About the Company
We are a intimate company based in Berkeley, CA that makes innovative technology for string instruments. Our products let musicians familiar with traditional string instruments (violin, viola, cello, bass, or guitar) use the computer as an extension of their current playing ability. New technology inspires new art, and we hope that our products will enable performers to take their music in directions never before possible.
A portion of each sale is donated to the BEAM Foundation.
Mike Zawitkowski, VP of Marketing/Sales
Mike Zawitkowski is an entrepreneur of music and technology, and V.P. of Marketing/Sales at KMI. Previously, Mike was the client relations specialist for over 500 music companies at IRIS Distribution, and helped found a number of start-ups. Mike has degrees in both Music Business & Management and Music Production & Engineering from Berklee College of Music. As a vocalist and guitarist, Mike continues to perform in the San Francisco Bay Area and is constantly ribbed for being in the top 10 of Poland's version of American Idol so long ago.
Barry Threw, Software Director
Barry Threw is the technologist behind the KMI software experience. He creates rich immersive and interactive media experience by developing systems and tools that combine sound, video, network, and audience interactions. He has a dual major in Music Production & Engineering and Music Synthesis from the Berklee College of Music, as well as a M.F.A. in Electronic Music & Recording Media from Mills College. He also serves as technical manager for the BEAM Foundation.
Michael McHam, Marketing/Sales
Michael McHam works in the marketing and sales department. Like all KMI employees, he is an avid musician. Michael plays guitar and keyboards in several San Francisco-based bands, including 'Flight 502' and 'Growth'. He is often found in his home studio creating music for film and performance pieces with a puppeteer, filmmaker, and writer.
Danishta Rivero, Customer Service & Quality Assurance
Danishta Rivero lends her quality assurance and customer service skills to KMI. She is simultaneously studying Composition with an emphasis in Electronic Music and Recording Media at Mills College. Originally from Venezuela, Danishta also sings, plays the cello (with the K-Bow on occasion), and pretends to be a secret agent.
Connor Lacy, Graphic Designer & Software Developer
Connor pulls double duty as graphics designer and software developer at KMI. He graduated from the University of Virginia where he studied music and digital art, and is currently pursuing an M.F.A. in Electronic Music and Recording Media at Mills College. His down time is spent creating sound-based performance art, interactive installations, building multimedia instruments, and composing both acoustic and electronic music.
Justin Catalana, Electronics
Justin keeps the gear happy as the in-house electronics repair guru while doing R&D on the next big thing at KMI. He has a Bachelors of Science in bioengineering from UC San Diego. Everyone at KMI likes Justin because he is a professional beer brewer.
