Metal Mike's METAL Heroes Music Academy

Welcome to Metal Mike's Metal Heroes Music Academy

As Seen In and Heard On These and More ...

Built on the pillars of formal music education and backed by real world track record and experience, we provide world class instruction in heavy metal music through themed camps, retreats, workshops, internet and private lessons as well as intensive 1 or 2 day courses.

So, in case you might not be familiar, who is Metal Mike?

Metal Mike is a metal recording and touring artist, writer, blogger and an expert heavy metal music coach.

Mike has recorded and toured the world several times over with Heavy Metal's elite, has appeared on albums totaling well over a million sold, and is a long standing guitarist to Judas Priest's Rob Halford in the Metal God’s solo endeavor Halford. 

Metal Mike has also taught hundreds of thousands of people internationally via his popular 'Metal For Life' Guitar World column, DVDs, books, music camps and workshops. Outside of The Metal God, Mike has recorded and/or performed with Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden, Axl Rose of Guns N' Roses, Sebastian Bach, Testament, Rudolf Schenker of Scorpions, Geoff Tate of Queensryche and Saturday Night Live's Jim Breuer.

Mike tours internationally as a solo artist, with other metal gods, and has played in over 20+ countries while sharing tours with bands such as Motley Crue, Iron Maiden, Guns N' Roses and Ozzy Osbourne. Mike's touring highlights include playing Madison Square Garden 3 times as well as playing concerts at the Playboy Mansion and the Rock In Rio III Festival in front of 350,000 fans.

Mike has penned 4 guitar instructional books. His metal guitar instructional DVDs are available through Alfred Music Publishing. 

Mike took part in the Randy Rhoads Remembered tribute shows in coordination with the Rhoads family, guitarist themed cruises along Yngwie Malmsteen & Zakk Wylde and has been voted ‘Top 10 Metal Guitarist’ by Europe’s Thrash ‘Em All Magazine.

As a solo artist Mike has toured with or supported Steve Morse, late Ronnie Montrose, Yngwie Malmsteen, Testament, Amon Amarth, Primal Fear, Behemoth, Savatage and Dokken.

Mike’s latest solo releases are The Metalworker and The Metal Squire - Early Battles + 4. In 2017, Legacy/Sony Music has released the ultimate Rob Halford collection - The Complete Albums box set.

Mike's real world experience is built upon the pillars of formal musical education. Metal Mike is a scholarship graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusets.

In 2018, Metal Mike has been inducted into the Metal Hall Of Fame along side Lzzy Hale (Halestorm),  Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big, Talas, David Lee Roth, Sons Of Appolo) and Bill Ward (Black Sabbath).

Now - Let's Rock!

Metal Heroes is fueled by passion for what we do and how we do it.

Our Best Endorsement Comes From Mike's Students! Read Below!    

"I feel like I've learned more in the past 4 lessons than the last couple of years on my own." 

... Greg D., NJ

"I will happily take another 100+ lessons without any thought whatsoever." 

... Matt B., New Zealand

"I'm fortunate to be getting first hand information from the ultimate metal guitar wizard." 

... Rob D., NJ

 "You Don't Have To Be Great To Start, But You Have To Start To Be Great." ... Les Brown

METAL MIKE's ULTIMATE METAL GUITAR RETREAT 

Celebrating 10 Years Of METAL BROTHERHOOD

Check Out Pics From Previous Year HERE

We Are Back For The Biggest Retreat, Yet! 

2 days and 3 nights of non-stop 24/7 Metal guitar!

October 2-4, 2026 - ROCK HILL, NY

2 NIGHTS LODGING, 24-7 METAL GUITAR, SPECIALIZED WORKSHOPS, GUESTS!

EPIC SATURDAY NIGHT BAND JAM & FULL CATERING INCLUDED!

Check Out Our NEW Location - Just Over 1 Hour From New Jersey

PRICING & INFO

Pricing: $759 Shared Accomodation | $859 Private Room (Per Availability)

GOT QUESTIONS? Let Us Know! 

Pre-Register Today - Right HERE!

You'll Get An Information Packet. Pre-Registration Does Not Commit You To Attend.

"Metal Mike puts a lot of effort into the retreat, ensuring a great experience. 3 years in a row. Looking forward to many more."

... Troy Y, NJ

"Great lessons and great people. No egos! Mike, you do a great job bringing in people with excellent attitudes."

... Sam C, PA

"This was my first retreat and it wildly exceeded expectations - great learning, hang-time, guy food, location. Definitely the highlight of my year. Where else can you go to find other guys who know about bands like Wolf, hear great road stories from the man who's lived them, and walk away a better guitar player with a bunch of new friends?"

... Scott K, CA

"The retreat is something I look forward to every year. This last one was my 4th and it's only getting better. The lessons with Metal Mike are great for motivation & becoming better on the guitar. You meet like minded guitarists and Metal fans."

