Michael began his studies as a concert pianist studying in Louisville, Ky throughout his young adult life. He attended the prestigious summer festival Tanglewood and continued in San Francisco at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. 
He began as a music director for the St Louis Muny in 1994 where he conducted over 100 productions. He was appointed music supervisor for the Muny in 2013 and continues his work there every summer.
On Broadway he has played keyboards in the pit for several Broadway productions and conducted Chicago after touring the first national tour with Chita Rivera and Ben Vereen.
Among the national tours his most notable are White Christmas for the past 10 years, Thoroughly Modern Millie, 42nd Street, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers, and Cinderella.
Solo concerts include Lee Roy Reams, Judy Kaye, Luci Arnaz, Shirley Jones, Karen Mason, and Tovah Feldshuh.
Other vocal direction credits include Christmas Concert Series for the Detroit Symphony, National Symphony, and Birmingham Symphony Orchestras with maestro Jack Everly.
Nationally his work includes Kansas City Starlight, Kansas City, MO Theatrezone, Naples, Fla, Pioneer Theatre, Salt Lake City, Music Theatre Wichita, North Carolina Theatre, Raleigh, NC, Paper Mill Playhouse, Milburn, NJ, Guthrie Theatre, Minneapolis, MN, and Theatre Under The Stars, Houston, TX.