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Michael received his Bachelor of Music degreeš in 1983 from the University of Minnesota. He studied Classical Guitar with Jim McGuire and majored in "Composition & Theory"Ā studying private composition involving 'counterpoint &Ā harmony' with Paul Fetler. Michael further studied orchestration with Dominick Argento and orchestral conducting. He sang as a tenor with University Symphony Chorus with the opportunity to perform great works like Beethovenās 9th Symphony and Verdiās Requiem with the Minnesota Orchestra and Robert Shaw guest conducting.
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In 2021, Michael released his song āTAXIā with himself as Vocalist, Guitarist & Composer of all tracks including: Bass Guitar, Cello, Kora, Ngoni, Dununba, Cajon, Ghatam, Agogo, Krin, Guiro & Shekere.
Michael has been recognized as a āSignature Artistā with his original published arrangements at musicnotes.com.
Michael continues to teach privately one-to-one. He taught Guitar, Vocals, Songwriting, Composition and Full Rock-Bands as an instructor at Guitar Center Studios, Phoenix from 2014 to 2019. He has taught privately since his early days at University to students from ages 6 up to 82 years!
In 2016 Michael released his jaZZy-Flamenco twist on the Christmas standard āWe Three Kings - Star of Wonderā arranged for 3-guitars, stand-up bass, and a fusion of percussion from India, China and traditional Rock.
In 2013 Michael released his debut album āEarth Riseā arranged for Solo Guitar of Classical and Jazz Infusions amid Rich Orchestrations, Piano and World Rhythms.
His releases are available at Apple Music, Spotify, and his website jmichaelchristophre.com.
In the early ā90s, Michael formed a ājazz-rockā fusion band with himself as Lead Singer-Songwriter. The 5-piece band āTain Reimeiā comprised of Vocals, lead-Guitar, Bass & Chapman Stick, Keyboards & Synthesizers and Drums & Percussion performed at several venues throughout Minneapolis, including the famed 7th Street Entry at First Avenue.
In Michaelās early days, he began playing guitar at the age of 9, taught by his father, and then moved on to private teachers who steered him into Classical Guitar. In High School he performed solo guitar at variety shows and sang in the Choirs and Pop-Madrigal Group.