Steve Vai at the Regent Theatre, Melbourne 
photo by Tim Cashmere
Steve Vai has received an honorary doctorate from the Musician`s Institute. He is now a Doctor of Music.
Vai received his doctorate in true rock and roll style, not at a school, but at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles.
Speaking at the ceremony, Beth Marlis, the Vice President of Eductaion for the institute said, “Steve Vai has not only inspired countless musicians around the world and played a major role in the evolution of modern rock guitar, he also embodies MI’s ideal of the artist-educator who combines relentless pursuit of his creative vision with a sense of responsibility for mentoring the next generation.”
49-year old Steve Vai was only 19 when he wrote to Frank Zappa. Zappa hired him for his band and the Steve Vai music career was underway.
He has also played in bands with David Lee Roth and Whitesnake.
Vai is a video game veteran. He featured in the Playstation game ‘Formula One’ in 1996 and ‘Erotic Nightmares’ in 1998.
You may recognize Steve Vai from such movies as ‘Crossroads’, and ‘Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey’. In ‘Crossroads’ he was the demon possessed guitarist Jack Butler who is beat I a guitar duel by Ralph Macchio.
When Steve Vai isn’t being Steve Vai, guitar hero he is Steve Vai, beekeeper (seriously).
He is married to Pia Maiocco from Vixen, They have two children.
