Background

Mike Wheeler was born in Houston Texas in 1961 and grew up listening to the western swing music that his grandfather played on guitar. He formed various pop and rock groups in his teens until finding his true path in jazz. He studied in San Antonio with Jackie King before going to the Berklee College of Music in Boston. Mike later received a Bachelor of Music from the University of St.Thomas, Houston.

Well established in the Houston Music scene: Mike has worked in clubs, formed jazz groups, and played with most of the major orchestras and performance groups in the Houston area including the Houston Symphony Orchestra. He has performed with jazz artists such as Clark Terry and Joe Williams. He has also backed up many pop artists such as Willie Nelson, Charlie Pride, Andy Williams, Larry Gatlin, Jennifer Holiday, and John Denver to name a few. In addition to leading his own jazz group, he has worked on many projects, including some with alto sax great Jimmy Ford, who was one of his major musical mentors.

His first CD entitled Indian Summer, which was produced by Willie Nelson, spotlights his guitar style. In addition to performing and recording, he teaches private lessons in the Houston area and is currently instructor of jazz guitar at the University of St. Thomas, San Jacinto College and the University of Houston.

Location

Houston, Texas

Occupation

Musician

Music That Inspires Me

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Films I'll Watch More Than Once

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