Mike Christiansen

Mike Christiansen is a Professor of Music and Director of Guitar Studies in the Music Department at Utah State University. In 1994, Mike was selected as Professor Of The Year at Utah State University. Mike received the ASTA (American String Teachers Association) Utah Chapter Outstanding Collegiate Educator of the Year Award in 2006. In 2007, Mike received the Utah State University Artist of the Year award and the Overall Scholar of the Year Award for the College of Humanities Arts & Social Sciences. He has taught workshops at many schools and is a frequent clinician for guitarists and educators at various conferences. He averages over 130 performances annually as a soloist, with the group Mirage, and with the Lightwood Duo (a clarinet-guitar duo that has released six recordings). Mike is the author and/or co-author of 42 books. Mike's video, Guitar Basics, was twice awarded the ITA Platinum Video Award. Guitar Basics was also selected as Music and Sound Retailer Magazine's 1 Instructional Video. Mike has recorded 29 CDs, and appears on 21 instructional videos. Mike has had articles published in several magazines including Acoustic Guitar, Fingerstyle, and Soundboard. He has been a back-up musician for various artists and has recorded music for television and films.