A graduate of Berklee College of Music, (B.M. Composition) and Carnegie Mellon University, (M.M. Composition) Michael has been composing, performing, and teaching for more than 20 years.  He currently teaches Theory/Composition, Guitar, Electric Bass and Piano, and was a part-time faculty member at Carnegie Mellon University where he taught Music Theory, and Form & Analysis.  Michael has also taught Music History for the CMU Pre-College Program. 

His compositions reflect an individual style and technique, not remaining tied to one particular genre.  His works include Classical, Jazz Fusion, and Rock, as well as combining elements and techniques from these three styles.  The unique approach to harmonic movement, harmony/melody relationships, odd time signatures, and polymeters brings forth new twists and turns, at times bordering on Avant-Garde.

Examples of Michael’s music can be heard at:

http://www.myspace.com/ofbirthanddeath