About Mike Gayle

My journey with guitar began early, inspired by my Dad—who played guitar and even built his own amplifiers. I grew up listening to Wes Montgomery, Kenny Burrell, and Chet Atkins, and later was deeply influenced by artists like Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones. That combination shaped both my ear and my love for the instrument.

While majoring in music at Trenton State College, I also studied classical guitar privately with Louis Melia, and jazz guitar with Harry Leahey in New Jersey. While that training gave me a strong foundation, most of my growth has come through a lifetime of playing, listening, and learning.

I’ve spent decades performing in bands, on the road, and in the studio, with a path that’s taken me from New Jersey through Nashville, Dallas, Austin, Boulder, and Los Angeles. Along the way, I’ve had the opportunity to work with many talented musicians and continue to grow as a player.

My teaching philosophy centers on providing each student the opportunity to maximize their potential each time they pick up the guitar.  Developing solid technical skills should be a fun and creative experience for every student regardless of whether they are just beginning guitar, or playing at intermediate and advanced levels.  Always exploring the music theory behind each lesson is key to every student’s growth and development. I want to see students fall in love with the guitar and become well rounded musicians.