Michael is a local Ames musician and Iowa State vocal alumni as well. He teaches Voice, Piano and Trumpet and likes to incorporate different genres and stylings into teaching. He graduated in 2011 with his BM in Vocal Performance under Dr. Donald Simonson, and participated in numerous ISU vocal ensembles (Iowa State Singers, Shy of a Dozen, Statesmen) and performances (Masterworks soloist, Guys and Dolls, Sweeney Todd, Die Fledermaus, Madrigal Dinners).
After graduating, Michael lived in Colorado from 2012-’24 playing in numerous musical groups ranging from 3 piece Funk Fusion projects to large wedding ensembles, recording several times to streaming platforms, and along the way diving into Funk, RnB, Rock, Jazz, Gospel, Bluegrass, and even four years in an Allman Brothers tribute project. His diversity is a passion that he hopes to spread to his students, recognizing the value of the many faces of music. Strengths also include improv, theory, composition, and learning music by ear.
Currently he plays music in Ames with Alleygrass and with Erf in Des Moines, sitting in occasionally with other local acts and solo writers’ round events as well. He’s excited to bring his skillset to the table to get his students excited about their instruments and taking in all they can from a diverse world of music!
