Michael has a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance as well as a Master of Music degree in Theory/Composition both from the State University of New York at Fredonia - School of Music. While at Fredonia, Michael gave numerous recitals in both solo as well as collaborative efforts with students and faculty. He was not only a much sought after accompanist for student recitals but was also an award-winning composer. In 2004, Michael was awarded the Annual Gamba Award for best composition of the year by a School of Music student for his work Variations for Clarinet and String Quartet. In 2005, the Florestan Recital Project began its residency with SUNY Fredonia and Michael was selected as an accompanist. He also, at this time, worked as the assitant manager to the newly constructed Juliet J. Rosch Recital Hall in Mason Hall at SUNY Fredonia while pursuing his double masters degree.
      In the Spring of that same year, along with collaborators Christian Capocaccia and David L'Hommedieu, he produced and performed in a 20th century music concert featuring the works of Copland, Ives, Bartok and Lutoslawski among others. His primary teachers were Sean Duggan and Phyllis East in piano and Karl Boelter and Donald Bohlen in Composition.
      Other teachers Michael has worked with through guest artist visits and master classes include Samuel Adler, Leslie Bassett, Joseph Schwantner, Dana Wilson and Marilynn Shrude at SUNY Fredonia as well as Don Freund and John Beall while attending the Brevard Music Center Composition Program over the summer of 2005. Upon the completion of his degrees after two years of graduate studies, Michael held a private studio of 21 piano students in Columbus, Ohio. While in Ohio, he performed at Graves Piano and Organ and on the Piano Lessons in Your Home, Inc. Concert Series on two occasions. Recently, he performed a solo recital with works by Bach, Beethoven and Brahms at St. Patrick's Church in Juno Beach and was featured on Classical Variations with Joanna Marie broadcast on South Florida's public radio, WXEL. He also performed at Palm Beach Atlantic University with Jacob DiEdwardo (horn) in sonatas by Beethoven and Hindemith.
      Michael currently resides in Royal Palm Beach, Florida and holds a private piano studio with over 25 students. He also teaches several students at the Jupiter Academy of Music and continues to write and perform while enjoying his role as a music educator.
For more information on his compositions please visit the "compositions" page.