Available to hire
I am Michael Stergis, a seasoned musician, guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, producer, and educator with over 40 years in the music and entertainment industry. My career includes collaborations with Crosby, Stills & Nash, Stephen Stills, and Ringo Starr, along with performances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and The Midnight Special. I am known for versatility on trumpet, guitar, vocals, and songwriting, and I have built a track record in performance, production, public speaking, and artist development. I am passionate about mentoring the next generation of musicians and strengthening music education in communities through programs in Columbia, TN and beyond.
I am deeply committed to youth outreach and community music education, advocating for music as a tool for cultural and educational development in Tennessee and Southern Illinois. Since 1963 I have been a professional musician with AFM, and I continue to teach guitar and bass, develop curricula, and foster strong community ties through music.
Skills
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Language
English
Fluent
Work Experience
Performer, Songwriter & Educator at Independent / Various Collaborations
January 1, 1963 - PresentAccomplished performer and educator with AFM membership since 1963. Senior touring/recording member of Stephen Stills & The California Blues Band and Crosby, Stills & Nash. Contributed 3 songs to CSN's Daylight Again, earned songwriter credit on CSN Allies, and co-wrote with Stephen Stills on Ringo Starr’s Stop and Smell the Roses. Extensive experience in music production, arranging, artist development, and promotional strategy.
Music Instructor (Guitar & Bass) at Private Studio, Columbia, TN
January 1, 2011 - PresentProvide private guitar and bass lessons to students of all ages and skill levels. Develop structured teaching methods emphasizing practice discipline, technique, and musicality. Maintain a loyal client base and mentor aspiring musicians while expanding community ties through music education.
Performer, Songwriter & Educator at Independent / Various Collaborations
January 1, 1963 - PresentJoined the American Federation of Musicians in 1963 as a professional musician; Member of The Egyptian Combo (MGM Records). Television & film performance credits include The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, The Merv Griffin Show, The Mike Douglas Show, The Midnight Special, Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert, and numerous music videos. Senior touring/recording member of Stephen Stills & The California Blues Band, as well as Crosby, Stills & Nash. Staff Writer, Gold Hill Music (Stephen Stills): contributed songs to the multi-platinum CSN album Daylight Again; songwriter credit on the CSN Allies album; co-writer with Stephen Stills on Ringo Starr’s Stop and Smell the Roses album. Extensive experience in music production, arranging, artist development, and promotional strategy.
Music Instructor (Guitar & Bass) at Private Studio, Columbia, TN
January 1, 2011 - PresentProvide private lessons in guitar and bass to students of all ages and skill levels. Develop structured teaching methods that emphasize practice discipline, technique, and musicality. Maintain a loyal private clientele while actively expanding the student base in the Columbia, Tennessee area for the past 15 years. Mentor and coach for aspiring musicians, instilling professional habits and confidence.
Performer, Songwriter & Educator at Independent / Various Collaborations
January 1, 1963 - PresentActive performer, songwriter and educator with ongoing work since 1963, including collaborations with Crosby, Stills & Nash and Ringo Starr; appearances on major TV programs such as The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and The Midnight Special.
Music Instructor (Guitar & Bass) at Private Studio, Columbia, TN
January 1, 2011 - PresentProvide private lessons in guitar and bass to students of all ages and skill levels; develop structured teaching methods; mentor aspiring musicians.
Member at American Federation of Musicians (AFM)
January 1, 1963 - PresentJoined AFM as a professional musician in 1963.
Education
Music Scholarship at Southern Illinois University
January 11, 2030 - October 14, 2025Music Studies at Arkansas State University
January 11, 2030 - October 14, 2025Private study in Jazz, theory, and performance at University of Denver
January 11, 2030 - October 14, 2025AFM Membership at American Federation of Musicians
January 1, 1963 - October 14, 2025Music Scholarship at Southern Illinois University
January 11, 2030 - October 14, 2025Music Scholarship at Arkansas State University
January 11, 2030 - October 14, 2025Music Scholarship at University of Denver
January 11, 2030 - October 14, 2025Private study at Private study with iconic Jazz musicians
January 11, 2030 - October 14, 2025Music scholarship at Southern Illinois University
January 11, 2030 - October 14, 2025Music scholarship at Arkansas State University
January 11, 2030 - October 14, 2025Music scholarship at University of Denver
January 11, 2030 - October 14, 2025Qualifications
Member, American Federation of Musicians
January 1, 1963 - October 14, 2025Private study in music theory, composition, and live/studio performance
January 11, 2030 - October 14, 2025AFM Membership
January 1, 1963 - October 14, 2025Music Scholarship (Southern Illinois University)
January 11, 2030 - October 14, 2025Music Scholarship (Arkansas State University)
January 11, 2030 - October 14, 2025Music Scholarship (University of Denver)
January 11, 2030 - October 14, 2025Industry Experience
Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Other
Skills
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
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