Mike Arturi Inspires Students with Drumming and Life Lessons
Mike Arturi, the drummer of the Lovin’ Spoonful, took to the stage at Red Wing High School recently, not just to talk about his illustrious career but to drop some real knowledge on the next generation of musicians. His performance included two drum solos, but the heart of the event was in his candid discussion about the music biz.
“The key to it is you, and what’s inside you,” Arturi told the students. He encouraged them to trust their instincts and to really dig deep into their personal experiences as they navigate their own paths.
Arturi wasn’t there to bask in nostalgia; he was there to provide guidance for those looking to enter the industry. He reflected on his own journey, from childhood drum lessons to playing in LA studios. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. He spoke about facing crossroads and setbacks, like the time he was thrilled to join a band called Lightwood, only to be dropped after two rehearsals. “My three beats lasted two rehearsals,” he joked. Brutal.
After studying music performance at Triton College in Illinois, Arturi had opportunities to further his education with scholarship offers from Northwestern and Northern Illinois University. Instead, he dove headfirst into the LA studio scene, working alongside legends like Robby Krieger from the Doors. In retrospect, he wishes he had stuck with school a bit longer. “I left after two years with just a base knowledge,” Arturi shared. “I kind of got my master’s degree from the school of hard knocks.”
Today, he’s passing on that hard-earned wisdom at Universal Music Center in Red Wing, where he teaches younger musicians the ropes. During the assembly, a student asked about collaborating, and Arturi was quick to offer an invitation: “I’ll play with you. We can jam. Take my card. Take me up on it.”
His advice? Simple but effective. “If you’re serious about this and want to make a run at music, learn the craft. Learn notation, learn music theory, go to school, get a degree,” he stressed, noting the dwindling number of local venues where bands can even perform.
Arturi reminisced about a time when clubs would hire bands for five nights straight. He sees a familiar spirit in today’s young musicians but acknowledges things have changed. “We had to pick that needle up and down off the record, learning those songs. Now, you just go to these apps and get the whole thing mapped out,” he pointed out.
But what Arturi really wanted to communicate transcends just music. “It’s not about my career or my drumming; it’s about the decisions you can guide your life with,” he concluded. Wise words from a guy who’s been around the block a few times. Remember, it’s about the grind, the passion, and above all, the journey.
For more on music education and industry insights, check out Universal Music Center.