off and on for many years. He also studied with Bill Connors of Chick Corea. Mike is a very versatile guitarist. He has played in a African band, pop group and a Jazz band. His main writing style falls in a Rock Fusion category, mixing Rock, Blues, Jazz, and Classical into a single style.Mike appeared on the Jason Becker tribute Cd "Warmth In The Wilderness" on the Lion Music label, which was a international release. Mike's band continued to perform and open for many national acts such as Yngwie Malmsteen on 2 tours, Michael Shenker, The B-52's, Lou Reed, The members of Yes and Asia, KC and the Sunshine band, Spin Doctors, Sebastian Bach, Dokken, Kip Winger, Rik Emmett Of Triumph, Vinnie Moore and many more. Mike played the National Anthem at hockey games at the Pepsi arena and for a local baseball team for thousands of fans. Mike has worked with Jimi Hendrix's best friend Mike Quashie, writing and arranging, which later lead to Mike playing "The Max's Kansas City" Benefit at the bowery ballroom, with Rob Stoner on bass from the Bob Dylan band and Dennis Diken of the Smithereens on drums. Headlining the show was Little Steven of Springsteen, Lou Reed, Garland jeffreys and Sylvain Sylvain of the New York Dolls.Mike released his 3rd Cd "Vibe" which has a very Classical influence, as well as other varieties. By this time Mike's over seas following earned him radio play in several countries. In 2004 Mike was hired by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and recieved a Gold record for his work. In 2005 Mike released his fourth release "The New" which features some of Mike's best playing and writing. By this time Mike's music is featured all over the internet and all over the world.
Mike has been featured in many national guitar magazines such as Guitar World, Guitar One and writes lessons for Guitar Player magazine. Check out the July issue of the Guitar Player Magazine, Mike has a full page guitar lesson. Also, check out the April issue of the Guitar World mag, for Mike's feature lesson. Mike teaches over 70 students a week and is one of the top teachers in the NY area. With a constant waiting list, some of Mike's students are from or went to successful bands. Mike has been asked to be a judge at the Guitar Center, Guitarmageddon contest for 4 years now. Mike has released 2 instructional DVDs for Chops From Hell, "Virtuoso Rock Fusion Concepts" and "Creative Speed-Building Picking Techniques". Mike also writes lessons for several online sites such as Guitar9.com, Ibreathemusic, Chops From Hell, Shed Academy and many more.Mike's 5th solo release "Hidden Treasures" is a mainly all acoustic release. This is the Cd Mike always wanted to do to express his passion for the love of the acoustic guitar. This is not your ordinary acoustic Cd it has a very colorful mix of different musical textures, featuring Mike's virtuosity on the acoustic guitar. Mike's fan base is growing internationaly and has appeared on national radio and TV and his music has been used for a Lions Gate movie.Mike is a all-around music performer, session artist competent in many musical styles, electric and acoustic. For more info about Mike, Visit www.mikecampese.com.
