Artist Biography

Mike Ciaputa is a versatile guitarist based in the North West.
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Mike plays a variety of music and styles, including classical, pop, rock, jazz and fingerstyle. He is an experienced session musician, playing in musical theatre, function, and big bands across the North West since 2006. Mike performs as a solo artist as well as part of Julien 4 with singer/songwriter David Julien, and as guitarist and director of jazz collective, Ciaputa Trio. As a fingerstyle guitarist, Mike has released one album, String Theory (2012), and continues to write new music in this style.

Mike is passionate about music and education and has worked with various organisations teaching and inspiring young people, including Wigan Jazz Festival and Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society.
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Mike studied Music at Lancaster University, receiving the Dennis McCaldin Prize in recognition of excellence in practical performance, and completed a PGCE in Secondary Music Education at Manchester Metropolitan University & Royal Northern College of Music. Mike studied classical and flamenco guitar with Neil Smith and Howard Haigh and has attended master classes by Paco Pena.

Mike is an experienced classroom music teacher and instrumental tutor for young people and adults and welcomes pupils from Lancashire and Greater Manchester.

Artist Photography