About Michael Knapp
Artist Bio
Michael Knapp is an American multi-instrumentalist performer and recording artist. He provides professional musical entertainment, recording, teaching, songwriting, arranging, and production, as well as marketing services for musicians, bands, and singers. Mike loves to perform the classic hit tunes that people love from pop, rock, blues, jazz, and country. Experienced in several genres of music, he also enjoys composing his own original distinctive style of contemporary instrumental piano music.
Mike grew up in a musical family who were all professional musicians that played stage shows and other venues. His family opened a country music show in Branson, MO in the late 1960’s. Mike first began playing in the “family band” at the age of 12. He has played keyboards, guitars, drums, bass and other instruments professionally for over 30 years. Performing around the country in concerts, stage shows, fairs, festivals, colleges, churches, clubs, private and corporate events, he has a wealth of professional experience. And notably, Mike has toured and performed with Grand Ole Opry legends such as Leroy Van Dyke, Stonewall Jackson, and Billy Walker.
A New Instrumental Focus
Mike has recorded several albums that feature him performing and singing original songs. Though a published songwriter, he felt he was an average singer, so he decided to record his first instrumental album, “Out Of Darkness,” in 2016. It was born out of a need to help him process personal pain and loss through creative expression. Mike was suffering serious health problems, further complicated by Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and family crisis. The music from the project became an avenue of hope and healing in his life.
The Out of Darkness project represents a new direction for his musical art. Though he is an accomplished lyricist and songwriter, he is currently focusing on performing and composing instrumental music. As a recording producer and musician Mike has produced many projects for artists, bands, corporations, schools, and churches throughout his life. So he is enjoying being able to focus now on producing his own music. He composes, arranges, performs and produces all the instrumental parts in his songs.
Mike is a firm believer that music has great influence in our lives, impacting our psyche and lifestyle. So he creates music with the simple aim to help others enjoy and celebrate life.
Live Performance
Hello! My name is Michael Knapp, and I am a professional pianist living at Lake of the Ozarks in south central Missouri. I have played piano professionally for 30+ years and have performed with national and regional acts, as well as on stage shows around the country. I would really like the opportunity to perform at your event or establishment.
I offer a solo act using high-quality accompaniment tracks, providing a variety of music covering the big classic hits that people love from pop, rock, blues, jazz, and country genres. I can also perform using only improvisational music for establishments not carrying ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC licensure.
To schedule engagements, you can contact me by phone (573-836-3666) or via email (mike@mikeknappmusic.com). You can also use the contact page here on my website. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you!
Best,
Michael Knapp