Mike Pinto - guitar

Mike Pinto is in demand as a guitarist, composer, and arranger in Chicago and internationally. He is at home in a multitude of styles, and his expressive approach is at once intellectual, technical, and soulful. He works regularly with many groups and artists, including his own original elevenpiece ensemble. He is also a sideman for hire, working live and in the studio with various artists, and on commercial jingles. He also runs the website thesmartguitarist.com.

In addition to performances at Chicago’s top venues, Mike has performed at major festivals and conferences in Italy, France, Germany, England, Malta, and Croatia. He played on the recently released Joe Clark Big Band recording Lush, featuring legendary drummer Jeff Hamilton. He has performed with Brazilian jazz artist Luciana Souza, the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, Regis Philbin, and more.

Mike is also a composer whose works include pieces and arrangements for many jazz, big band, and guitar and percussion ensembles and orchestras. His piece “Spin Cycle,” for grade 2 big band, is published by Doug Beach Music.

Born into a musical family and raised in his parents’ music store, Mike has been playing guitar since age nine. He holds an undergraduate degree from Elmhurst College and a master’s degree from DePaul University. Currently, Mike is a member of the jazz faculty at Elmhurst College, where he teaches guitar, improvisation, arranging, and jazz history in addition to directing several ensembles.

Mike is a Curt Mangan Strings artist.