Originally from Pittsburgh PA, Mike received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University studying with Timothy K. Adams, Jr., Principal Timpani, Pittsburgh Symphony (retired) and Paul Evans, Percussionist, River City Brass Band. Postgraduate studies included a drum set performance certificate from Los Angeles Music Academy and Cleveland State University where he studied with Tom Freer, Assistant Principal Timpani/Percussion with the Cleveland Orchestra. Mike has performed with the Baltimore Symphony, Buffalo Philharmonic, Charlotte Symphony, Dayton Philharmonic, Erie Philharmonic, Fort Wayne Philharmonic, Jacksonville Symphony, National Arts Centre Orchestra (Ottawa, CA),Toledo Symphony, and West Virginia Symphony Orchestras.
As an educator Mike currently serves as an adjunct instructor of percussion for Virginia Wesleyan University and was on faculty as an adjunct instructor at Chowan University in Murfreesboro, NC. Michael is also an active clinician and instructor that has worked with many middle school, high school, and after school programs including the South Euclid-Lyndhurst School District (OH), Willoughby South High School (OH), Norfolk Public Schools (VA), Hickory High School (VA), Tallwood High School (VA), Kemps Landing/Old Donation School (VA), Hickory High School (VA) The Broadway School of Music (OH), Soundscapes (VA), and Bay Youth Orchestras of Virginia (VA).
Mike can be heard on recordings with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra (Michael Daugherty: Night Owl, Berlioz: Requiem-Hampton Roads Classics) The Virginia Arts Festival Chamber Players (Stravinsky: Les Noces Naxos), and the Buffalo Philharmonic (Respighi: The Roman Trilogy – Feste Romane – Naxos). Mike made his solo debut with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra in 2018 playing Philip Glass’ Concerto Fantasy for Two Timpanists. He also proudly endorses Evans Drumheads and Freer Percussion Products.
Mike currently lives in Virginia Beach with his wife Alice, and their two sons Valentine and Nathaniel. In his free time, Mike enjoys training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and is currently a blue belt under Professor Gustavo Machado in Virginia Beach.