Mike Risko

Mike Risko is an educator, author, retailer, and professional guitarist whose career has been defined by a passion for sharing the joy of music making. After purchasing his first guitar — a Les Paul earned through long hours cutting neighbors’ grass and shoveling snow — Mike began playing in garage bands before performing with local wedding groups, experiences that allowed him to develop versatility across many musical styles. He soon discovered a love for teaching, offering private lessons and cultivating a distinctive instructional approach that later became the foundation for several popular method books. In 1995, Mike co-founded Mike Risko Music in Ossining, New York with his wife Miriam, building a community-centered business that provides lessons, group classes, camps, retail services, rentals, and instrument repair. The organization has been recognized multiple times as a NAMM Top 100 Dealer and has earned numerous Best of Westchester honors. Deeply committed to arts advocacy, Mike has supported local educational programs and community initiatives, continually working to make music accessible to musicians of all ages and abilities.