He graduated Magna Cum Laude with an undergraduate degree from Georgia State University, studying composition with Robert Scott Thompson. While living in Atlanta, Michael taught Music Theory and Composition for the inaugural Atlanta Music Project Summer Series, percussion at the Atlanta International School and composition at Charles R. Drew Charter School. Michael currently studies with Baljinder Sekhon and Paul Reller while working toward the Master’s Degree in Composition at the University of South Florida in Tampa.