Michael Napolitano
From breaking record needles at age three to Blue Man Group to founding Rockness Music — a life built on the joy of music and imagination.
A Musical Life, Start To Now
Michael hails from a vibrant, musical immigrant Italian family in New Jersey, where lively gatherings and playful chaos instilled a deep love of music and physical humor. He was breaking record needles by age three and touring with bands through his twenties.
His career took a turn when he joined Blue Man Group as Assistant to the Music Director — studio work on numerous albums, running a major performing-arts workshop, touring globally, building one-of-a-kind instruments, and designing immersive experiences for stages around the world.
In 2003, Michael collaborated with Blue Man Group's Chris Wink to develop a music program for the Blue School — the spark that became Rockness Music and Michael & the Rockness Monsters. The band has released eight acclaimed studio albums, and their Audible book, Michael & the Rockness Monsters' World Tour, earned significant praise.
Liner Notes
- Started music
- 18 months old
- Influence
- My Daddy!
- Instrument
- Drums
- Favorite band
- Phish
- Rockness song
- A Good Place To Start
What's Next
Michael and his wife Heather Napolitano — CEO and co-founder of Rockness Music — are establishing a non-profit arm of Rockness Music to offer music enrichment classes free to schools and organizations that lack resources or grant funding, while ensuring musicians and educators are paid at fair market rates.
Outside of work, Michael is a devoted husband and dad to two wonderful teenagers who play field hockey. He cooks Italian dishes and cherishes family traditions.
Catch Michael In Action
In a class, at a show, or on tour with the Rockness Monsters.
See Shows & AssembliesOr meet the whole teaching band on the Teachers page.