About me
Hi, my name is Mike O'Malley. I started playing guitar in 1979 when I was 9 years old. I graduated from Music tech in Mpls in 1988. I have been playing in Bands since I was 14 and recording music since then as well. I currently play in a band called "Backwater Honey" and am a contributing composer for several sync libraries (music for tv and film). I teach out of my house in Richfield Mn. I'm well versed in blues, rock, RnB, classical and just about any style. In my first lesson I will give you a short survey about your musical taste and goals. From there we will work on a plan to help you realize these goals. I have several students who have been with me for over 10 years. I would love to help you become the musician you want to be.
Reviews
I’ve been taking guitar lessons with Mike for a few years now and I’ve had a really great experience working with him. I started as a complete beginner and I feel that my playing and understanding of music theory has grown dramatically in the time I’ve been taking lessons. Mike’s very patient and does a really good job of tailoring lessons to my specific interests whether that’s diving into specific genres or music theory. He has a lot of real-world experience playing live as well as producing/recording music and he does a good job incorporating that experience into lessons. If you’re a musician of any level looking to add structure and guidance to your learning, I’d highly recommend Mike.
Mike is an incredible teacher and an extraordinary player himself. He will teach you proper technique and make sure you do not learn any bad habits. Lessons with Mike are something I look forward to every week. I feel like I am making progress and enjoying being able to play lots of different genres. I am learning how to shred and also fingerpick beautiful songs. Lessons are very collaborative and Mike is very encouraging, patient, and a fun person to spend time with!
Have been taking lessons from Mike for many years and he has become a friend. He caters to my goals which is great. His knowledge of music and music history is unmatched. I will continue to meet with Mike as long as I can. I highly recommend Mike as a teacher.
Mike is a great teacher, his knowledge of the guitar and hiis patient teaching methods are amazing. If you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced student this is the teacher for you, Jo matter the genre you are working in, Mike can help you achieve your goals as he understands and can relate to all music, even classical music:). Thank you Mike, you are amazing
He taught me not just how to play Giant Steps, but the theory behind it too. He’s great at teaching correct technique and knew answers to almost every issue I had with guitar. All around, the most educated music teacher I’ve ever had the opportunity to learn under.
I decided at age 60 to learn how to play guitar and had never played any instruments before. Mike took the time to learn what my goals were and followed a plan to get me where I wanted to be. He was very patient and encouraging even when I was struggling. I'd still be taking lessons with Mike, but I moved out of state. I still play every day and use the tools that he gave me to get better. I would highly recommend Mike!
Michael is an excellent music instructor, a working musician( very important), and a genuinely nice person. I have had guitar lessons from Michael for almost 6 years. He is an excellent guitar player and has guided me on my fretboard journey with patience and has broadened my music horizon immensely. From ACDC to Paganini. For beginner to master guitar players, I absolutely recommend Michael.
Super nice and fun dude, taught me how to play multiple different genres, took me from super beginner to playing in high level jazz ensembles
Mike is a great guitar teacher! I’m an adult learner that has always been interested in the guitar but didn’t pick it up until the last year. Mike is extremely patient and makes learning fun when I get frustrated. The music he chooses is perfect and what I’m interested in and he even entertains other music that I enjoy. I highly recommend Mike if you’re interested in picking up the guitar!
I’m in my 70,s & Mike has been very respectful &kind ! Gives lotsa of support with music & setting up my guitar & amp. Just a great person all around & of course tutor !!!