American born and educated, Mike Rossi is Professor in Jazz and Woodwinds at the South African College of Music, University of Cape Town, South Africa.

He regularly performs at jazz festivals and conducts workshops and master-classes in Africa, Europe and the United States. Rossi is the first recipient of the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Jazz Studies from the New England Conservatory of Music, Boston. Some of his performing and recording credits include appearances with Dave Liebman, Clark Terry, Joe Williams, Tony Bennett, Anthony Weller, Lou Rawls, Rob McConnell, Bill Prince, George Russell, Micu Narunsky, Jay Ashby, Lou Fischer, Jim Repa, John Baboian, Bob Snicrope, Bill Watrous, Aretha Franklin, Rosemary Clooney, Herbert Joos, Jurgen Brauninger, The Boston Big Band, The Artie Shaw Orchestra, The African Jazz Pioneers, Alec Dankworth, Jack van Poll, Hein van de Gyn, Mike Campbell, Winston Mankunku, Barney Rachabane, Johnny Fourie and Carlo Mombelli.

Rossi presently serves as President of SAJE (South African Association for Jazz Education) following three terms as Secretary and is a member of JEN and IASJ.