Drummer Mike G., is from Northport, NY and began playing the drums at age 8. With the support of his parents he enrolled in the school band and began private lessons with local teachers Matt Carlozzi, and later Ed Balsamo. Matt and Ed were a crucial part of Mike’s early musical development and they introduced him to the world of Jazz at an early stage in his playing. Mike was encouraged to audition for the Nassau-Suffolk Performing Arts program and was accepted into both the Jazz Band and Jazz Ensemble.
Under the guidance of Joe Schaefer and Bill Katz, he learned about big band drumming and earned a deeper understanding for what his role was as a drummer. Mike was a member of the SCMEA All-County Jazz Ensemble two years in a row under the Direction of Glenn Drewes, and Jon Fedchock. His senior year of high school he was selected to be the drum chair of the NYSSMA All-State Jazz Band, as well as the MENC All-Eastern Jazz Ensemble. In the fall of 2007, he enrolled at SUNY Purchase where he pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Performance. While at Purchase, Mike had the privilege of studying privately with John Riley, Kenny Washington, and Richie Morales. He also took classes with Jon Faddis, Todd Coolman, Ralph Lallama, Charles Blenzig, and Pete Mallinverni, among others. Mike has performed at venues such as Smalls Jazz Club, Dizzy’s Cub Coca-Cola, The Blue Note, and many others throughout the NYC area.
Outside of Jazz, Mike has had much experience playing in and leading bands of various styles. Anything from Rock, folk, funk, hip-hop, and singer-songwriters. He has also worked as a dance accompanist for SUNY Purchase, and the Steffi Nossen School of Dance in White Plains, NY. Mike received his Bachelors of Music Magna Cum Laude in the spring of 2011. He is currently living in NYC and working as a music performer, educator and dance accompanist.