Mike Kent

Mike Kent is a music technology engineer and strategist whose career has helped shape the evolution of electronic instruments, digital audio, and industry standards. A lifelong synthesizer enthusiast and trumpet player, Mike began his professional journey with Roland Corporation, where he spent more than thirty years in international roles spanning research and development, product innovation, commercial A/V, and strategic technology partnerships. During his tenure, he helped establish licensing agreements that brought Roland’s General MIDI sounds to major platforms such as QuickTime, Microsoft Windows, and Nintendo, supporting the widespread adoption of standardized instrument sounds across software and gaming environments. Mike is Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of AmeNote Inc., where he focuses on advancing MIDI 2.0, USB, networking, and digital audio technologies while helping bridge emerging standards with real-world applications. He also serves as Chair of the MIDI 2.0 Working Group for the MIDI Association and chairs the USB MIDI Working Group for the USB Implementers Forum, collaborating with manufacturers and developers to support the next generation of musical expression. Known for combining technical expertise with practical insight, Mike remains committed to fostering tools and standards that empower musicians, engineers, and developers in an ever-evolving digital landscape.