Michael Sawitzke enjoys an extremely varied performing career. While growing up in Tempe, Arizona he studied trumpet, horn, guitar, and bass guitar, and more recently has explored drums and percussion. He has performed as a classical, jazz, pop, and rock musician throughout Europe and The United States.

Since relocating to Los Angeles he has performed throughout Los Angeles with Holmes, Ruut, Sean McGowan, and many others. Michael is also in demand as a studio guitarist and has recorded with Rob Hoffman, Heather Holley, Daniel Nielsen, and Roy Shakked. He was the lead guitarist of the critically acclaimed Hollywood production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch as swell as playing guitar for the musical Sneaux starring Kristen Bell.

Michael also works as a composer for television and film. He has written and performed music for Extra!, CW Now and TMZ as well as the films Blood Diamond and How Ohio Pulled It Off.

Michael earned a Bachelor’s of Music degree, magna cum laude, from the University of Arizona with a major in Classical guitar performance. He was selected as a top prize winner in the 10th annual Schaeffer Guitar Competition. Michael studied with Tom Patterson and Ivan Rijos, and played in the master classes of Paul Odette, Sharon Isbin, Scott Tennant, and Elliot Fisk.

His attraction to composing and arranging led Michael to pursue these subjects as well as jazz improvisation at Arizona State University where he studied with Chuck Marohnic and Chris Champion. He also played in ASU’s Composer’s Combo which focused on experimental composition and free form improvisation.

Michael completed a Master's in Music degree at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music with a major in studio/jazz guitar. He was a student of jazz legend Joe Diorio, and has studied with Frank Potenza, Richard Smith, and Pat Kelley.

Michael is a member of the faculty at Pasadena Conservatory of Music where he teaches private lessons to all ages of students.

Michael is also in demand as an audio engineer. He has worked on major label records, prime time television shows, and major theatrical releases. More information about his recording career and services can be found here.

Click here to view Michael's resume.