Mike Irene

Leander, TX

" Welcome to my Site..."

Services: Drums, Guitar, Music Theory, Piano, Voice Teacher / Vocal Coach

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I finished my Bachelors of Music from Berklee College of Music way back in 1993. I have worked as a musician, performer, producer and teacher for most of my life. My ensemble performance approach makes students very motivated to spend time with their instrument. My plan includes opportunities to jam with other students who know the same songs.
My love for music began at a very early age. My Father was into a lot of Jazz music but always loved to play big band jazz. When I was 6 years old he took me to see Buddy Rich live in Buffalo, NY. The power of the music was overwhelming. I knew that it was for me.
I began my formal music study career when I was 8 years old. The lessons we advancing quickly and by the time I was 10 years old I could play a lot of stuff on the drum set and had learned good technique from a good teacher. I made up my mind at that time to be a musician for life.
Knowing that the best musicians are well rounded I picked up the guitar and the bass. After studying the strings for a couple years I began to write songs and sing. The whole time I was active in my schools choir and barbershop quartet.
After growing and learning with music through my school years I was fortunate enough to attend Berklee College of Music. This renowned program would introduce me to music that I had not thought about before and led me to love learning and teaching music of all kinds.

Specialities

Drums

Guitar

bass

Music Theory

Piano

Voice Teacher / Vocal Coach

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Student Recommendations

  • Mark R. January 13, 2011

    "Mike has taught electric and acoustic guitar to my 12 year old son for over a year. I like that he can play some of my favorite rock songs now, and was surprised at some pretty complicated fingering he has been doing. Mike also teaches my 10 year old son drums which I think has to be the most complicated instrument since all four appendages seem to be doing something different most of the time. Mike has a good teaching style that keeps my boys happy and engaged."

  • Jeremy M. January 14, 2011

    "I have been studying with Mike for about 6 months and I am extremely impressed with his character, abilities, and method of instruction. I researched many instructors before I discovered Mike and landed on him for a few reasons. First, I wanted to find someone who wasn’t biased and shared a love of all music genres (comparable to my wide array of expressions). This common ground allows us to comfortably and effectively communicate on the same level. Second, I wanted a professional; someone who was able to provide constructive criticism, correct bad habits, and help me with technique. He is a true musician, educated and proficient with numerous instruments. Once I master the six-string paddle (dollop of sarcasm) it’s nice to know that I can easily transition to something else given our established relationship. Mike has a great personality and is exactly what I was looking for in an instructor. He encourages students to bring in music/material and has a library of his own to pull from so he is adaptive to individual interests, and style/technique. He is extremely talented, patient, and down-to-earth. Overall, my experience continues to be demanding yet motivational and I have been thrilled with my progress. And sometimes it is just sheer fun! --- J. "

  • Tammy M. January 28, 2011

    "Mike has been giving my youngest son drum lessons now for 4 years and my oldest son guitar lessons for over a year. My children highly respect Mike as their instructor and so enjoy him as a person. My husband and I feel the same. Mike has been completely trustworthy, reliable, and is very gifted. I have and will continue to recommend Mike as an instructor to anyone who asks. "