Ever since Mike got his first guitar at age 11, he has been obsessed with the construction of acoustic instruments. When he first heard the album "Old and in the Way", he fell in love with the mandolin and has dedicated the next decades to learning everything he could about how to play and build this beautiful instrument, reading and studying plans, attending workshops and symposiums.

As a teacher, Mike Rychlik draws from a diverse musical background that includes bluegrass, swing, and rock music.  Citing mandolin heroes ranging from Bill Monroe and Frank Wakefield to David Grisman and Jethro Burns, Mike excels at improvisation and is in-demand as a stage and studio performer in the Washington area music scene.  A talented guitarist as well, Mike is equally adept in acoustic or electric settings whether accompanying singer-songwriters or playing straight-ahead blues.