Mike C.
DrumsPercussion
About Mike C.
Mike is a drummer and music educator from Fairfield Connecticut. He graduated from Berklee College of Music in 2023 with a degree in Drum Set Performance, and is now based in Los Angeles. Mike has studied with dozens of acclaimed teachers including Dave Dicenso, Sergio Bellotti, James Murphy, Jim Royle, Francisco Mela and more. Mike’s fundamental belief is that letting music into your life will open unimaginable doors, bring new friends into your life, and provide a lifelong emotional and creative outlet for students to engage in. As a teacher, his goal is to foster musical prowess and develop solid technique, feel, ear and groove in his students.
He began gigging professionally in 2019, doing shows and recording sessions with various artists in the Berklee community, and working for various wedding bands in the Boston area. Mike also formed an online music collective around this time, known as, Apartment Project. In his private lessons, Mike strives to share the lessons he has learned through his education, mentors and personal experience as a professional drummer.
Matching the temperament and goals of each student is paramount to creating an atmosphere in which a student is excited to go back to. Over the years, Mike has honed in on a method for all ages and skill levels which ensures his students are not only learning and growing, but having fun while doing it.
Q&A with Mike C.
Which musician would you like to play with?
Madison Cunningham, Piño Paladino, TOTO, The Who, America. There's so many I'd love to play with.
Which musician has influenced you the most?
My main teachers and mentors: Dave Dicenso and Jim Royle! In addition, drummers like Steve Jordan, Steve Gadd, Hal Blaine and many more!
What can you teach me better on your instrument than any other teacher?
I teach my students how to apply all of the concepts of music and rhythm to their lives. We'll learn your favorite songs and deconstruct them so that you can understand how to apply its concepts to your drumming.
How did you learn to play your instrument?
I started drum lessons at 10 years old! Growing up, I fused my drum lessons and concepts like reading music, counting rhythms and drum set technique with performing covers and originals with my friends (playing in bands with other humans)! It's so important to apply what we learn on our instruments to real music.
What equipment do you play on today?
I play Mapex Saturn Drums! For cymbals I have a small assortment of Zildjian, Meinl and Murats.
Which personal trait helped you the most while practicing?
Patience and listening to what your brain & body is telling you. If something does not come easy to you that is normal! Being able to find the elements of music you need to work on and focusing in on the subtleties of them are the best way to see long term progress.
What does your instrument have that others don't?
Drums have a primal connection to our humanity. I like to say that the drums are the 'earth element of music.' We lay the foundation for the music to sit well!
How do you handle children?
By having fun! We have expectations in the lesson room but I love to make little drumming games and creative exercises to allow kids to really feel like they're contributing their own creativity to the lessons.
What has been your greatest experience as a musician so far?
Spending time with friends and making beautiful music that makes people dance, or laugh, or cry.
What was the biggest stage you played on?
Playing to a crowd at the Roadrunner in Boston, MA!!
Which record would you take with you to the desert island?
I'm takin Fulfillingness' First Finale by Stevie Wonder!
Besides music, what else is important in your life?
My family, my friends and my health! Being able to spend time with people I love and have experiences with them are some of the most important things!
Music style(s)
PopFunkRockElectronicIndieFolkJazzLatin
Level(s) Comfortable Teaching
Beginner to Advanced
Videos
Bands, Projects, Notable Performances, Collaborations
Mia Asano, Zoe Sparks, Thumber, Ellie Irwin, Apartment Project
Other Music-related work / goals
Getting fulfillment and support from my work!
Accolades
Academic: Bachelors Degree in Drum Set Performance - Performed in Berklee College of Music's Commencement Concert as a Drummer // Has studied with the following directors and shows // Neo-Soul Ensemble with Jaquez Shwartz-Bart, Joe Cocker Ensemble with Marty Walsh, Overjoyed Gospel Ensemble with Dennis Montgomery, 21st Century Grooves Ensemble with Dave Fiuczynski, Motown Ensemble with Larry Watson
Personal Interests
Biking, Hiking, Frisbee, Minecraft, Movies, Video Editing, Funny stuff