Michael started playing drums when he was seven years old. His teacher quickly introduced him to jazz, highlighting great drummers such as Tony Williams, Roy Haynes, and Art Blakey.
Throughout high school, Michael played in as many groups as he could, including the Atlanta Youth Jazz Orchestra and the Georgia State University Jazz Band.
In high school, Michael also began playing with Triple Point Jazz Trio, which gigs around the Atlanta area. He has been playing with the group since their formation in September of 2004.
Michael has won many awards, including the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts’ Recognition and Talent Search for Jazz Percussion, Clifford Brown/Stan Getz Fellowship, Atlanta Federation of Musicians Scholarship, Woody Herman Jazz Award, and the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award.
In his years of drumming, Michael has had the honor of playing with many jazz greats, including Victor Goines, Bill Watrous, Joe Grandsen, Jim Rotondi, Sam Skelton, David Sánchez, Jim Snidero, Rufus Reid, and David Hazeltine. Michael has studied under Jerry Bergonzi, Billy Hart, Bob Moses, Victor Goines, Billy Degnats, David Baker, Gordon Vernick, Justin Varnes, John Riley, Jason Tiemann, and Dan Haerle.
Currently, Michael attends New England Conservatory of Music and Tufts University in the 5-year, dual-degree program. He is studying under Billy Hart, Bob Moses, George Garzone, and Jerry Bergonzi.
Michael is a Bosphorus Cymbals artist.
