ABOUT
The concept behind Dassios mouthpieces
My work as a mouthpiece maker is grounded in a simple idea: there is no ideal mouthpiece.
Every player brings a unique physical structure, musical background, and artistic intention to the instrument, and rather than chasing a single solution, my focus is on developing setups that offer comfort, reliability, and consistency for the individual—conditions that allow musicians to spend less energy managing equipment and more time shaping sound and musical intent. I approach mouthpiece making as an ongoing process of learning, informed by working closely with players at different stages and within different musical communities, listening carefully and refining ideas through real playing situations rather than abstract ideals. The concepts that emerge from this work continue to evolve, shaped by dialogue, experience, and context.
Accessibility has always played an important role in my practice. Early collaborations, including the HMS-Dassios mouthpiece developed with Harknett Musical Services, reinforced my belief that serious artistic tools should remain within reach of dedicated players, without relying on artificial exclusivity or prohibitive pricing. I’m less interested in labels or career milestones than I am in curiosity, dedication, and musical integrity, and I approach each collaboration with the same intent: to help players feel secure enough in their setup that the instrument itself becomes less of a concern.
My work is informed by late twentieth-century North American making traditions that value precision, response, and warmth, alongside an enduring respect for earlier concepts built on clarity, projection, and musical practicality. My musical thinking was shaped early on by figures such as Karey Kaye and Joseph Orlowski, working within the Bonade/Marcellus lineage of North American clarinet playing, alongside the bel canto influence of Max Christie and Joaquin Valdepeñas. I later studied mouthpiece crafting with James Kanter between 2015–2016, with further study in 2020–2021.
At its core, this work is about trust—between player and equipment, and between maker and musician—and the quiet space that trust creates for music to happen.
I genuinely hope we’re able to work together and support the creative direction you’re pursuing.
OUR TEAM
Meet the core members of Dassios Mouthpieces,
A group of artists and professionals whose combined experience supports our work and our global musical community.
Michael
Mazzolin Dassios
Founder, Craftsman, Clarinettist
Michael Dassios is a Canadian clarinettist and mouthpiece maker based in Ottawa, Canada. Raised in a Greek and Italian family in Scarborough, Ontario, his musical outlook blends European cultural roots with a North American professional path—an influence that continues to shape his approach to craft, collaboration, and sound.
Originally enrolled at the University of Toronto in the sciences, Michael shifted fully into music and built an early career as a soloist, orchestral, and chamber musician, performing in a wide range of professional settings alongside leading players and ensembles. His interest in mouthpiece design developed in parallel with this performance work and was shaped through mentorship, formal study, and hands-on experience refining equipment across varied playing environments and musical contexts.
Alongside nearly a decade of service as a clarinettist with the Canadian Armed Forces—performing across Canada in orchestras, chamber groups, and military bands on soprano, E-flat, and bass clarinet—Michael developed a parallel practice in mouthpiece making grounded in reliability, practicality, and musical adaptability.
Today, his work centers on direct collaboration with musicians worldwide, refining ideas through real playing contexts and diverse musical communities. His mouthpieces are used by orchestral players, soloists, educators, freelancers, and advancing students across North America and Europe. His work remains driven by curiosity, travel, dialogue, and a belief that great tools—and great people—should support musical freedom.
Kyle
Justice Orlando
Business Administration and Logistics Officer
Trombonist, Brass Relations
Kyle Orlando is a Canadian trombonist based in Abu Dhabi, where he serves as Second Trombone with the newly established United Arab Emirates National Orchestra. Alongside his performing career, Kyle plays a key role at Dassios Mouthpieces as Operations and Administration Manager, supporting logistics, workflow coordination, and artist relations with clarity, reliability, and precision.
Prior to relocating overseas, Kyle held positions with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and the Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces. His orchestral experience across diverse institutional settings has given him a strong understanding of professional standards, scheduling realities, and the practical demands placed on working musicians—insight that directly informs his contributions behind the scenes at Dassios Mouthpieces.
Kyle earned his Bachelor of Music in Trombone Performance from the University of Toronto, where he won the university’s Concerto Competition, and spent a year studying abroad at the Sibelius Academy, University of the Arts Helsinki in Finland. He later completed an Artist Diploma at the Glenn Gould School of The Royal Conservatory of Music, refining his artistry under world-class mentorship while developing the discipline and structure required for a sustainable international career.
Kyle’s collaboration with founder and craftsman Mike Dassios began during their time in Ottawa, where shared educational roots and a mutual interest in international music-making sparked ongoing conversations about artistry, mobility, and life beyond national borders. Those discussions evolved into a professional partnership grounded in shared values: respect for craftsmanship, clear communication, and long-term thinking. Today, Kyle works closely with Mike to ensure that the operational side of Dassios Mouthpieces supports the same level of care, intention, and consistency found in the instruments themselves.
Known for his calm, methodical approach and strong organizational instincts, Kyle brings a naturally structured, detail-oriented mindset to the team. His ability to manage complex information, track workflows, and anticipate logistical needs allows the creative process to remain focused and uninterrupted—an essential balance within a bespoke, artist-driven workshop.
Beyond music, Kyle is a dedicated student of East Asian languages, currently with particular focus on Japanese and Korean, skills that are especially valuable to our team in international communication and artist relations. He is also an avid traveler and photographer, with a deep appreciation for cultural exchange and visual storytelling.
With his international perspective, organizational strength, and commitment to thoughtful collaboration, Kyle plays an integral role in supporting the growth and global reach of Dassios Mouthpieces.