Ukulele Teachers

Michael has been at the helm of String Sound Studios since 1986. Mainly a guitarist, he is also well-schooled in bass guitar, piano, and some woodwinds. He is considered by his peers to be a talented multi-instrumentalist with skills on 5-string banjo, ukulele, and mandolin. While at Five Towns College, Michael studied with master musicians Peter Rogine, John Dewitt, and Donna Olson. Michael insists on being eclectic and shares a deep understanding of jazz, rock, blues, and classical music with all his students. Michael has a world view of music which includes Latin, eastern, and western elements that show up in his arranging.

Over the years, many of his students have been accepted into music colleges and are actively involved in the music industry today. Michael is also an ace transcriber, arranger, and extremely knowledgeable in using music software such as Sibelius to arrange and compose music for the ensembles at our Setauket studio. For over 30 years he has been guiding students in NYSSMA, All-State, recitals and college auditions. Michael’s influences range from Bach to Larry Carlton, and he has played with numerous bands as a freelancer over the years. He is in the midst of a finger-style solo guitar project and involved in private and ensemble music instruction.

Along with possessing a strong musical prowess, Michael and his family are very involved with ice skating and ice hockey.

Born in New Hampshire, Thayer began studying guitar at age 7 and continued for the next 20 years. After graduating from Berklee College of Music with a BFA in Performance in 2013, Thayer settled in NYC where he has been a professional working musician. His track record includes such achievements as: three solo instrumental guitar records in three years, private events as a solo guitarist, musical theater pit work on multiple instruments, and video/audio recording sessions. Thayer is a versatile guitarist, able to play in many different genres. He is a gifted composer, strong sight reader, passionate instructor and chart maker as well.

Thayer says, “I have had the pleasure of playing in a vast variety of musical genres and situations within the music business. Using the guitar as my creative voice and outlet, it has offered me lots of versatile experience, plus a unique hands-on education.”