Mike Tedesco

A young musician’s piano-playing sessions alongside his father in Torrington, Connecticut planted the seeds for a successful performing career that has seen him delight audiences across the country.

Renowned singer-songwriter Mike Tedesco acquired an affinity for legendary music icons, including Billy Joel, Elton John and Hall and Oates, among others growing up in a family of entertainers who exposed him to hits released decades before he was born.

“The funny thing is I started taking piano lessons when I was nine. I didn’t like practicing, I didn’t like playing. I wanted to be a baseball player. It was only baseball,” recalled the 26-year-old performer, who now resides in Bushwick, Brooklyn.

Tedesco applied that same tunnel vision he had as an athlete to his music once he totally abandoned his aspirations of becoming the next Derek Jeter.

His development as a pianist soon gave him the confidence to begin marketing his services to local venues. With a few burnt CDs and business cards in tow, the 16-year-old burgeoning talent was able to score his first gig in his neighboring town of Litchfield, Connecticut.

Tedesco knew right away that playing music would be his lifelong passion and went on to study jazz piano at Hofstra University.

“It’s funny because I never did this with the anticipation that I would make a living off it. I’m still not about that,” said the self-effacing artist, whose ability to manipulate piano keys and sing along to his pieces have earned him immediate recognition.

He soon began playing as both a solo artist and part of band in a variety of venues after his move to Ozone Park and subsequently Bushwick.

One of his favorite haunts includes the beloved hipster hideaway, Pete’s Candy Store in Williamsburg.

Tedesco’s introduction to the Rockaway music scene took place through his encounter with Thai Rock owner Robert Kaskel, who invited him to headline weekend shows at his Beach 92nd Street restaurant.

Rockaway crowds embraced the newbie with open arms, as they started packing the popular beachfront eatery to hear the eclectic showman play popular classics from yesteryear.

“I love Thai Rock and I love the people. There are many reasons why I go back; they make it so welcoming. Robert has given me so many opportunities and he’s one of my favorite people.”

However, Tedesco is much more than a local cover man banging out golden oldies. In fact, in recent years, he’s focused on creating his own material and is already working on releasing his second EP in April, titled “Hardly Recognizable.”

In describing his four-track compilation, Tedesco claimed that it’s his “best effort” to date thanks in large part to the help and guidance he’s received from a number of fellow musicians.

Those who have never seen Tedesco work his magic on a piano or keyboard can sample a taste of the man’s extraordinary skills by looking up his YouTube recording of The Surface. The footage highlights his fluid manipulation of piano keys and an exceptional vocal range.

Down the road, Tedesco hopes to become a prolific songwriter for other artists as well.

“I typically tend to write about my own personal fears and dreams. It’s a lot about love and lost loves,” he told The Wave during a sitdown interview earlier this week. “I try to be as honest and open as possible in my writings.”

His ultimate goal in penning lyrics, added Tedesco, is to be able to connect with people on an emotional level. Ultimately, he’s aware that many of his fans are probably experiencing many of the same general ups and downs he goes through in his daily life.

In the meantime, the industrious performer is continuing to make his devotion to music his life’s work by lining up gigs at restaurants and coffee houses, with his next show scheduled this Sunday at Thai Rock, starting at 6:30 p.m.

So, if you’re in the mood for a melody, Tedesco will have you feeling alright. - The Wave