Michael Shapinko (Guitar/Bass)
Michael is a versatile musician, with considerable experience in both guitar and bass across a variety of genres. These range from jazz, funk, country, prog rock, hip-hop, rock n roll, and free-style jamming/improv, but with a particular emphasis on blues music of all varieties (from Robert Johnson to Stevie Ray Vaughan). He has been studying, playing, and composing music for almost 10 years now, and recently graduated from the University of Toronto.
Michael’s strengths lie in his ability to sit in on and improvise in any musical setting. He plays as a house musician at the weekly open mic concert in Kensington Market, sitting in for various acts without practice. He also lent his multi-instrumental talents to local Toronto hip-hop artist MC F.U.B.B, composing the guitar and bass lines on his debut record Foundations.
As a teacher, Michael emphasises the small details and nuances of playing, providing students with a strong repertoire of fundamental concepts and musical knowledge that will remain with them throughout their lifetime as guitar or bass players. His patient and friendly demeanor make him well suited to teaching students of all ages
Watch him live sitting in with Mike Macahdo at the Supermarket open mic:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJuq8maeHkk
Special thanks to Michael Shapinko for his weekly contribution of free guitar tips, blogs and articles to all Elite students and guitar fanatics. Enjoy!
Being in a Rock Band Pt.I: Listening to the music
Being in a Rock Band Pt. II: The endless pursuit of tone