Mike Strausbaugh

Hey there, I'm Mike Strausbaugh, and let me tell you, my life has been one wild ride through the world of music. You see, I'm not just your average guitar teacher—I'm a musical maestro on a mission to spread the transformative power of music far and wide.

From the outside, you might see me as a Music Mentor, former College Professor, and even a Guitar Ninja—I've certainly picked up a few tricks along the way. I've had the honor of gracing the TEDx stage (TEDxCSULB, Nov 2022), earned accolades as an Award-Winning Composer, and hey, I've even collected three Master's degrees in Music Composition, Jazz Studies, and Classical Guitar.

But let me let you in on a little secret: behind all those fancy titles lies a story of resilience and unwavering courage. You see, I've been battling Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID), a relentless immune deficiency disease, for as long as I can remember. From early battles with hemolytic anemia to more hospital visits than I care to count, my journey has been anything but easy. But through it all, music has been my rock, my solace, and my guiding light.

Diagnosed at 36, I made a choice—to let my illness define me or to redefine myself on my own terms. And let me tell you, I chose the latter. I embarked on a remarkable journey of renewal, reclaiming my identity as a musician and educator. With grit and determination, I earned those three Master's degrees, rediscovering the joy of music every step of the way.

Now, I'm on a mission to share that joy with the world. As the visionary behind Sträusbaügh Guitar and Music Academy, I've created a sanctuary for aspiring musicians—a place where technique meets passion and creativity knows no bounds. Here, we don't just learn to play the guitar; we become true musicians, forging a deep connection with music that goes beyond the notes on the page.

So, if you're ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery through music, then I'm your guy. Let's make some magic together.