Hey, I'm Mike 👋 — a Toronto-based guitarist, vocalist, and music educator.
I love playing music, and helping other develop their own musical skills and voice. As a performer, I combine lead siging with both rhythm and improvisational guitar playing. I primarily play bluegrass music, but have a background in various styles (folk, jazz, finger-picking, etc.).
As a former professor who spent six years teaching at the University of Washington Information School, I bring extensive experience helping students navigate complex topics. From complete beginners to people with decades of experience, I'm well versed in developing curriculum that can help students grow their desired expertise.
Former university professor with extensive experience creating learning resources for beginners and experts.
Parent of two (3 and 9 years old), I bring first-hand experience helping kids learn new skills.
Guitarist and vocalist for Maywater, a progressive bluegrass band. Playing gigs around the city since 2024.
Designed and developed Jam Cards, a shared learning resource for bluegrass jams
I'm an active member of the live-music community in Toronto. I'm usually at weekly jams, and I peform every few weeks with different projects.
Maywater
I'm the lead vocalist and guitar player for the progressive bluegrass band Maywater. Born out of the city's Bluegrass Jam community, Maywater has been playing around town since 2024. We play a mix of original songs, bluegrass standards, and thoughtfully arranged modern tunes.
Visit maywater.ca
Freeman + McKnight
This guitar duo is a new project that brings a bluegrass approach to various folk tunes. Expect strong vocal harmonies and some beautiful guitar picking!
Listen on YouTube
What I play
I'm an engaging and enthusiastic instructor, working with students of all ages and ability levels — from strumming your first chord to sharpening your improvisation skills.
With over 6 years of classroom teaching experience, I'm skilled at developing learning resources to guide students of all levels.
No experience necessary, I'll help you build a strong foundation to pursue your musical interests
As a parent, I understand how to support young people as they pursue their own musical interests.
Grown ups can learn too! No judgement, I still take lessons with Hayes Griffin.
Work on flatpicking, fingerstyle, theory, improvisation, or vocal-guitar coordination. We go wherever you want to go.
Bluegrass, folk, fingerpicking, rock, pop, classical foundations — I'm comfortable across genres and happy to follow your taste.
Available for in-person lessons in Toronto and online lessons anywhere.
Interested? Get in touch — first lessons are free.
For lesson inquiries, bookings, or just to say hello — don't be shy.