Mike Arturi

Drummer, Educator, Public Speaker

Mike Arturi is a lifelong professional musician and music lover. Mike has toured, performed, and/or recorded with numerous internationally acclaimed artists including Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, and Del Shannon. A full list is below! Since 1996 Mike has been a full time member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee band, The Lovin’ Spoonful. Mike continues to rock with the band in the present day.

In addition to touring, Mike is passionate about sharing his love for music and the lessons that can be learned on stage and in the practice room. Through live public speaking, recorded interviews, one-on-one educating, personal mentoring, music integration, and live performance, Mike shares his lifetime of experience in order to encourage others in whatever they are taking on in life. Mike endeavors to help others achieve goals and offers tools that support the processes to success.

Mike is an active national artist for the John F. Kennedy Center’s Turnaround Arts, a program which brings the arts to underserved and economically challenged schools in America. Mike provides music programs and drum circles to help improve school and student performance, and studies have shown significant positive impacts. Mike also serves as a teaching artist for the COMPAS organization of Minnesota. Mike is the Executive Director of Universal Music Center, an all-inclusive music school he founded in Red Wing, Minnesota.

Endorsements

I have known Mike since 1979. I was introduced to him by Bill Ludwig III (Ludwig Drums) at a Starship gig I was playing in Indiana. We have been the best of friends ever since.

He always was and always will be a diligent compassionate man who works on a project until he gets it right and then…look out!

Mike is always bright, cheerful, and very positive with everything he does, whether it is looking after his family or doing work on his drums. I love the GUY!

Mike Arturi is a dedicated professional. He performs all over the country and parts of the world with nationally known artists yet he continues to work at improving his craft. I first met Mike many years ago when he came to my studio in Los Angeles CA for private study. Through the years we have become friends. I am always impressed with the level of sophistication in the areas of his drumming Mike chooses to focus on. He’s never interested in “fancy licks” but rather seeks a higher more refined level of information only a dedicated professional would look for. Mike is also a good man with a kind heart.

Mike,

I always enjoy your drumming and the professionalism you showed for your craft. I like the way small things are important to you, as well as the bigger things. You weren’t happy unless thing were done the right way, and I always liked that. Plus, you’re a nice guy. Rock on!

Thank you again for another fabulous visit at Bethune on Wednesday. Your investment in this program and what it does for kids has been so generous and valuable to us. I know you are busy, and yet you are all in every time you are at a school or doing something with Turnaround Arts.

Mike, in our almost decade-long friendship I have come to count on a few things: Your unflagging positive spirit and quick laugh, your generous giving of time to work on musical concepts, a scholar’s view of all things groove, and the most transcendent quality that you share with the other great musical thinkers in my life: a deep desire to lift the bandstand.

I’ve known Mike Arturi and had the pleasure of his playing the drums in my band, The Lovin Spoonful since 1996. Not only is his drumming first rate, but his attention to all aspects of his job with us is equally first rate. Talented, dependable and first to take on tasks not normally required in his job is Mike’s hallmark. We have also become good friends over the years and combined with his performance on the job, I would recommend Mike Arturi highly in any situation.

I had the pleasure of meeting Mike Arturi in the late 1970’s while he was performing with an Elvis Presley tribute band, which was really more of a perfect Elvis impersonation by singer Rick Saucedo. Rick was such a perfectionist in recreating the Elvis show, he put an amazing band together to back him and Mike’s drumming was driving the show. I was so impressed with Mike as a musician and person, I signed him as a Ludwig endorser. At the time, most endorsers were with major recording acts but I saw in Mike a huge amount of talent and passion which is monumental in an endorsement. After getting to know Mike I also discovered his teaching abilities. Mikes career out grew the Elvis show, and he went on to tour and record with many top names, as well as doing educational clinics for Ludwig. He took part in 3 large endorser advertisements Ludwig presented over the years as well as attended many conventions representing the company. I am proud to call him a friend.

Through the years I’ve really enjoyed my relationship with Mike Arturi. He is a consummate pro as a musician and a great person as well. We go way back to my early days with my band Survivor, he was always on the short list as a potential drummer. His professionalism in business always impressed me and I have no doubt he will make a difference with his new school.

I have been fortunate enough to play with some of the greatest musicians on the planet here in the states and abroad in Europe.

Mike Arturi is definitely one of those musicians. A man full of musical passion, dedicated to his craft. He is honest and full of integrity. I was honored to tour the US with him. Mike’s drumming was a huge part of my latest CD. It is a joy to work with someone with his work ethics which are not only professional but incredibly inspiring.

I highly recommend his talent and visions.

I have known and worked with Mike Arturi for over 3 decades and the words “Consummate Professional” hardly do him justice.

We have worked together in the recording industry on many recording sessions over the years and Mike’s reputation has always preceded him. His honesty, authenticity, total commitment and determination to serve any situation to the best of his ability has always shone through plus his passion and attention to detail for his art and craft are second to none.

Mike Arturi is someone I can always count on, someone who always delivers, and a musician and friend I have the highest regards for.

He comes with the greatest credentials and abilities and my personal recommendation.

Mike’s always been a consummate professional, a fine musician and a great friend. He always serves the music in whatever style he plays and really, a nicer guy you cannot find.

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Musicians

Artists Mike has toured, recorded, and/or performed with.
*HOF* denotes Rock and Roll Hall of Fame membership

  • The Lovin’ Spoonful (HOF)
  • Chuck Berry (HOF)
  • Bo Diddley (HOF)
  • Gary Lewis and the Playboys
  • Head East
  • Badfinger
  • Robbie Krieger (The Doors) (HOF)
  • The Coasters (HOF)
  • The Drifters (HOF)
  • The Platters (HOF)
  • The Diamonds
  • Del Shannon (HOF)
  • Dick Clark Rock & Roll Revival Tours
  • Martha Reeves (HOF)
  • Freddie Cannon
  • The Crystals
  • The Marvelettes
  • The Shirelles (HOF)
  • Leslie Gore
  • The Angels
  • Jerry Springer

Organizations

Universal Music Center

Universal Music Center

Mike Arturi is the founder and Executive Director of Universal Music Center, a music school dedicated to high quality continuous music training through traditional and contemporary techniques, for all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.

Turnaround Arts

Turnaround Arts

Mike is an active national artist for the John F. Kennedy Center’s Turnaround Arts, a program which brings the arts to underserved and economically challenged schools in America.

Artist Response Team

Artist Response Team

Mike is an active member of the Artist Response Team in Red Wing, MN. This program was developed to support and foster all forms of art and artistry in the continually changing economic environment.

COMPAS

COMPAS

Mike is an active artist for COMPAS, an organization in which professional Teaching Artists work alongside students, teachers, older adults, hospital patients, teens, and just about any other community member to spark their imaginations and infuse their lives with creativity.