Michael’s journey started as a classical clarinetist. He did his advanced study at the University of Western Ontario in London and Northwestern University in Chicago. Michael received a Canada Council grant for performance study to study at the Guildhall School of Music in London, England in 1981.
He has been an Assistant Professor of Music at both Laurentian University and the University of Victoria.
As a professional clarinetist, he has been a member of Orchestra London Canada and the Pacific Wind Quintet in Victoria, and been broadcast many times on CBC Radio performing with many of Canada’s finest musicians.
As a conductor, he founded and led the Laurentian University Jazz Ensemble and the University of Victoria Wind Symphony. He has guest conducted the Toronto Philharmonia and is the founding Music Director of La Jeunesse Youth Orchestra.