Proficiency, creativity, and professionalism have defined Mike Sands’ career since the age of 10, when he first picked up a guitar in his hometown of Okotoks. By the time he graduated high school, he had already signed a record deal with his band Tainted Euphoria and was performing regularly. His pursuit of musical excellence led him to Grant MacEwan University in Edmonton, where he graduated from the highly competitive performance program.
From there, Mike became a driving force in the heavy metal band All Else Fails, recording award-winning albums and touring extensively across Canada, the United States, and even India. Along the way, he expanded into diverse genres—rock, country, blues, pop, and jazz—working with award-winning artists such as Brayden King, Matt Blais, and Michela Sheedy, and sharing the stage with icons like Blue Rodeo and Willie Nelson. Today, Mike is one of Alberta’s most in-demand session guitarists, performing more than 130 shows each year and recording on world-class stages and in studios across the country.
Equally dedicated to teaching, Mike brings over 20 years of experience as one of Okotoks’ top instructors. He tailors his lessons to each student, whether they’re strumming their first chords, refining their skills for an upcoming performance, or diving deep into theory, improvisation, and ear training. His teaching philosophy blends the excitement of learning full songs with the discipline of formal training, helping students build confidence, versatility, and a lifelong love of music.
Whether on stage, in the studio, or in the lesson room, Mike’s passion and commitment to music continue to inspire the next generation of musicians.
For more information on lessons, please visit Rock Academy
