So, who is this Michael Rodgers?
A little bit about the guy....Renaissance Man.
While there is no normal path for people to find their place in a career, nothing could be truer for Michael Rodgers. Michael was born to a mechanic and secretary in Hicksville, on Long Island, where from a young age he decided that he would be the "Second-Best Pianist" to come from his hometown besides Billy Joel. He grew up on old vinyl records, used CD’s, mix tapes, scouring his neighborhood for old instruments, and from the time he was 14 years old, you might have found him in the local punk rock clubs, being snuck into jam sessions by his older friends in different bars and taverns, and still would find time to get up on Sunday mornings to sing and play in his church choir.
You could ask Michael what instrument he plays, and he’ll tell you, “Whatever is needed for you,” but typically, you could find him singing loudly or playing his piano, keyboards, guitars, basses or his vast array of random percussion instruments. Michael has performed as a soloist and with several bands on Long Island in venues spanning from Montauk to Manhattan including, "R & R Music (guitar/vocals)", “Dial-Up (guitar/lead vocals),” “Martini Garden (keyboards/featured vocalist),” “Where Stars Collide (keyboards/vocals/harmonica/percussion)”, "Radio Active (keyboards/vocals)", "Bright Lights: A Matchbox 20 and Rob Thomas Tribute Show (rhythm guitar/backup vocals)," "The Daplurabulls (percussion)," has guest spots with "Altered Ego"," "Polkadelic", and always has some exciting things coming up...
Most recently, Mike has signed on with Swedish popstar, Jasmine Kara, as a guitarist as she makes her way into the American music market. For more information on Jasmine Kara, check out her website: Home | Karasmatic Music (jasminekara.com)
In addition, Mike is a clinician for music programs for all ages revolving around World Music Drumming and Drum Circles throughout Long Island for different public libraries and services.
Mike is also a freelance voice-over artist, contributing work for the Adrian Support Group in Tacoma, WA, where he recorded guided meditations, UGC product reviews for Amazon, video game samples, and other narrations.
Mike was featured on the April 5, 2023, episode of "All Elite Wrestling: Dynamite" where he conducted a jazz ensemble "The Heel Turns" and accompanied former AEW World Champion MJF as he performed "Pennies from Heaven." On August 25, 2024, Mike was invited to be featured again with All Elite Wrestling as a vocalist during a segment at the annual pay-per-view event, "All In", taking place at Wembley Stadium in London, England. In the past, he's performed with Remarkable Wrestling on Long Island as "Bass Frehley," Pro wrestling's rockstar both as a guest in-ring performer, announcer, or commentator.
Michael has over 20 years’ experience as a liturgical musician and music director for several congregations on Long Island, including the Youth Choir Director at St. Bernard's in Levittown, NY, the Choir and Music Director at St Mary's in Roslyn Harbor, NY, and Music Coordinator for Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Patchogue, NY.
Michael is also a composer and arranger, with themes featured in Impact Wrestling, Remarkable World Wrestling, and Imperial World Wrestling.
After receiving his B.S. degree in Music Education, with minors in History and Philosophy from Molloy College, his M.A. degree in Music Education from Hofstra University, his P.D. from Stony Brook University, Michael began his career in education in Valley Stream District #13 at Howell Road Elementary School as the Music and Chorus teacher, and later serving as the District Coordinator for Music and Fine Art. Additionally, he also holds a certification in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from The Julliard School of Music which he received in July of 2021.
Since 2016, Michael has been the Director of Music and Performing Arts in the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District. Additionally, he is an adjunct professor of music at Five Towns College in Dix Hills, NY. His unique path also included a few stops along the way in a seminary, a professional wrestler performer and manager, and an amateur podcaster. Michael has presented on topics related to music and education on the local, state, and national levels. Mike also maintains certifications in World Music Drumming and is a certified Zumba Instructor. Mike also maintains as association with B.A.L.D. Education through Baldman Percussion in Nashville, TN.
A specialist in hiring, interviewing, and resumes, Mike has been offering coaching sessions regarding the process for many years, and has been a hiring consultant, most recently with The Faculty Summit, an online based professional development conference. Currently, he is writing a book on hiring practices and interviewing he is anticipating publishing in the Spring of 2025.
He served as a member of the Nassau Music Educators Association, serving both as a chairperson for honors ensembles, and then on the executive board from 2015-2022 as the Web Editor/Social Media Coordinator, is a member NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) where he has served on the Diversity and Equity and COVID-19 resource committees, while also being a vocal and all-state vocal adjudicator. Michael is a member of the National Association for Teachers of Singing, Nassau Music Educators Association, Suffolk County Music Educators Association, and National Association for Music Education. Michael serves as part of the education committee for the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame. He is currently the State President for the New York State Council of Administrators of Music Education (NYSCAME) executive board for over 300+ music and performing arts administrators in and throughout New York State. In July 2024, he was elected as a Member-At-Large to the National Association for Music Education's Council of Music Program Leaders.
He is an endorsed artist with Scorpion Percussion Drumsticks, and a brand ambassador for Demons Behind Me Clothing, Bomba's Socks, Flat.io (music notation software), Taft Clothing, Larq Water Bottles, and The Empowered Educator.
He is a firm supporter for Mental Health Advocacy and the LGBTQIA+ community.
A world traveler he has ventured to England, France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Austria, Bosnia, Croatia, Ireland, Canada, Australia, Japan, Puerto Rico, and the Carribean. He considers the island of Sicily his second home.
In his spare time, you can often find Michael reliving his childhood in thrift, antique, and vintage shops looking for more old instruments and vinyl records, searching for music, memorabilia, and autographs. He's a diehard New York Yankees fan and is an avid fantasy sports player.
He happily resides in Centereach, NY with his wife, Kerry, a children’s librarian, and their cat, Naji. They are expecting their first child, a boy, arriving in February 2025.
Michael also knows he resembles Seth Rogen. You can't unsee it now.
Music exclusively plays Martin Acoustic Guitars and Hagstrom Electric Guitars.