Mike Stillman began classical piano lessons at age 7 and trumpet at age 9. He picked up bass guitar in high school to form a band with friends who played guitars and drums. Mike made All-State Band in high school, but this accomplishment has no gig-related benefits, as it was on another instrument. During songs with boring bass parts and nice crowds, he sometimes acts as the band's photographer. He's been in bands from high school through college, pausing during grad school. Mike also plays in "The Skinny Ties," a band that performs songs from the early days of Music TeleVision. Mike's brushes with music celebrities include: Cheap Trick guitarist Rick Nielsen hanging at a Chicago bar; the late Brad Delp between BeatleJuice sets; and Joe Buonomo, unofficial Mayor of Waltham.