For the common things of every day, God gave speech in the common way;
For the deeper things we think and feel, God gave poets words to reveal;
For heights and depths no words can reach, God gave music the soul’s own speech.
—Anonymous
Michael’s solo piano performances have been described as a mellifluous impressionistic blend of well-known jazz, blues, classical, rock, and pop music. His music is not premeditated; instead it is organic— influenced by the surrounding environment particularly nature whether it be clouds, trees, sunsets, sunrises or water. Just as you never step into the same river or observe a sunset twice, so do Michael’s compositions. He creatively and seamlessly weaves interpretations of a wide variety of music from jazz greats like Nat King Cole and Bill Evans, to rock artists such as The Beatles, Elvis, and John Denver to classical composers including Chopin, Mozart, and Pachelbel. Michael is known for his eclectic medleys spanning centuries and musical genres. Listeners are captivated by his flying fingers, hear a melody of a well-known song played in a new way often with a different rhythm, and actually “feel” his energy, passion & emotions.
His unique style of playing reminiscent of George Winston and complementary storytelling captivates and resonates with audiences. He has become a favorite at a wide variety of venues including retirement communities, senior centers, libraries, historic homes and restaurants/breweries. He performs locally in the Boston metro area, where he lives, as well as monthly visits to the Pioneer Valley, quarterly in Nashua NH, and annual tours on Cape Cod, Baltimore MD, Raleigh NC, Buffalo NY & occasional appearances in sunny Ocala FL.
2019 brought his first public performance and an additional 84 that year. By 2023, Michael had 2-3 shows almost daily with an incredible 732 paid performances in that year alone.
Michael began classical piano lessons at the age of six and continued through two years of studying music at Towson University in Maryland before joining a rock band and traveling for three years playing in night clubs in the mid-Atlantic region. “Life” expectations pulled him away from that work for 20 years until called back to music in 2017. Resuming lessons with a New England Conservatory graduate, he practiced 5-6 hours daily for two years, honing his classical and jazz repertoire now exceeding 350 pieces.
Don’t let this beautiful day get away without hearing Michael’s music! Book now or sign up for his email list to receive notifications of monthly shows and forthcoming CDs.
Musical Offerings
The “Buts” tear us apart, while the “Ands” bring us together. MUSIC &…….
The JOY of Music
Monthly program based on special holiday/season. Jan: New Year’s; Feb: Valentine’s; March: St. Patrick’s Day/Spring; April: Spring/Earth Day; May: Mother’s Day; June: Father’s Day; Patriotic (President’s Day, Memorial Day, D-Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day, Pearl Harbor Day); August: Fabulous 50s Elvis commemoration; Sept: Grandparent’s Day/Reflection; Oct: Fall/Halloween; Nov: Thanksgiving/Veterans Day; Dec: Winter Holidays
The CELEBRATION of Music
Tailored musical program for special events including anniversaries, baby showers, birthdays, graduations & weddings. Some of Michael’s most memorable performances were contributing to the joy of special occasions including many 100th birthdays!
The GIFT of Music
Home & virtual customized piano performances to bring joy to anyone, especially someone homebound or isolated.
The COMMISSION of Music
Michael’s original compositions are all through commissioned work. He has created original solo piano pieces for weddings, surgeries, exercise routines, and loved ones. Each work is tailored to the request of the individual to bring forth a desired “sound” of a thought, feeling, and/or emotion which will be treasured always.
The MEMORY of Music
Many of Michael’s most tender memories involve music. After seeing his maternal grandfather live a long active life working into his early 80s selling Sea Ray boats and then succumbing to complications of dementia, Michael felt a strong inclination to work with families struggling with a loved one’s loss of memory. After witnessing non-verbal individuals ‘come to life’ and individuals who can’t recall relatives’ names sing all the lyrics to songs, he knew this was a population with whom he was gifted and privileged to work. Music is a powerful force that taps into the spirit which stimulates the mind and body to remember. Michael performs at almost 200 different assisted living communities all working with dementia and many with designated memory care centers. Spending an hour in this environment is a spiritual practice realizing the power of being present—as this population is only “in the moment.”
The LIFE of Music
Volunteering in the hospice community began in 2021, Michael has gained a deep appreciation for end of life care performing for individuals, families, and hospice homes. Personalized bedside music, memorials, and funerals are available.
The LOOK of Music
Music & Art. This is what music looks like! Unique collaboration with Margo Ezekiel pairing 8-10 pieces of her abstract art with piano medleys. http://www.margoezekielart.com
The TASTE of Music
Music & Wine. This is what music tastes like! SUPER unique collaboration with sommelier Kim Wallace offering Roses & Rosés—4 rose-themed classical music pieces paired with 4 rosé wines and suggestions for food pairings. https://downingwinewhiskeyadvisors.com/
The SPIRIT of Music
The Spirit of Music. Spirit is the non-denominational ever presence of love throughout the universe. Music is the reverberating Spirit that connects individual souls transcending any differences to reveal common ground in the space between. Working with Jonathan Pierce (bio) bridge minister at Second Congregational Church in Cohasset and co-owner of Pierce Brothers providing funeral, memorial, and wedding ceremony support, this program allows for “something additional” to happen in the quiet space between musical pieces allowing a spiritual communion between many different souls. Music, poetry and readings from all traditions are included to nourish thought and growth individual and in community.
The WORDS of Music
Live music & children’s book reading. Two music stories available: Mo Willems “Because” & Elvis Presley: Little People, Big Dreams.
The RHYME of Music
Music & Poetry. Michael works with various poets or reads poems related to a musical theme.
The MOVEMENT of Music
Music & Movement. Live music with various styles of movement—seated chair, stretch, or yoga.
The RECOVERY of Music
Music plays an integral role in promoting health & well-being. Michael has composed original music played during surgeries for loved ones. After surviving his own near-death hospitalization, he further recognized the importance of music in the recovery process and educates families on the importance of ensuring a positive sound environment instead of a monotonous TV and to diminish the incessant buzzing/beeping of medical equipment. Individual, personalized meditative music for surgery preparation & recovery can be pre-recorded or performed in the home if allowed.
Song List
Though ever-growing (!), this PDF includes current titles.
Email List
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