Last summer I was looking for a special camp setting for my musician teenage son. I had researched for weeks so I couldn't believe my luck finding Metal Heroes Music Academy summer camp. I learned that "Metal" Mike Chlasciak is the real deal, having recorded and toured with Rob Halford, a alumnus of Berklee College of Music and a sponsored artist of Jackson Guitars. Meeting Mike I was assured my son was in good hands. Outside of Mike's "metal" persona is the most down-to-earth, generous and caring camp director you could ask for, his entire crew included. The Metal Heroes camp was exactly what my son could only dream of: an authentic metal music experience. I highly recommend this extraordinary camp, not to be missed!” - Liz Livingstone, New Jersey

PROUDLY POWERED BY

 



 

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 guitar instructional books and metal guitar instructional DVDs available internationally through Alfred Music Publishing. 

Mike has been recently taking part in the Randy Rhoads Remembered tribute shows in coordination with the Rhoads family, the Axes & Anchors guitar cruise 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 #1 app for internet lessons recently took notice and gave Metal Heroes major thumbs up ...

"We feel if anyone can get the new metalheads to play together, it's you!"        

How About 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


NEW FEATURE! 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. 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!

 


 

METAL HEROES SUMMER COLLECTIVE

 2024 DATE - TBA SOON!

Check Out Some Of Our Pics HERE!

Metal Mike's Metal Heroes Summer Collective is designed to get younger Heavy Metal musicians into a small performing group setting. This program features 2 nights and 3 days filled with world class Heavy Metal instruction, friends, BBQs, campfires, lessons, guests and hell of a good time spent with your musician tribe. Open to drums, guitar and bass. Learn to write and perform original songs with Metal Mike. Located at Slide Mountain Forest House Resort in Big Indian, NY. 

"Dylan had an absolute blast. Thanks for all you do to support him."

... Jessica D., NJ

"My son really responded to you. More so than any other teacher he had in the past. Thank you for organizing the weekend and for bringing everyone together."

... Nora H., NY

"Alex had a great time at the Collective and he always plays his guitar in his downtime. I'm so glad he was able to connect with you and learn from you."

... Linda R., NJ

Are you serious? Dedicated? Think you are up for studying with Mike?

Let Us Know Below!

$775 Per Person | $550 Spectator

Pre-Register TODAY - Right HERE!

How Do We Rock This? 

Check Out Our 2023 Schedule

TUESDAY 

4:00 - 5:15pm – Arrive At Summer Collective!

5:15 – 6:00pm – Check In & Check Out The Practice Room / Load-In

6:15 - 6:25pm – Hanging The "Flag Of Metal"

6:30 – 8:00pm – Dinner / BBQ

8:20 – 9:30pm – Workshop 1: “The  Painkiller”

Developing Your Coordination, Speed and Dexterity. Instructor: Metal Mike

10:00pm - Campfire / Free Time

WEDNESDAY 

9:00 – 10:00am – Breakfast

10:15 - 10:45 - Group Exercise Walk

11:00 – 12:00pm – Workshop 2: “Give 'Em The Axe”

Ideas & Tricks For Builing & Orchestrating Heavy Guitar Riffs. Instructor: Metal Mike

12:00 – 1:15pm – Lunch

1:30 – 3:30pm – Workshop 3: Group Band Songwriting Jam with Metal Mike

4:00 – 6:00pm – Workshop 4: Group Band Songwriting Jam with Metal Mike

6:00 – 6:30pm – Free Time

6:30 – 8:30pm – Dinner / BBQ

8:30 - 9:30pm – Workshop 5: Music Biz & Life Lessons / Open Jams with Metal Mike

10:00pm - Campfire / Free Time

THURSDAY 

9 - 10am – Breakfast

10am – Photos, Certificates Of Completion & Prize Contest.

12:00pm – Leave Summer Collective

                                                                             


 

METAL MIKE's ULTIMATE METAL GUITAR RETREAT 2024

You Came Out In 2023 - We Are Back & Louder In 2024!

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

November 1-3, 2024

$650 per person all inclusive

2 NIGHTS LODGING, 24-7 METAL GUITAR, BBQs, HOT SAUCE, CRAFT BEER!

SLIDE MOUNTAIN FOREST HOUSE RESORT, BIG INDIAN, NY

Pre-Register Today - Right HERE!

"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 Our Sample Schedule.

FRIDAY

5:00 - 6:00pm – Arrive At Retreat

6:00 – 6:30pm – Check In & Check Out The Practice Room/ Load-In

6:35 – Hanging The Flag of Metal

6:45 – 8:00pm – Odin's Feast: Dinner / BBQ

8:30 – 9:30pm – Workshop: One Shot At Glory (Synch & Warm-Up)

10:00pm …. Campfire / Free Time

SATURDAY

9:00 – 10:00am – Breakfast

10:30 – 11:30am – Workshop: The Dark Ride

12:00 – 1:15pm – Lunch

1:30 – 2:45 – Going Over Song Parts and Soloing Options

2:34 – 4:00 – Free Time 

4:00 – 5:45 – Guitarheads.net Visit with Wayne & Jamie | Jam #1

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

6:30 – 8:30 – Odin’s Feast: Dinner / BBQ

8:30-9:30 – Saturday Night Metal Jam 

10:00 ….. Campfire / Free Time

SUNDAY

9-10am – Breakfast

10-11am – Workshop: The Mechanix – Open Discussion (Motivation, Life, Practice Tips)

11-12pm – Photos, Certificates Of Completion & More

12:30-1:00pm – Leave Retreat

Check Out Our 2022 & 2023 Pics 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 GUITAR LESSONS WITH METAL MIKE

 

Metal Mike offers Skype 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, click HERE and tell us about yourself first.

    Then, simply 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!

 

 

 

WHAT'S NEXT FOR METAL HEROES?

Previous events

Metal Mike's Ultimate Metal Guitar Retreat is designed for adult players who have work and family commitments, but are still dedicated to working on their guitar playing. Attendees dive into all things metal guitar 24/7 while attending Metal Mike's workshops and check out special guest visit. Additionally enjoy BBQs, band jams, campfires and craft beer while soaking the scenery of the majestic Catskill mountains of up-state New York. Always a packed house for this event, so plan early.

Metal Mike's Ultimate Metal Guitar Retreat is designed for adult players who have work and family commitments, but are still dedicated to working on their guitar playing. Attendees dive into all things metal guitar 24/7 while attending Metal Mike's workshops and check out special guest visit. Additionally enjoy BBQs, band jams, campfires and craft beer while soaking the scenery of the majestic Catskill mountains of up-state New York. Always a packed house for this event, so plan early.

Metal Mike's Ultimate Metal Guitar Retreat is designed for adult players who have work and family commitments, but are still dedicated to working on their guitar playing. Attendees dive into all things metal guitar 24/7 while attending Metal Mike's workshops and check out special guest visit. Additionally enjoy BBQs, band jams, campfires and craft beer while soaking the scenery of the majestic Catskill mountains of up-state New York. Always a packed house for this event, so plan early.

CHECK OUT A SAMPLE LESSON 1

257,000+ fans checked out Mike's Mega-Licks Lesson

CHECK OUT A SAMPLE LESSON 2