Meet Mike Campese

July 30, 2024

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mike Campese a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Mike , so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

Everyone has their own unique individual voice, creative energy that is inside of them, which is very important to tap into to be unique and different.

I don’t like to do or try to look like anyone else. I always try to be me and do what is comfortable to what I like. 

By doing this will bring the best “You” out.

Also, I feel that you have to be happy and confident with yourself in order for people to believe it.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m a professional musician and I have been earning a living from music my whole career. From performance to teaching, I have been doing both for many years. I really like performing on stage and teaching was always natural to me. 

Currently, I have released 11 solo albums. The album “Reset” was released late in 2022. 

Also, for years I have written lessons for guitar magazines and webzines. 

I have worked with many different artists. I like creating my own music and being in control and I write everything myself. I don’t look for outside help from other musicians when I compose music.

We offer a lot of merchandise to purchase as well on the websites, like CD’s, Shirts, Posters, Accessories etc. Guitar lessons and greeting messages are also available. It is best to visit the website at www.mikecampese.com for more info.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1) Definitely learning music and technique early on. I took lessons from a great teacher and went to a really good music school. 

2) Being open to other styles of music can help you become more versatile and help to develop your style. Going to music school did help to open up my ears to other styles of music. 

3) Putting in the time and applying these techniques to playing, writing, etc. is a valuable asset.

For those early in their journey, developing the ear, working on creativity, and tapping into what they are hearing in their head is also important.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

My parents have been very supportive with my music career throughout the years. They did many impactful things for me, especially buying me my first guitar and helping me when I needed it. 

Very early on when I was really young, my Dad was driving me to school and he said to me, if you want to be a great musician, you have to be open to all kinds of music. At that time I was mainly listening to Heavy Metal and when he had classical music on in the car, I was like “What is this”. Throughout my music career I have been a very versatile musician and I’m open to everything.

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