... Rich S, NJ

"In the 48 hours of the retreat, I think my picking hand was moving 24 hours. I really got a lot out of this fun experience."

... Steve V, CO

How Do We Rock This? Check Out A Sample Of Our Schedule.

FRIDAY

4:30 - 5:30pm  – Arrive At Retreat

5:00 – 6:15pm – Check In & Load-In. Check Out Event Room.

6:20pm – Hanging The Flag of Metal

6:30 – 7:45pm – Odin's Feast: Dinner 

8:10 – 9:45pm – Workshop: Battles In The North (Speed & Dexterity)

9:45pm …. Campfire / Free Time

SATURDAY

9:00 – 10:00am – Breakfast

10:30 – 11:45am – Workshop: Under The Serpent Sun

12:00 – 1:15pm – Lunch

1:30 – 3:00pm  – Guitar Giveaway Contest Courtesy of Guitarheads

3:00 – 4:00pm – Free Time 

4:00 – 5:45pm – Saturday Night Full Band Metal Jam

5:45 – 6:30 pm – Guitars of UMGR Family Photo | Free Time

6:30 – 7:45pm – Odin’s Feast: Dinner 

8:00-9:45pm – Saturday Night Full Band Metal Jam 

10:00pm ….. Campfire / Free Time

SUNDAY

9-10am – Breakfast

10:00 - 10:45am – Workshop: The Mechanix – Open Discussion (Motivation, Life, Practice Tips)

10:45 - 12pm – T-shirts, Photos, Certificates Of Completion & Breakdown Of Gear

12:00pm - Lunch & Leave The Retreat

Mike Answers Popular Questions About The Guitar Retreat

#1) I'm Not Sure If I Am Good Enough Of A Player To Attend. I Don't Want To Slow Others Down.

Almost every person that attends my retreat had the same thought at one time. For some, this stopped them from attending for several years - even though they wanted to. Truth is, the playing level at the retreat varies, and this is to your advantage. As long as you can play basic power chords, have the ability to play some scales, and have a positive attitude - you're welcome to attend. When we do group workshops, players play to the best of their ability. This is most important. If you were a super pro, you would not be here. By being surrounded by potentially better players, your playing automatically has the chance to improve. I only accept cool, positive minded rockers, so there is zero judgments. You will always get something from a workshop, even if you can't play all the material, yet. In a group jam, you'll get assigned easier parts, so you can still Metalize. Everyone has something to learn and almost everybody is concerned with their own playing with little time to judge others. Besides, that's non existent. Less experienced players learn a lot from better players, and better players love showing stuff to less experienced players. It works. This is why you attend something like my retreat.

#2) How Do I Know The Retreat Will Help Me Play Better? 

It's nearly impossible for you not to feel more inspired and motivated to practice more when you surround yourself with other cool players. If you practice more, stay focused on the guitar and practice correctly, there is zero chance for you not to improve. I taught 100's of students in-person, and I never met anyone whose fingers were too short, too stubby or whatever to play. We make stuff work. You'll also get advice that is tried and true. I don't teach from theories of how things might look in the real world - I teach you what I found works, what doesn't and hard lessons I learned. While I got my formal degree from Berklee College of Music, I learned (and, stll do) in the trenches of touring, recording and teaching. From hauling amps up beer drenched staircases to playing major venues and biggest Metal festivals across the world, I love sharing with others and making Metal strong for us and the next generation. And you defending the faith is also a piece of it all.

#3) Why Does The Retreat Work? Why Do People Travel Across The US For It?

When I was hosting my Metal Heroes Summer Camps for younger players, I met many parents who used to play in the "heyday", but life happened. They still love Heavy Metal and they wished to get back into it, one day, but they did not know any adult real Metal players to get together with. This was a common theme, which led to my Guitar Retreat. I realized that there are countless adult players who were in bands, played on and off, want to get back at it, or just play in their room, and they all want to connect, hang and jam with other who love the same Metal. By same Metal, we mean Priest, Scorpions, Ozzy, Maiden, Metallica, Accept, and players such as George Lynch, Jake E Lee, Michael Schenker, Glenn Tipton, Randy Rhoads and many, many, more. Since this is the era of my up-bringing and the classic music I also love, it is easy for me to help. Many players are also fans of Halford, and/or my solo work and I love showing them tricks from my arsenal and components of my own style. In addition to workshops, we also do a full band jam, something everyone wished for. The retreat is hugely motivating and it started friendships that are almost like a Metal family. Players inspire each other to write and record songs and they have a group of Metalheads just like them who get it. Everyone looks every year forward to retuning to Defend The Metal Faith.

#4) I Can't Afford It.

