Michael grew up on California’s Central Coast and began playing trombone at the age of 12. In 1981, Michael was awarded a BA degree in Performance (trombone) from CSU,  Chico, then went on to CSU, Long Beach for Post Grad studies in Commercial Music. Michael was active in the LA/OC music scene until he relocated to Ventura in 1994.  Groups that Michael has worked with include The Yachtsmen, Windmill Orchestra, The Dukes of Rhythm, LA Jazz Workshop, Swing Shift, Ojai Big Band, Ventura Jazz Orchestra, and Soul Expressions. Michael has shared the stage with the likes of George Burns, Harvey Korman, Tim Conway, Jimmy Stewart, Carole Burnett, Hal Linden… During recent years, Michael has freelanced in big bands, pit orchestras, church orchestras, brass ensembles, Dixieland bands, blues bands, and is currently a member of Mezcal Martini (Latin Jazz) and The Renegades (funk/old school rock). Hobbies include surfing, hiking, 4-wheeling, and billiards.

Michael has been in the music industry (retail/wholesale) for nearly 4 decades. Most recently, he was the Regional Sales Manager for Eastman Music Company, covering the territory of California, Nevada, and Hawaii. Before joining Eastman, Michael was the Pacific South Division Manager for Buffet Crampon USA for 8 ½ years, covering the same territory. Prior to that, Michael spent 9 ½ years with Nick Rail Music (Store Manager), 11 years with Boosey & Hawkes (District Manager), and 6 ½ years with Anaheim Band Instruments (Store Manager). Michael still resides in Ventura, CA and has three children, ages 29, 26, and 15.

“My oldest memory of the music industry is Nick Rail visiting our high school band; he was our Educational Sales Representative. It is my honor to continue this legacy and provide the best service in the industry!”