In Tune with Mike Guzzardo By Kat Coffin, Orlando Local Music Examiner
Most people have heard the old adage “those who can't do, teach” but more often it is those who can do well, teach. Guitarist Mike Guzzardo falls into the latter category. Guzzardo has earned raves while playing guitar onstage with several Orlando bands including Dagnese and Ratham Stone, and when heʼs not performing, he teaches guitar. Not currently a member of a band, his recent live performances are solo instrumental gigs, usually weddings, and filling in when a band needs someone.
He's an engaging player on stage; his skill immediately draws music fans into his performance and keeps them entranced with every note. “My style has always been melodic riff-based, where I tend to play and find certain parts that compliment and 'ice' whatever is being played,” Said Guzzardo. “I also work in harmonies on guitar parts to compliment the lead melody lines of songs.”
As a teacher, he works with a variety of students. “Though the majority of my students are beginners, I also work with intermediate and advanced guitarists looking to take their soloing to the next level and incorporate more advanced theory and techniques. My instruction is based on a student's style interest and focuses on them being able to learn and play songs quickly, without having to learn advanced or difficult chords. Most of my students are playing through full songs within four lessons.”
When asked if he prefers performing or teaching, he couldnʼt decide. “This is a tough question to answer since both can be at opposite ends of the spectrum. I love them both for the perks and joys that each offer. Performing is an adrenaline-rush of putting everything I've learned combined with creativity and on the spot thinking into motion, just getting soaked up in the room's energy and feeding it back in a musical out-pour.
On the flip-side, teaching allows me to breakdown everything I know and help another understand it and uncover their own hidden talents and passions. It's also a joy to help a child or adult break through a plateau, or that 'light-bulb' moment when they understand a chord change or a scale. That I would say would be the most rewarding thing and almost tip my answer to the side of teaching over guitar. But then again sometimes, you just want to get in a room with a bunch of musicians or on stage and just cut lose.”
In any spare time he finds he heads to Disney World. “I'd say the thing I like the most is the freedom and isolation that comes with being there. By that I mean, your cares are gone, you can do anything your heart really desires, and you're cut off enough from the outside world to just really get lost in the fantasy of it. Also, I love the history that's in those rides and parks and really just seeing a man's vision come to reality in such a fantastic and beneficial way for people to enjoy. "