Every once in a while, a piece of music history resurfaces. This time, it comes straight from the Musicians Institute archives. We recently uncovered a rare, unpublished video of Don Mock at Musicians Institute. Mock, one of MI’s original guitar faculty members, performed an incredible solo that captures his technical mastery and signature style.
For longtime fans, this clip is a nostalgic look back at the early days of MI. For newer students and aspiring musicians, it’s a powerful glimpse into the roots of modern guitar education in Hollywood.
Watch the full video here: Don Mock Rare Performance at Musicians Institute
Who Is Don Mock?
Don Mock is not only an amazing guitarist, but a cornerstone of Musicians Institute’s history. As one of the first instructors at the original Guitar Institute of Technology (GIT), which later became Musicians Institute, Mock helped design the foundation of MI’s world-class guitar education. His teaching inspired generations of guitarists who went on to perform, record, and teach around the world.
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Don Mock with students of Guitar Institute of Technology
Mock’s playing style combined jazz, fusion, and rock influences. His fluid phrasing and deep understanding of theory made him one of the most respected educators in the guitar community. During his time at MI, Mock mentored countless students and helped shape a teaching philosophy that still defines the school today: blending technical skill, creativity, and real-world application.
The newly uncovered footage offers a look at Don Mock in his element. His tone, touch, and phrasing highlight why he remains such a respected name among professional players. This video is more than just a performance. It captures a moment in MI’s early history, when a small group of dedicated musicians came together in Hollywood to build a new kind of music school.
For students and alumni, it’s a reminder that every lesson, jam session, and performance at MI is part of a much larger legacy.
Carrying the Torch at Musicians Institute
While the industry has evolved, the innovative spirit that Don Mock helped create is still alive at Musicians Institute.
Today’s MI instructors include world-class musicians, producers, and industry professionals who bring their real-world experience into the classroom. Students learn how to combine technical mastery with creativity and career development.
Whether you study Guitar, Bass, Vocals, or Music Production, MI offers the same kind of immersive, hands-on training that Mock helped pioneer. The goal is the same now as it was then: to help musicians reach their full potential.
Watch the Full Don Mock Performance
This archival video is a piece of MI’s history. We are proud to share it with our community of students, alumni, and music fans around the world.
Watch Don Mock’s performance here on our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsbuOGJ5na4
And also, be sure to subscribe to MI’s YouTube channel for more exclusive performances, interviews, and videos from our archives!