There is no doubt that times are challenging for many these days. They are also expensive for us as well, because the costs to put on my retreat have skyrocketed, yet I refuse to just drop the ball on the players who want to rock and I still make it work. I could potentially charge more, but I still keep the rates low, starting at $759 per person. That includes all workshops, lodging and catering! I hear many players who think they can't afford it, but they go out and buy a new guitar, or guitar pedal every 3 months. Remember, new gear gets old quickly - what you learn and experience doesn't! If you put away $100 per month for the retreat til October, you'd have enough. That's 4 fancy coffees per week when you break it down. I am sure there are couple pieces of old gear you have laying around that you no longer use that can be sold. If you are handy, or have special skills (and, everyone is good at something), you can get a side job and pick up a few hundred bucks. The retreat brotherhood is worth it, and so is your still existing passion for playing.

Hope this answered some of your own questions.
Metal For Life.
 

PRIVATE GUITAR MASTERCLASSES WITH METAL MIKE

For guitarists who live in the Tri-State area, or for those who wish to travel, Metal Mike now offers a Private Masterclasses in New Jersey area. Each session lasts between 2 to 4 hours and takes place at a local rehearsal facility. Cost is $110 per hour, plus rehearsal space rental of approx $35 per hr. 

This high level deep dive into all things Metal guitar will help you overcome obstacles, master techniques and provide with inspiration to make great progress with your playing! No age limit, but 2 years playing experience is recommended. 

“MetalHeads! The Master Class with Metal Mike is a great opportunity to learn from one of the industry’s premiere guitarists. Skype is a great tool, but sitting across from Mike was next level. Thanks Mike for helping me “sharpen the axe.”

 … Troy Y, NJ 

“Doing a masterclass with Metal Mike changed the way I look at the fretboard. Today, I see opportunities that didn’t exist before. To say the masterclass was an eye opener would be an understatement. Thank you MM.”

 ... Dave B, NJ 

"Thanks Mike! This was exactly what I needed. I’m thrilled we were able to make this work, and I’m definitely looking forward to the next one." 

... Eric D, NJ

Pre-Register TODAY! Right HERE!

WORDS FROM THOSE WHO ALREADY EXPERIENCED OUR AWESOME EVENTS!  

"These Metal-Heads could not have asked for a more inspirational mentor - the camp was a great experience for our kids, and we could not have put them in better hands than yours, Metal Mike! Thank you so much for a great by job in leading our next Metal generation, providing them with by your insight and experience in the heavy metal music industry and inspiring them to rock!"

... Rob S., NY

Thank you so much for putting this camp together. Mike had a great time with his fellow metal heads and loved learning how to do some of your riffs. Your passion for the genre shows not just in your playing, which is incredible, but also in the way you pass it along."

… Karen P., PA

"Very impressive. In just a few days with Metal Mike, I saw real growth in Oliver's musicianship. Imagine what could be accomplished in a full week. Such great talent!" 

... Timothy B., MA

PRIVATE ONE ON ONE INTERNET LESSONS WITH METAL MIKE

Metal Mike offers Microsoft Teams and Zoom metal guitar lessons to students across the world. This medium is perfect for rockers who live too far to attend Mike's workshops, have no time to commute or simply want to get a new perspective on their playing. Many find out that after watching a hundred of You Tube videos they are still struggling with various aspects of their playing. There is simply no substitute for an instruction with a mentor that has true and tried world experience.

Mike's guitar videos surpassed 3,000,000 views on You Tube and have already helped thousands of guitarists, but to make some serious progress you should consider a personalized action plan where Mike will plan out and overlook your progress.

Price: $50.00 for 30 minutes.

Local Teacher Letting You Down? Use Mike's Real Life Experience To Tie It All Together!

                                                                                                                                          As Seen In                                                                                                                                                                                                         

"Having Metal Mike as a mentor has enhanced my playing ability drastically! He was able to point out my errors immediately and teach me techniques like no other guitarist I have met."

 ... Tony G., NJ

"Mike helped me unlock my playing potential to a whole new level by showing me awesome licks, riffs and usable theory. There is no substitute for seeking face-to-face instruction from a world class player who has recorded and toured the globe with the all time greats." 

... Alex H., NJ

"Thank you for the lesson. I really enjoyed it and got a lot out of it. Already writing riffs that are inspiring me again!"

 ... Chris W., England

"Mike's instruction is a perfect blend of classic training and real world experience." 

... Charles A., MD

 "One quick lesson with Mike has doubled my picking speed." 

... Ben S., NJ

"You are a great inspiration and a source of knowledge." 

... Sebastian S., Argentina

Okay, face it ... if you got this far you are ready for the lesson!

      Ready? OK, book your lesson HERE. 

       We accept Pay Pal which also allows you to use any major credit card.

      WANT TO CHECK OUT A TON OF TRUE & TRIED ADVICE? IT'S FREE!