Mike Stock

About Mike Stock 

My musical life has crossed many continents on my quest for knowledge.  Prior to winning a Scholarship to study at the prestigious Grove School of Music in Los Angeles California, I worked extensively in the UK with
well-known artists and shows. But my desire was always to learn from the best.
I got my opportunity in 1991 when I won my scholarship.
Studying at Grove was a life changing experience. Not only did it present the chance to study with such bass luminaries at Joel Di Bartolo (Buddy Rich, The Tonight Show, Ernie Watts,) Tom Warrington (Buddy Rich, Randy Brecker) and Jeff Berlin (Alan Holdsworth), it also gave me opportunity to study advanced Theory, Arranging & Composition with the legendary Dick Grove.
After four years of study and performance in the US, I relocated to Oslo in Norway where I became in demand as an instructor along with numerous performances and sessions.
My next move was back to the UK after being asked to teach at several music schools. Being back in the UK opened up many opportunities to perform in multiple situations with the likes of Kenny Jones (The Who), Mike Rutherford (Genesis), Paul Young (Sad Café) and countless Jazz and commercial gigs as well as shows and TV performances.

The Study Never Stops

My lust for knowledge continued unabated, and I continued my study of advanced Improvisation with the legendary Charlie Banacos. As of late, and with the passing of the great man, I am now studying with New York arranger and Pianist Garry Dial.
For me, the point of music is always to strive, to improve my knowledge and ability. There is no greater journey then the journey to gain knowledge, whatever your field may be.

What now
After so many years learning from the best, I am now putting my extensive knowledge into a series of books covering all aspects on Music. I think that it will take me many years to even scratch the surface of the knowledge that I have accrued, but my goal is to present information in a format that guides the student forward in a precise manner, digestible amounts at a time and constantly repeated to let the newly learnt knowledge sink in, to become part of the students musical knowledge and ability.

Why Take lessons?
It all comes down to what you want. Are you happy with your present level of playing? If yes, then read no further. There is nothing wrong with being content with the level that you are at. But for many musicians, learning is IS the journey. To strive to be a better musician, in whatever form is a major part of why they play.
We all struggle with various aspect of playing, and everyone is capable of learning and improving. A few points to keep in mind:

1. We all absorb information at different rates.

2. We are all truly unique and have a unique voice.

3. You will never be your favourite player, you WILL be the BEST YOU.

4. We are not in a competition with anyone but ourselves (Really, it's not a competition).

5. Knowledge is there for anyone who wants it.

6. We are all on the same road.

7. You will never know everything.

​Why Study with Me?

Lets start with one simple fact. I am on the journey just like you. I have just been seeking information for a longer period. I have sought out some of the best teachers in the world over the years and have gained knowledge. I have taken that information and put it into practice. I STILL STUDY,  I STRIVE TO BE THE BEST OF ME.
To pass on information is what its about. Information is for sharing and everyone will take that information and use it in their own unique way.

​You are Unique

Everyone has a their own voice, something to say. But to get your story out into the world you need to have the tools and knowledge to effectively do it. The old line of "practicing and learning gets in the way of my style" just means that someone is not interested in getting better. That's fine, but they have reached the peak of their abilities and will go no further.
New information does get in the way of playing. Why?  Because you cannot use something until you do not have to think about it and some people never get past that point. But to never absorb new abilities is to never progress. To permanently stand still.

​All Matter is Vibration 

“Everything in Life is Vibration” – Albert Einstein
Music is just nature, vibrations. You are vibrating matter. We humans have come up with a system to understand this phenomenon and to use it to create.  Is it perfect? No. Can we improve it? Yes. But you need to understand it to have the ability to do this.
Begin you journey.

If you want a journey that has no end, then maybe I can take you some of the way. If this sounds like what you are looking for.